CR 09-075 Metropolitan Regional Arts Council Creative Intersections Grant ApplicationSeptember 11, 2009
Proposed Action
• METROPOLITAN REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL CREATIVE INTERSECTIONS
GRANT APPLICATION
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve an application to the
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council Creative Intersections grant program.
With this motion the application will be finalized and submitted for consideration.
Council Report 2009 -075
Overview
The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council funds a grant program, Creative Intersections, that
supports innovative partnerships that integrate arts and culture into plans for community
development and enrichment. Staff is recommending an application to the program to fund a
new public art project. The grant application will request $10,000 to fund the development of an
interactive art piece to be incorporated on Mainstreet. The grant must be matched with $5,000
cash and $5,000 in in -kind contributions, for a total project cost of $20,000.
The goal is to use a community - design process to work with an artist to create a piece of
interactive art. The art piece would act as a landmark, visitor draw, reinforce the perception of
Hopkins as an arts community, and bring various segments of the community together to build
relationships and support for the arts.
The application will describe a partnership between the City, the Hopkins Center for the Arts and
the business community. HBCA has voted to support the project with $1,000 contribution. Staff
is recommending that the City of Hopkins pledge $1,000 through the Think Hopkins budget and
provide the majority of the $5,000 in -kind match. Additional match, both in -kind and cash, will
be sought from service groups, corporate sponsors, and individuals. The application will
describe the project as a phased project that will eventually bring several art pieces to
Mainstreet and eventually down 8 Avenue to the SW LRT station at 8 and Excelsior.
Primary Issues to Consider
The grant program is very competitive. If awarded, financial commitments will be sought that
may result in a reduction in the City of Hopkins' financial responsibilities. The City could also
elect to not accept the award if the financial commitments could not be secured.
Supporting Information
• MRAC Creative Intersections grant guidelines
• Exampl -s of interactive art
Kersten . verum, Director of Planning & Development
Finan ial Impact: $1,000 (cash) up to $5,000 (in -kind) Budgeted: yes Source: Development
Account
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.):
•
•
•
METROPOLITAN
w• 440 II:
REGIONAL
ARTS COUNCIL
Creative Intersections
"Building Community Through the Arts"
Grants of up to $10,000 to support innovative partnerships that
integrate arts and culture into plans for community development
and enrichment.
Grant Guidelines and Application
July 2009 - June 2010
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council
2324 University Avenue West, Suite 114
St. Paul, MN 55114
651 -645 -0402
fax 651 - 523 -6382
e -mail: mrac@mrac.org
website: wwwmrac.or�
MN Relay Service, dial 7 -1 -1 (or 1- 800 - 627 -3529)
This information can be made available in the following alternative
formats: Braille, large print, audio tape and computer disk. We
also can help your group find a language interpreter to translate
these guidelines. To accommodate your request, the Metropolitan
Regional Arts Council will need at least 10 working days.
Large
Print
WHO MRAC SERVES
MRAC serves Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin,
Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. We work
in urban areas as well as greater metropolitan
communities. We serve formal and informal
groups with annual expenses less than $300,000.
Groups do not need to be dassified as tax - exempt
by the IRS in order to apply.
MRAC'S VISION FOR THE METRO AREA
Art is
integrated into the
social fabric
and identity of
every community
Public
value of the
arts is understood
and acted upon
by community
members, leaders
and policy
makers
( ------
Artists, arts
organizations
and arts activities
\ thrive
MRAC'S MISSION
The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council promotes
incorporation of the arts into the daily lives of all
communities by providing leadership, advocacy,
grants and services.
MRAC'S FUNDING SOURCES
As one of 11 regional arts councils in Minnesota,
MRAC is largely funded by an appropriation
from the Minnesota Legislature. MRAC also
receives a generous grant from The McKnight
Foundation.
WE'D LIKE TO GET TO KNOW YOU!
Call us - 651 - 645 -0402
Stop by the office
2324 University Avenue West, Suite 114
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114
E -mail us - mrac@mrac.org
Check out our website - wwwmrac.org
Sign up for our monthly e- newsletter at our
website www.mrac.org
WHAT MRAC OFFERS YOU
Grant programs
Community Arts —up to $5,000 for arts activiti
in all disciplines. Recommended for smaller arts
groups; newly formed groups; community -based and
volunteer groups; or first -time initiatives.
Arts Activities Support —up to $10,000 for arts
activities in all disciplines.
Capital —up to $10,000 to purchase equipment and
related supplies and services, or to make capital
improvements.
Organizational Development Project —up to $10,000
for projects that strengthen the management or
administration of nonprofit arts groups.
Creative Intersections —up to $10,000 to support
innovative and effective partnerships that integrate
arts and culture into plans for community development
and enrichment.
Management Consulting Fund —up to $1,500 for small
management consulting projects designed to strength.
the management or administration of arts groups.
Management Training Fund —up to $600 for staff
and volunteers of nonprofit arts groups to attend
management workshops, lasses or seminars.
Emergency ADA Access Fund —up to $600 for
unforeseen project or program costs to facilitate access
for persons with disabilities.
Training, workshops and services
MRAC'S grant application workshops help applicants
learn how to write a successful MRAC grant.
MRAC's training programs and workshops provide
opportunities to enhance management skills. All
activities are detailed on our website.
MRAC's website also provides links to resources
of interest to MRAC constituents including PDF
versions of most MRAC publications.
Advocacy
MRAC is committed to giving voice to the needs 40
small and volunteer arts organizations throughout
the metro area.
• METROPOLITAN
' 4 , 1 c
REGIONAL
ARTS COUNCIL
PART I GUIDELINES
Creative Intersections Program 2
• Overview
• Goals
• Description
• Requirements
• Deadlines
• Eligibility
Finding, Selecting and Working with Consultants 8
Before You Apply — Technical Assistance 9
What Happens After You Apply 9
Definitions 9
PART II GRANT APPLICATION
CONTENTS
How to Apply 11
What to Include 12
Application Checklist 17
Application Forms 19
2
PART I GUIDELINES •
Creative Intersections Overview and Description
The Creative Intersections Program provides grants of up to $10,000 to support innovative
and effective partnerships that integrate arts and culture into plans for community
development and enrichment. This program is designed for organizations that engage the
arts as an important element in building and strengthening community.
Overview
The Metropolitan Regional Art' s Council's vision is a region in which
• Artists, arts organizations;, and arts activities thrive;
• Public value of the arts is understood and acted upon by community members, leaders,
and policy makers;
• Art is integrated into the So'
ocial fabric and identity of every community.
To accomplish this vision, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) works to
make the arts an integral partpf each community by cultivating the arts at the grassroots
level and by extending the benefits of the arts to residents throughout our region. MRAC
recognizes the benefit of dynamic relationships among artists, arts organizations, and their
communities in achieving this vision. This grant program is designed to serve as a catalyst
for innovative community partnerships that encourage local communities to invest in arts
and culture as one of the cornerstones of community building and vitality.
Grants are awarded for collaborative projects that connect the arts to people and
communities in meaningful ways and that demonstrate the public value of the arts to
individuals and civic life. MRAC's goal is that funded organizations will emerge from
their projects with a strengthened presence in their community, that they will be better
positioned to sustain their role within their community, and that the role of the arts in
strengthening the community is more broadly understood and recognized.
•
• What are MRAC's Goals for this Program?
The Creative Intersections program aims to
•
•
• encourage innovation, excellence, and diversity of experiences in community artistic
and cultural development,
• strengthen the arts and its sustainability,
• increase participation in the arts in the community by artists / creators, audiences,
and local supporters of the arts, and extend the reach of the arts to under- served
populations,
• cultivate local partnerships by encouraging the commitment of local services and
financial resources from the "triad" of community development sectors (public, private
nonprofit, and commercial business). (See diagram, page 4.)
Program Description
The Creative Intersections grant provides up to $10,000 to support the connections between
the arts and local communities. The parameters of the grant are purposefully broad. They
include any "good idea" that furthers the stated program goals. Grants may be used for
projects such as those listed below. This list is intended to help you understand the grant
program's purpose. It is not a complete list of eligible projects.
• Artistic Program Development— initiatives of high artistic quality that demonstrate
innovation, community engagement, and cross- sector collaboration.
• Community Development— initiatives that use the arts to address a challenge or
leverage an opportunity within a community.
• Audience Development—initiatives that increase participation in the local arts by
artists / creators, audiences, and supporters, and that broaden community participation
in the civic life of the community through the arts and culture.
• Cross - Sector Collaboration Development initiatives that enhance and strengthen the
arts and cultural intersections with all sectors within a community.
3
4
Program Requirements
1. All applicant organizations must demonstrate that there are partners from within the
three economic sectors of their community, one of which must be a public or nonprofit
arts partner: (a) public, (b) private nonprofit, and (c) business or commercial. The
applicant organization must identify at least one key partner within each of the other
two sectors and include a letter of involvement from each of the two named partners.
For example, if the applicant is the nonprofit arts center (b), they could develop
partnerships with their city council (a), and a local commercial gallery (c).
(a) Public Partner
(Community Education, Park & Recreation, City Council, etc.)
(b) Private Nonprofit Partner (c) Business/ Commercial Partner
(Arts Center, Arts Council, etc.) (Chamber of Commerce, commercial gallery,
etc.)
2. The project must take place within the seven - county metropolitan area / community
defined by the application; use local assets, arts and culture; include strategies that
engage local resources; and benefit that local community.
3. The project must fall outside of the general operations of the group. This program is not
intended to fund the usual ongoing activities of a single organization.
4. All activities funded by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council must be accessible to
persons with disabilities.
5. MRAC funds must be matched dollar for dollar. At least 50% of the match must be
in cash. Cash sources may' include general operating funds, past surpluses, other
grants, and earned income or revenue you plan to raise specifically for this project. The
remaining match may include cash and /or in -kind goods and services.
Example: with a total project budget of $20,000, you may
apply to the Creative Intersections program for a grant
of up to $10,000 (one -half of project budget). You must
then match the $10,000 request with at least $5,000 (50 %)
in cash and $5,000 in cash and/ or in -kind goods and
services.
6. Projects engaging a consultant must identify the consultant. Please see page 8 for
guidelines to help you prepare for and develop a project involving a consultant.
•
•
•
Matching funds may include funds secured through project partners,
general operating funds, past surpluses, other grants, and earned income or
revenue you plan to raise specifically for this project. The remaining match
may include cash and/ or in -kind goods and services. It is important that all
applicants demonstrate community fund - raising activity and seek a broad
base of financial support.
About matching funds: if you have received or are applying for project
support from other Minnesota State funding sources for the same activity,
you may not receive more than 50% of the cash cost of the project from the
combination of MRAC and other State funds.
About in- kind:,if you are using donated goods and services, list their dollar
value on the appropriate line in the in -kind column on Project Budget/
Expense, page 21. If the in -kind donations are necessary to make the required
MRAC grant match, you must include explanatory notes that detail how you
arrived at the values. For further explanation of in -kind, see definition, page
10.
About earned income: provide detail about how this money will be earned
in the space provided on Project Budget /Income, page 23. Example: if your
project is a public performance, note the anticipated number of tickets to be
sold, purchase price per ticket and total income projected.
Creative Intersections Deadlines
5
Application
Deadline
Panel
Review
Award
Notification
Earliest Project
Start Date
Cycle I
5 P.M.
October 5, 2009
Nov 20, 2009
Nov 25, 2009
Nov 25, 2009
Cyde II
5 P.M.
April 5, 2010
May 21, 2010
May 26, 2010
May 26, 2010
•
•
Matching funds may include funds secured through project partners,
general operating funds, past surpluses, other grants, and earned income or
revenue you plan to raise specifically for this project. The remaining match
may include cash and/ or in -kind goods and services. It is important that all
applicants demonstrate community fund - raising activity and seek a broad
base of financial support.
About matching funds: if you have received or are applying for project
support from other Minnesota State funding sources for the same activity,
you may not receive more than 50% of the cash cost of the project from the
combination of MRAC and other State funds.
About in- kind:,if you are using donated goods and services, list their dollar
value on the appropriate line in the in -kind column on Project Budget/
Expense, page 21. If the in -kind donations are necessary to make the required
MRAC grant match, you must include explanatory notes that detail how you
arrived at the values. For further explanation of in -kind, see definition, page
10.
About earned income: provide detail about how this money will be earned
in the space provided on Project Budget /Income, page 23. Example: if your
project is a public performance, note the anticipated number of tickets to be
sold, purchase price per ticket and total income projected.
Creative Intersections Deadlines
5
6
Eligibility Rules
Who does this program
fund?
This program funds arts groups and non -arts groups that meet the following eligibility
requirements:
1. Arts groups incorporated as nonprofits in the State of Minnesota, located in the seven -
county metropolitan area with annualized operating expenses less than $300,000 and at
least a one -year history.
2. Nonprofit, non -arts organizations with annualized arts programming expenses less than
$300,000 and at least a one -year history of arts programming, if they can demonstrate
clearly that the project is specifically and primarily intended to serve an under - served
community (see definition, page 9). Examples might be a local community development
organization, a park and recreation arts department, a community education- managed
arts center, etc. To determine eligibility, all non -arts organizations must call MRAC staff
to verify eligibility.
3. Groups that have a board of directors or advisory committee that is empowered to
form policies and be responsible for the governance/ oversight of the organization, its
programs, and finances.
Who does this program NOT fund?
1. Groups that have a Creative Intersections grant in process or another MRAC grant-
funded project for the same purpose.
2. Groups located outside the seven - county metropolitan area.
3. Past MRAC grant recipients who have not fulfilled final reporting requirements.
4. For -profit organizations.
5. Educational institutions or projects that take place as part of Pre -K -16 general education
activities. This includes public, private, alternative, charter and home schools.
•
What does this program NOT fund?
1. Projects that further the goals or missions of the sponsoring organizations, but have
little effect on creating connections between art, community building, and civic
engagement for the purpose of enhancing community vitality.
2. Projects Located outside of the applicant's defined local community.
3. Projects that are part of a single organization's usual, ongoing activities.
4. Projects of limited duration that are not directly tied to long -term momentum and
community development goals.
5. Current staff for work considered within the scope of the group's usual and customary
work.
6. Portions of significantly larger projects funded through other sources.
7. Purchase of land or buildings, facility development, endowments, debt reduction or
cash reserves.
8. Costs of fundraising events.
9. Capital purchases or purchase of artwork.
How many MRAC grants may a group have at one time?
• Arts groups and eligible non -arts groups that do not receive funding from the Minnesota
State Arts Board's Institutional Support Program may receive one (1) Creative Intersections
• grant AND one (1) Arts Activities Support or Community Arts grant AND one (1)
Organizational Development or Capital grant every MRAC fiscal year.
•
• Arts groups and eligible non -arts groups that do receive funding from the Minnesota
State Arts Board's Institutional Support Program may receive one (1) Creative
Intersections grant AND one (1) Arts Activities Support, Organizational Development
or Capital grant per MRAC fiscal year.
7
8
Finding, Selecting and Working with Consultants
•
Projects such as a cultural plan may include the use of a consultant. These guidelines are
offered to help you prepare for and carry out a project that might involve a consultant.
Finding a consultant
• To clearly define your consulting needs, write a brief description of 1) the situation
or problem as you currently see it; 2) your Creative Intersections proposal's focus;
and 3) general requirements for the consultant, such as years of experience or areas of
expertise.
• Collect the names of potential consultants from others — colleagues from other arts or
nonprofit groups, MRAC ,and your board members. You can also look at the resumes of
consultants who have worked on past MRAC- funded projects.
• Select two or three consultants who best fit your situation, grant focus and requirements.
Selectin g a consultant
• Call your selected candidates. To determine their interest and availability, briefly
describe your group, situation, proposed project focus and timeline. Set up a short
interview with each candidate to further discuss your project. Ask the consultant to
send you a resume /biography and client list. (If your candidate is not available, ask for
names of other consultants who might fit your needs.)
• Prepare for your consultant interviews. The Creative Intersections project leader from
your group should prepare questions in advance and attend each interview.
• Check references for your final candidate(s).
• Make your selection. Consider not only experience, expertise and fee but also your
ability to work well together.
• Sign a contract before youlbegin work. Include in the contract your grant application/
work plan, payment schedule, evaluation checkpoints and the conditions under which
you may cancel the contract.
Maintaining a good working relationship
• Create a well - designed project with clearly defined roles, responsibilities and outcomes.
• Plan on working many more hours than the consultant. To be effective, the consultant
will need time — your time — to learn about your group and its issues. At least initially,
the consultant is likely to increase your workload.
• Keep your expectations of yourself and the consultant realistic. Your consultant is
unlikely to solve all of your group's problems.
• Whenever possible, ask the consultant to act as a coach or trainer so you learn by doing.
� Before You Apply - Technical Assistance
Staff is available to assist you as you are developing your application. You may consult
with staff regarding the scope of your project, for technical assistance in the writing of your
application, and for review of draft proposals. Please contact:
Gwen Cannon
gwen@mrac.org
651.523.6389
Grant Library
Because MRAC re -grants public funds, submitted applications are public information.
MRAC maintains a library of these grant applications and recorded panel discussions.
Applicants are encouraged to review grant applications and panel discussions to enhance
their understanding of the process and improve their applications. If you call ahead, your
program director can identify the successful applications most relevant to your project.
What Happens After You Apply
• MRAC staff reviews all applications for eligibility. Errors may reduce the size of your
award or make the application ineligible. All late and incomplete applications are
ineligible.
• A peer review panel reviews all eligible applications. In the spirit of the Minnesota Open
Meeting Law, the panel meeting is open to the public. Applicants are encouraged to attend
to enhance their understanding of the application review process and to hear the panelists'
comments directly. All applicants will be notified of the meeting.
• The panel submits its recommendations to the MRAC board of directors, which makes
the final decisions on funding.
• Within 30 days of the panel review, applicants receive a letter notifying them of the board's
decision. A list of funded applications is also posted on the MRAC website. If you want
more insight on your grant's review, you may call your program director for feedback.
• The board's funding decisions may be appealed solely on alleged procedural errors.
There is no right of appeal based on the size of the grant awarded or on disagreements
with the review panel's assessment of the application. Appellants must request an
appeal in writing within 30 days of notification of the board decision. Call MRAC at
651 - 645 -0402 for a copy of the appeal process.
Definitions
What does MRAC mean by an under - served community?
Under - served is a term MRAC uses to encompass 1) those who traditionally have not had access
to the arts for reasons of physical access, geography or economics, and 2) those who do not
generally have the opportunity to see their lives, culture or experiences reflected through the
arts. This indudes, but is not limited to, diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, age and gender groups,
persons with disabilities and groups located outside the Minneapolis and St. Paul city limits.
9
10
What is a fiscal sponsor?
A fiscal sponsor is a nonprofit tax- exempt organization that receives MRAC grant monies
and manages the financial aspects of the project on behalf of a group that does not have tax -
exempt status. Your fiscal sponsor must be based in Minnesota; it may be an arts or social
services organization, school; city or government agency.
What does in -kind mean?
In -kind refers to non -cash donations of goods and services. Your project budget may include
the fair market value of donated goods and services given to you at reduced or no cost for
which others would have to pay. The following examples are ineligible in -kind:
• Donations that your group makes to itself, such as reuse of project materials already
on hand or personnel time /value in excess of salaried hours or fees agreed upon by
independent contractors.
• The value of services that your group generally considers volunteer services, such as
board members' time or the services of volunteer artists, ushers, ticket takers and others
you usually do not pay.
• Items that are always free' charge to people in your community, such as cable access
equipment and community space.
If you use in -kind contributions to make the required 100% MRAC grant match,
MRAC may request verification of the value of the donations, such as a copy of the
acknowledgment letter your group sent to the donor.
What determines a project's earliest start date?
MRAC does not fund projects that are already under way. MRAC defines a project's start
date as the point at which financial or other commitments are made that set the project
in motion (e.g. rehearsals begin, contracts are signed, marketing materials are printed).
Because MRAC is a distributor of a legislative appropriation, and requires that all printed
materials acknowledge the legislature as a funding source, grantees must wait until award
notification before printing publicity materials. Please call MRAC if you are unclear about
whether MRAC would consider that your project has started.
What is an ADA access plan?
ADA refers to the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. This federal law makes access to
cultural programs and services for persons with disabilities a civil right. In the spirit of that
law, MRAC believes that the receipt of public money obligates its grant recipients to ensure
that people with disabilities can fully participate in and enjoy arts activities.
One approach to understanding the many ways a group can become more accessible
is to develop an ADA access plan. Such a plan serves to assess the accessibility of an
organization's programs, services and facilities and define strategies for improvement.
Completing an ADA access plan will help you to address the criterion of access in your
grant application. MRAC has published an ADA access planning guide. Call 651-645-0402
to request a copy or download it from www.mrac.org.
What is MRAC's definition of an "independent and sustained arts program"
in a non -arts, nonprofit organization?
An independent and sustained arts program has 1) a separate advisory board overseeing
the arts programming, 2) a separate arts program Income and Expenses Statement and 3)
ongoing programming with at least a two - year history of arts activities.
•
•
• PART II APPLICATION
•
•
How to Apply for Funds
Complete the enclosed application and mail or hand - deliver to:
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council
2324 University Avenue West, Suite 114
St. Paul, MN 55114
• Your application must include ALL required materials. See checklist, page 17, for a
summary of the materials you must submit. Incomplete or inaccurate materials may
result in your application being deemed ineligible or reduce your request.
• Applications must be RECEIVED by 5:00 P.M. on the deadline date. This is not a
postmark deadline. Applications received after this time are INELIGIBLE and will not
be reviewed. There are no exceptions to this policy.
• Applications will not be accepted by fax or e -mail.
Reminder: Keep a copy of your entire application for your files.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Plan ahead! It takes time to plan a project and write a good application.
• Contact your program director to get questions answered and to
receive assistance on your application.
• Get a friend who is not involved in your project to read your
application. It helps to have a fresh set of eyes look at your work.
11
12
What to Include
Two (2) one -sided copies of the following materials are required. These are the only
materials the panel will use to evaluate your Creative Intersections grant application.
Prepare application materials in the following format: 8 2 x 11 white paper, a text font
equivalent to Times 12 -point or larger (15 characters per inch), at least 3/4 inch margins,
and black ink only. Forms provided by MRAC may be completed by hand.
1. Cover Page
2. Narrative
3. Project Personnel
4. Partners
5. Equipment Specifications (if necessary)
6. Board of Directors
7. Project Budget
8. Organizational Income- and - Expense Statement
9. List of Major Contributors
MRAC's application forms are available in PDF format on our website www.mrac.org. You
may download and fill out the application form on your computer. PDF budget pages are
designed to automatically calculate as you fill them out. When you are finished, be sure
to print a copy for your records, as work can not be saved using Adobe Freeware, Acrobat
Reader.
1. Cover Page
Complete the attached Cover Page, page 19. This will be the first page of your application.
Print or type on the form provided or generate your own form with the same information
in the same format.
About project start date: see guidelines, page 5, for earliest allowable start dates.
About fiscal sponsors: if your group is not an IRS- tax - exempt organization,
you must apply using a fiscal sponsor (see definition, page 10).
About project summary: be sure to complete this section. In your summary
statement, describe your project in fewer than 50 words.
2. Narrative
Submit a narrative of no more than five (5) pages addressing all six of MRAC's criteria
below. Use a text font equivalent to Times 12 -point or larger (15 characters per inch). We
suggest that you indude the section headings shown in boldface type.
The review panel will use these six criteria to evaluate your application. These criteria are
organized into two areas as noted. These two areas carry equal weight in the review panel's
deliberations.
The narrative portion of your application is designed to help you address these criteria.
Please provide enough information to help the panel evaluate your project in relationship
to each of the six criteria. Assume that the panel is not familiar with your group or the
community you intend to serve.
•
•
•
•
•
•
...demonstrate
a compelling
project capable
of building
community
involvement
and
momentum
beyond the
project itself...
MRAC funds Creative Intersections applications that...
MRAC
Funded
Projects
Process of Community
Building:
• Community Participation
& Support
• Diversity Sr Inclusion
• Access )
The Project:
• Project Quality/
Merit
• Project
Momentum
• Ability
...and
demonstrate
a robust
process of
community
engagement
and support
What Criteria Will Be Used to Evaluate Proposals?
Applications are assessed using the following criteria:
1. Project Quality and Artistic Merit
• Contributes to the development of the community in a manner that fosters creativity
and draws people into cultural and community asset - building;
• Offers innovative approaches to promoting local cultural development that utilize
community -wide, intersecting or cross- sector strategies;
• Nurtures community leadership development and builds new relationships.
• Fosters artistic excellence whether at the emerging and amateur artistic level or
through established professional artists.
2. Project Momentum
• Provides a platform for increased future participation in the arts and culture within
the community for artists/ creators, audiences, and local supporters of the arts;
• Provides a path for sustaining arts and community development, and for continued
intersections among the "triad" of community development sectors (public, private
nonprofit, and commercial business).
(Narrative continued on next page)
13
14
3. Ability to Accomplish the Project
• Demonstrates clear project leadership accompanied by a partnership "triad" (public,
private nonprofit, commercial business) in project design and execution;
• Demonstrates organizational and community partnership readiness to proceed
within the community context — appropriate leadership, appropriate skill sets, and
appropriate community involvement are in place;
• Demonstrates that the project is of suitable scope and achievable scale considering
given resources, allotted timeframe, etc.;
• Marshals multiple funding sources (cash and in -kind) that demonstrate project
viability, community support, and the potential for work that can continue.
4. Community Participation and Support
• Demonstrates that the' partnership has an audience base and understanding of the
local community's demographics, assets, and unique aspirations;
• Demonstrates project outcomes that are tied to long -term, community development
goals;
• Exhibits the potential for expanded engagement of local artists, of local community
participation, and of Local supporters through cross- sector partnerships (public,
private nonprofit, and business sectors);
• Marshals local area support, interest, and volunteers that demonstrate project
viability, community support, and the potential for work that can continue.
5. Diversity and Inclusion
• Embraces the rich ethnic, cultural, age, gender, and economic diversity of the local
community, at all levels, including project decision- makers, artists, supporters,
audiences, and other participants.
6. Access
• Addresses barriers to participation such as cost, location, transportation, target
marketing, and communications in project design and implementation;
• Ensures people with disabilities can participate;
• Demonstrates a clear value of inclusion in articulation of community demographics
and benefits of the project.
•
•
•
•
•
•
3. Project Personnel
Attach a biography or resume no longer than one page per person for all key individuals
involved in your project induding consultants, if applicable.
4. Partners
• Attach on page for each sector of the partnership "triad" (public, private nonprofit,
and commercial business) identifying the partners and the role of each in the
planning and implementation of the project;
• Attach a one -page letter from each of your "triad" of partners included in the project
stating their support and connection to the project.
5. Equipment Specifications (if necessary)
Attach a one -page detailed description of equipment and related supplies and services
included in your project budget, including all estimated costs.
6. Board of Directors
Attach a one -page list of your board members, indicating their profession, organizational
affiliation or area of expertise.
7. Project Budget
Complete the budget forms on pages 21 -23. Print or type on the forms provided or
generate your own form with the same information in the same format (one page for
Project Budget /Expenses and one page for Project Budget /Income). Include all eligible
project costs. If you need additional space, attach one page with more detailed line -item
descriptions.
Check your math and budget figures carefully. Errors may significantly affect your MRAC
request.
8. Organizational Income - and - Expense Statement
Submit a one -page annual income- and - expense statement. You may complete the form on
page 25 or generate your own form with the same information in the same format. Include
only actual income and expenses for your most recently completed fiscal year. Do not
include in -kind.
9. List of Major Contributors
Submit a one -page list of major contributors and amounts contributed for your most
recently completed fiscal year. It is not necessary to name each individual donation, but
rather a total individual donations dollar amount for the year.
15
16
Additional Inclusions
One (1) copy of each of the following materials is required. These materials will not be
presented to the review panel.
10. IRS - Tax - Exempt Status Determination Letter
11. ADA Access Planning Progress
12. Certification Signatures
13. RAC Data Collection Form
10. IRS- Tax - Exempt Status
Furnish a copy of your group's IRS- tax - exempt status determination letter.
OR
Furnish a letter of agreement, with your fiscal sponsor AND a copy of your fiscal sponsor's
IRS - tax - exempt status determination letter.
11. ADA Access Planning Progress
Indicate on the ADA Access Planning Progress form, page 27, whether or not your group
has an ADA access plan (see definition, page 10) approved by your board of directors.
About accessibility planning: to ensure that all members of your community
can partake of your programs and services, your organization should be
accessible to people with disabilities. MRAC offers an easy -to -use self - survey
tool, the Accessibility Planning Guide, to help you assess your organization and
programs and develop an access plan. You can download the guide from our
website, www.mrac.org, or call 651 -645 -0402 to receive a copy of this guide
or to discuss access issues.
12. Certification Signatures
You must certify that your board of directors supports this application, that it is accurate,
and that the board will carry out the project as described if funding is awarded. Two
signatures are required; one signer must be a board officer. Complete the certification form
(page 27) and submit the original with signatures.
13. RAC Data Collection Form
Complete and submit the original form on pages 29 and 31. Unless marked "optional," all
information on this form is required. Without it, your application will be incomplete. This
information is not provided to the review panel.
•
•
•
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Use the checklist below to assist you in preparing your application. The checklist does
not need to be submitted as part of your application. (For more application material and
format requirements, see pages 12 -16.)
FORMAT
Prepare application materials in the following format:
❑ 8 2 x 11 white paper
❑ A text font equivalent to Times 12 -point or Larger (15 characters per inch). Forms
provided by MRAC may be completed by hand
❑ Margins of 3/4 inch or more
❑ Black ink only
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
Your application must include all of the following materials, collated in the following
order: Paper clips only — no staples please!
Submit two (2) one -sided copies of the following materials.
❑ Cover Page form, page 19
❑ Narrative (may not exceed five pages)
❑ Personnel Biographies (up to one page /person)
❑ Key personnel
❑ Consultant (if included in the project)
❑ Partner role in the project (one page per partner)
❑ Partner letter of support (one page per partner)
❑ Job description of new employee (if new staff role is included in project; one page only)
❑ Equipment specifications, if necessary (one page only). See page 15
❑ Board of directors list (one page only)
❑ Project Budget /Expenses form, page 21 (one page only)
❑ Project Budget /Income form, page 23 (one page only)
❑ Project Budget explanation, if necessary (one page only)
❑ Organizational Income - and - Expense Statement form, page 25 (one page only)
❑ List of major contributors and amounts
Submit one (1) each of the following materials:
❑ Copy of letter from IRS documenting your group's tax- exempt status OR letter of
agreement with fiscal sponsor AND a copy of fiscal sponsor's tax - exempt letter
(format requirements do not apply)
❑ ADA Access Planning Progress form, page 27
❑ Signed Certification form, page 27
❑ RAC Data Collection form, pages 29 and 31
• Review your project budget carefully. Errors may significantly reduce the amount of your MRAC
request. Please check your math.
Applications received after 5:00 P.M. on the deadline date will be ineligible.
This is not a postmark deadline.
17
•
•
•
Examples of
Interactive Public Art
r r vta , _' ti!
..;;s. -rc+V-