Community Arts Development Grants

 

The CCAC administers the Community Arts Development Grants program.  The funds distributed through this program are provided by the Maryland State arts Council (MSAC) and therefore subject to review and audit by the MSAC.  These grants are designed to help strengthen local arts organizations and enhance cultural opportunities for Carroll County residents.

 

ELIGIBILITY

 

· Applicants must be a not-for-profit arts organization or a not-for-profit organization presenting arts program or activities.

· The organization must be based in Carroll County and primarily serving residents of this County.

· Only one application per organization will be accepted.

· Organizations must conduct their daily operations, performances and activities in locations that are in full compliance with all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

· Organizations receiving grants in the past are eligible to re-apply provided they have submitted all required final reports in a timely fashion and properly acknowledged CCAC support in their publicity materials.

· Groups which discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, religion, sexual orientation or disability are not eligible to apply.

· Commercial businesses, individuals, programs within the public school system, and for-profit ventures are not eligible to apply.

TYPES AND AMOUNT OF SUPPORT

 

· Grants are available for general operating support as well as for specific projects. A maximum of 25% of an organization’s annual budget or 50% of a special project budget can be requested.

· Awards range from $300 - $4,000 and are based on the size of an organization’s budget or project, quality of the project and application as it relates to the stated review criteria, and total amount available for distribution.

· Funds are not available for capital projects; purchase, construction or renovation of property; retirement of existing debt; fundraising activities; and expenditures not related to cultural programming.

REVIEW PROCESS

 

All grants are reviewed by an independent panel of jurors made up of arts patrons from the community.  The panel is led by a CCAC Board member.  The panel’s recommendations are presented to the entire Board of Directors for final approval.

 

Applications are judged on the following criteria:  compliance with all stated eligibility criteria, artistic excellence, general merit of the organization and/or project, number of direct participants, audience size, community involvement, efforts to address the needs of under-served audiences, services not replicated elsewhere in the County, ability to adequately promote the project, ability to secure other funds to support the project, and sound fiscal management.

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

 

Click here for the application (requires Adobe pdf reader)

 Applications must be received at the Arts Council Office no later than  3pm on Friday, June 27, 2008.  NO EXTENSIONS WILL BE GRANTED!!

All applicants must submit:

1) The attached General Information Form.

2) Answers to the attached list of questions in the narrative section.  These responses must be typed and limited to no more than 4 single-sided 8 ½ x 11 sheets of paper.  Font size must be 12 pts or more.  All questions must be answered in the same order in which they are provided on the attached list. Do not omit any questions.

3) A copy of a financial statement from your most recently completed fiscal year.

4) The completed budget form showing your proposed income and expenses for the coming fiscal.  Applicants may use the enclosed budget form or a format of their own choosing.

In addition to your signed original, enclose five additional copies for a total of 6 complete copies of the application package.  Each copy can have up to two (2) supplemental documents attached (i.e. programs, flyers, newspaper clippings, etc.) if desired.  All materials must be received in hard copy.  No faxes or electronic submissions please.

 

NOTIFICATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

 

If awarded a grant, the organization will be notified in writing by October 1, 2008.  Following the signing of a standard “Grant Agreement Form” a check for 50% of the grant will be issued.  The remaining payment will be released in February 2009.  This payment schedule is subject to receipt of funds from the Maryland State Arts Council.

 

We realize that notification may occur after your program has begun.  Do not make expenditures in advance of CAD notification that you cannot cover with organizational funds.  A final report form, which includes both a narrative and budgetary information, must be completed and submitted by July 30, 2008 to be eligible for subsequent grants.