Types of Grants
- Program Support 1
- Program Support 2
- Program Support 3
- Consortiums and Public Art
- Operating Support 1
- Operating Support 2
- Other Commission Grant Programs
- Other Resources
PROGRAM SUPPORT I - All grant requests less than $5,000
- Grant requests may not exceed two-thirds (2/3) of the total cash expense of the program.
- Organizations requesting funds in this category are eligible to apply for program funds only. They may not apply in any other operating or program category for funding unless applying as part of a consortium.*
- Grant requests in this category are for $5,000 or less.
Organizations requesting grants in this category:
- Include arts and non-arts organizations such as departments of colleges and universities, libraries, and social service agencies whose specific arts program revenue is less than $100,000, including staff and other support expenses.
- May include neighborhood arts councils whose specific arts program revenue is less than $100,000.
- May include consortiums (three or more organizations in a cooperative effort) whose specific arts program revenue is less than $100,000.
PROGRAM SUPPORT II - Arts groups requesting $5,000 or more
- Grant requests may not exceed two-thirds (2/3) of the total cash expense of the program.
- Organizations requesting funds in this category are eligible to apply for program funds only.
- Organizations requesting funds in this category may not apply in any other operating or program category for funding unless applying as part of a consortium*.
- Grant requests in this category are greater than $5,000.
Organizations requesting grants in this category:
- Generally are organizations with cash revenues less than $100,000 in the last fiscal year.
- Primary purpose must be to produce or present arts or cultural programs.
- May include neighborhood arts councils.
PROGRAM SUPPORT III - Non-arts groups requesting $5,000 or more
- Grant requests may not exceed two-thirds (2/3) of the total cash expense of the program.
- Organizations requesting funds in this category are eligible to apply for program funds only.
- Organizations requesting funds in this category may not apply in any other operating or program category for funding unless applying as part of a consortium*.
- Grant requests in this category are greater than $5,000.
Organizations requesting grants in this category:
- Are not eligible in the above categories, such as departments of colleges and universities, libraries and social service agencies.
- May include consortiums (three or more organizations in a cooperative effort).
*CONSORTIUMS
Definition: A consortium is a collaborative project produced by three or more organizations that is well-defined and mutually beneficial, with the intent of achieving results they are more likely to achieve together than alone.
If you are applying as a consortium, please address the following criteria in your narrative:
- the purpose of the consortium, including concrete, attainable goals/objectives, shared vision, and a unique purpose
- each consortium member's role(s) and responsibilities
- resources which include sufficient funds and a designated convener
- the decision-making process
- the evaluation plan which includes process evaluation and results evaluation
- a demonstration of how evaluation is built into the program
PUBLIC ART
If you are applying for public art support in Program Support I, II or III, please respond to the following questions in your narrative:
- Describe the planning process for this project. Who is (or will be) involved? Provide a detailed timeline for the project.
- Describe the artist selection process. Attach a copy of your Request for Proposals (RFP).
- How is the community involved in the selection of artwork? What community education activities are planned?
- Describe the evaluation process for the project.
OPERATING SUPPORT I
- Grant requests may not exceed one-third (1/3) of the total cash expense of the program.
- Organizations requesting funds in this grant category may not apply for funds in any other category.
- Grants awarded in this category are for two years.
Organizations requesting grants in this category must have the following characteristics:
- Cash revenues of $1 million and up, documented by the organization's most recent audit figures.
- Primary purpose of the organization must be to produce or present arts or cultural programs.
- Organization must have full-time professional management and full-time professional cultural/artistic personnel.
- Organization must have a minimum of five years of operations history.
- Organization's audited annual revenues must be in excess of $1 million for at least two preceding fiscal years.
- Organization must present a full season of exhibitions or performances.
OPERATING SUPPORT II
- Grant requests may not exceed one-half (1/2) of the total cash expense of the program.
- Organizations requesting funds in this grant category are eligible to apply for operating funds or program funds.
- Grants awarded in this category are for two years.
Organizations requesting grants in this category must have the following characteristics:
- Cash revenues between $100,000 and $999,999 documented by the organization's most recent audit figures.
- Primary purpose of the organization must be to produce or present arts or cultural programs.
- Organization must have full-time professional management and full-time professional cultural/artistic personnel.
- Organization must have a minimum of three years of operations history.
- Organization must have audited annual revenues between $100,000 and $999,999 for one preceding year.
- Organization must present a full season of exhibitions or performances.
OTHER COMMISSION GRANT PROGRAMS
Strengthening the management capacity of arts organizations is important to the Commission. In addition to the Annual Grants Round, there are five professional assistance grant programs. Eligibility requirements for these programs vary, so call the office for more information.
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY GRANTS (DOGs) - (temporarily suspended) - This grant program is designed for the smaller community or non-professional arts groups that have 501(c)3 status.
- Grants are awarded year-round (January-December) on a first come, first served basis
- Grant awards will not exceed $2,000
- Applicants are not required to complete the application form
- Call the office for more information
EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION GRANTS - (temporarily suspended) - Matching funds are available to nonprofit arts organizations to purchase technical or office equipment, such as a computer, fax machine or kiln.
CONFERENCE TRAVEL GRANTS - (temporarily suspended) - Funds are available to nonprofit arts organizations to allow board members, staff or volunteers to attend conferences or seminars which will enhance the artistic or administrative professionalism of the organization.
CONSULTANT VISIT GRANTS - (temporarily suspended) - Funds are available to nonprofit arts organizations that would benefit from consultant assistance. Consultant assistance may cover a range of issues related to:
- improving artistic quality
- program planning
- marketing
- facility design
- fund-raising
- long-range planning
- board development
EMERGENCY/UNFORESEEN OPPORTUNITY GRANTS - (temporarily suspended) - Limited funds are available to nonprofit arts organizations for emergency situations such as those due to natural disasters or for unforeseen opportunities such as implementation of a creative idea involving several organizations.
OTHER RESOURCES
ARTS COMMANDOS - The Arts Commandos, a special project of the Regional Arts Commission, is a group of energetic volunteers who carry out specific projects for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in St. Louis. Call the office for more information.
COMMUNITY ARTS TRAINING INSTITUTE - The Community Arts Training (CAT) Institute provides comprehensive, professional-level training and support for artists and social service providers in order that they may develop and implement partnerships in carrying out successful arts programs that will impact the community-at-large. The 50-hour training institute takes place from November through March. Sixteen fellows are selected annually. Call the office for more information.
RESOURCE LIBRARY - The resource library of the St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (VLAA) and the Regional Arts Commission is housed in the RAC office and contains more than 500 books and periodicals on a wide range of arts management and individual artist topics. A computer with Internet access and the Foundation Center's database on CD-ROM are also available for use.
