Promotion of the Arts-Grants to Organizations and Individuals (45.024)
Program
45.024 Promotion of the Arts-Grants to Organizations and Individuals
Federal Agency
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS, NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES
Authorization
National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965, as amended, Public Law 89-209, 20 U.S.C. 951 et seq.
Program Number
45.024
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
The National Endowment for the Arts enriches our Nation and its diverse cultural heritage by supporting works of artistic excellence, advancing learning in the arts, and strengthening the arts in communities throughout the country. This mission is accomplished through grants to nonprofit arts organizations and to individual literary artists. Organizations: Fiscal year (FY) 2003 funds are being awarded under the Grants to Organizations guidelines; FY 2004 funds will be awarded under Grants for Arts Projects guidelines. The funding categories align with agency program goals: Artistic Creativity and Preservation (encompasses FY 2003 categories of Creativity, Heritage and Preservation, and Organizational Capacity, with the latter recast as Services to Arts Organizations and Artists); Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth (builds on FY 2003 Arts Learning guidelines and subsumes former Challenge America: Positive Alternatives for Youth category); and Challenge America: Access to the Arts (supports Access projects similar to those funded under FY 2003 Grants to Organizations guidelines and former Challenge America: Community Arts Development category.) Given funding category mergers as described, Program 45.027 Challenge America Grants is discontinued as a separate program. Organization grants also are awarded under The Arts on Radio and Television guidelines for arts programming to be distributed nationally through public radio and television. Individuals: Grants to individuals are awarded to published creative writers and literary translators of exceptional talent through literature fellowships.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Awards to organizations: Grants to Organizations/Grants for Arts Projects: All grants are awarded for specific projects that address the stated program goals. The Endowment does not provide funds for general operating or seasonal support. In addition to grants resulting from the standard agency application and review process, the Challenge America Arts Access category offers a "fast-track" option in FY 2004, with a simpler application, expedited review, and set amount ($10,000). Fast-track projects are limited to civic design issues, cultural tourism/development of cultural districts, or community cultural plans. The Arts on Radio and Television: Grants support development, production, and distribution of arts programs with the potential to reach a significant national audience. Awards to individuals: Fellowships for Creative Writers are awarded to writers of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction to allow them to devote time to writing, research, travel, and to advance their writing careers. Fellowships for Translation Projects are awarded to writers for specific projects to translate into English works by creative writers insufficiently represented in the language. Awards in the genres of prose and poetry alternate each year. In fiscal year 2003, fellowships will be awarded to writers and translators of poetry, and in fiscal year 2004, to writers and translators of prose. (Consult the guidelines for the area of interest for complete information about uses and restrictions on grant funds.)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Awards to organizations: Nonprofit tax- exempt organizations meeting the following conditions may apply: 1) No part of any earnings may benefit a private stockholder or individual, and 2) donations to the organization qualify as charitable deductions under Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of eligible organizations are arts institutions, arts service organizations, local arts agencies, official units of State and local governments, federally recognized tribal communities and Indian tribes. Consortia of such organizations also may apply. Grants to Organizations and Grants for Arts Projects: Generally an organization may submit, on its own behalf, one application for a single project under one of the category deadlines. Applicants must have a three-year history of programming prior to application deadline. Fast-track applicants must specify partners for their community- oriented projects. The Arts on Radio and Television: Requirements are basically the same as for Grants to Organizations/Grants for Arts Projects. An organization may submit, or be a consortium member in, no more than a total of two applications for funding under these guidelines and the other, more general ones. Each request must be for a distinctly different media project. Awards to individuals: Literature fellowship applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and, according to Public Law 89-209, Section 5(c), must demonstrate exceptional talent. They also must be published creative writers. (See respective guidelines for additional eligibility information.)
Beneficiary Eligibility
Awards to organizations: Nonprofit organizations, State and local governments, and local arts agencies, federally recognized tribal communities and Indian tribes. Through activities and services supported, beneficiaries include artists and the general public. Awards to individuals: Individual literary artists.
Credentials/Documentation
Awards to organizations: Nonprofit organizations are required to submit a copy of their Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) tax exemption determination letter with their applications. For institutions of higher education, allowable costs will be determined according to OMB Circular No. A-21; for other nonprofit organizations making application, allowable costs will be determined according to OMB Circular No. A-122. For local governments, costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87. Awards to individuals: Literature fellowship applicants must be published writers.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." Applicants should consult current guidelines for the funding area under which they intend to apply.
Application Procedure
Applicants must adhere to instructions and use standard application forms in current guidelines. Awards to organizations: This program is subject to provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations." It is also subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-102, "Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and local Governments." Applicants must adhere to instructions in current funding guidelines. (See appropriate guidelines for special requirements and information about supplemental materials.) Awards to individuals: Literature fellowships: A manuscript of the applicant's own work in the genre in which eligibility is established must be submitted as part of the application.
Award Procedure
Awards to organizations: Standard review: Applications are reviewed in closed session by advisory panelists. Each panel comprises a diverse group of arts experts and other individuals with broad knowledge in related areas, including at least one knowledgeable layperson. The panel recommends projects to be supported; Endowment staff reconcile proposed awards with available funds. Panel funding recommendations are reviewed in open session by the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body to the Endowment. The Council's decision not to fund an application is final. All applications the Council has recommended for funding are then considered by the Endowment's Chairman, who makes the final award decisions. Fast- track review: Applications are reviewed by a diverse group of individuals with expertise and broad knowledge related to the specific types of projects in this funding area. Following further staff review, recommendations are forwarded to the Endowment's Chairman, who makes the final award decisions. Awards to individuals: Literature fellowships: The process is the same as for standard review of organization applicants, except panelists are from the literature field.
Deadlines
Applications must be received by following dates: FY 2004 Grants for Arts Projects: Creativity - March 17, 2003. Services to Arts Organizations and Artists - March 17, 2003. Learning in the Arts for Children & Youth - June 16, 2003. Heritage & Preservation - August 18, 2003. Challenge America: Access to the Arts - Fast-track - June 2, 2003; Standard review - August 18, 2003. The Arts on Radio and Television - September 12, 2003. Literature fellowships: FY 2004: Creative Writing Fellowships for Fiction and Creative Nonfiction: March 3, 2003; Translation Projects in Prose: February 3, 2003. FY 2005: Fellowships for Creative Writers - Poetry: March 1, 2004; Translation Projects in Poetry: February 2, 2004.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Information on requests for reconsideration may be obtained from the headquarters office.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Awards to organizations: Require match of at least 1:1. All matches must be made with nonfederal funds. Awards to individuals: None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants to Organizations/Grants for Arts Projects: Grant period is generally up to two years. The Arts on Radio and Television: Projects may extend up to three years. Literature fellowships: Projects may extend up to two years. (See pertinent guidelines for details about start date/period of support.) Timing of fund disbursements will vary according to the project. Requests for payment to cover immediate project expenses generally may be received at any time.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Awards to organizations: Progress reports are required for all grants, and must be submitted at the time the cumulative amount requested exceeds two-thirds of the grant amount. Final reports, comprising financial and narrative components, are required for all grants within 90 days of the end of the grant period. In some instances, products of grant projects also may be required as part of the final report. Grantees also must report on geographic location of grant activity within 30 days of award receipt. Awards to individuals: Literature fellowships: Progress reports are required for all grants, and must be submitted at the time the cumulative amount requested exceeds two-thirds of the grant amount. Final reports, comprising financial and narrative components, are required from all literature fellowship recipients within 90 days of the end of the grant period.
Audits
Awards to organizations: Regarding applicant and grantee- initiated audits: All grantees must comply with audit requirements mandated by OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations." Nonprofit institutions expending $300,000 or more a year in Federal awards shall have an audit made in accordance with A-133's provisions. Local governments expending $300,000 or more in Federal awards within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year in accordance with A-133's provisions. Awards to individuals: None.
Records
Grant-related records must be retained by grantee for three years following submission of the final financial status report.
Program Accomplishments
Grants to Organizations: Fiscal year 2002 applications: 505 in Access, 1,213 in Creativity, 489 in Arts Learning, 342 in Heritage and Preservation, 97 in Organizational Capacity. Fiscal year 2002 grants awarded: 234 in Access, 724 in Creativity, 212 in Arts Learning, 173 in Heritage and Preservation, 48 in Organizational Capacity. The Arts on Radio and Television: Fiscal year 2002 applications: 112; grants awarded: 54. Literature Fellowships: Fiscal year 2002 (prose) 1,350 applications received, 45 awards made; fiscal year 2003 (poetry), 1,660 applications received and 48 awards made.
Financial Information
Account Identification
59-0100-0-1-503.
Obligations
(Grants) Grants to Organizations/Grants for Arts Projects: FY 02 $39,584,000 (includes $3,687,000 in Challenge America funds for Access projects); FY 03 est $41,890,000 (includes est $7,490,000 in Challenge America funds); and FY 04 est $43,000,000 (includes est $8,300,000 in Challenge America funds). The Arts on Radio and Television: FY 02 $3,860,000; FY 03 est $4,500,000; and FY 04 est $4,500,000. Literature Fellowships: FY 02 $806,000; FY 03 est $900,000; and FY 04 est $900,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Fiscal year 2003: Grants to Organizations (includes Arts Learning): $5,000 to $150,000. The Arts on Radio and Television: Radio projects - $20,000 to $100,000. Television projects: research and development - $20,000 to $50,000; single documentaries - $25,000 to $50,000; multi-part series - generally up to $200,000, depending on scope, complexity, significance, and impact of project. Literature Fellowships: Creative Writers - $20,000. Translators -$10,000 or $20,000 depending upon artistic excellence and merit of project.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Visit the Endowment Web site at http://www.arts.gov for guidelines in downloadable format. Contact the Endowment to inquire about the availability of guidelines for future funding cycles.
Related Programs
45.025, Promotion of the Arts_Partnership Agreements; 45.026, Promotion of the Arts_Leadership Initiatives.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Address: National Endowment for the Arts, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20506-0001. Web site: http://www.arts.gov. For general information, telephone: (202) 682- 5400. Grants to Organizations: For information about the discipline or field appropriate to your project: Dance: (202) 682-5739. Design: (202) 682-5796. Folk and Traditional Arts: (202)682-5678 or 682-5726. Literature: (202) 682-5771. Local Arts Agencies: (202) 682-5586. Media Arts: (202) 682-5742. Multidisciplinary: (202) 682- 5658 or 682-5469. Museums: (202) 682-5576. Music: (202) 682-5590 or 682-5487. Musical Theater: (202) 682-5509. Opera: (202) 682-5600. Presenting: (202) 682-5658 or 682-5469. Theater: (202) 682-5509, 682- 5511 or 682-5020. Visual Arts: (202) 682-5555. For Arts Learning information: Early childhood and school-based projects: (202) 682-5536; community-based projects: (202) 682-5026. For information about fast- track grant option under Challenge America Arts Access: (202) 682-5700. For The Arts on Radio and Television information: (202) 682-5738. Grants to Individuals: For information about literature fellowships: (202) 682-5034. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing should call Voice/TT: (202) 682-5496. Individuals unable to read conventional print should contact the Endowment's Office for AccessAbility (202) 682-5532 for help in acquiring an audio recording of guidelines.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Grant listings are posted on Web site, www.arts.gov. In 2002-2003: Grants to Organizations: Access: Creation of a virtual 3-D architectural model and associated historical documentation for the San Esteban del Rey Mission (a National Historic Landmark built in 1629 by the Acoma Pueblo) and mesa, using the Internet to extend access beyond the annual 500,000 visitors (NM); a Pasadena (CA) theater initiative to develop audiences among people with disabilities and low-income individuals, including hand signed and audio-described performances, as well as pay-what-you-can opportunities. Arts Learning: Professional development for teachers and artists provided by Center for Documentary Studies, following methods used in the Literacy Through Photography program (Durham, NC); artist residencies, student tours, workshops, and exhibitions hosted by Holter Museum of Art (Helena, MT), to engage students and instruct teachers vis-a-vis Montana Standards for Arts, Social Studies, World Languages, and Speaking and Listening. Creativity: World premiere of a new August Wilson play, "Gem of the Ocean," latest in a series on the 20th-century African-American experience staged by Chicago's Goodman Theatre; New York tour of traditional Burmese music and dance artists, sponsored by the Asia Society, first major U.S. performances of Burmese artists since 1975; presentation by Baltimore Choral Arts Society of the Dave Brubeck Easter oratorio, "Beloved Son," along with educational activities, on Morgan State University's campus. Organizational Capacity: National conference on occupational safety and injury prevention for musicians, hosted jointly by University of North Texas-Denton and University of North Texas Health Science Center-Forth Worth; series of state-wide conferences focusing on arts management issues and unveiling of new Leadership Academy for cultural/arts organizations in 83 Michigan counties. Heritage/Preservation: National Civil War Band Festival, a three-day event featuring historically accurate performances of band music from the American Civil War era, with concurrent lectures, recitals and exhibits by musicians and scholars from across the country (Campbellsville, KY); project to revitalize the three-day Yup'ik Messenger Feast, during which two Alaska Native villages host each other in turn, and to document the celebration in film, photographs, bilingual catalog, and a museum exhibit. The Arts on Radio and Television: Hidden Treasures Radio Project, a documentary radio series profiling objects held in museums that are rarely or never displayed, intended for broadcast on National Public Radio's Morning Edition or Public Radio International's Studio 360; research and development for a documentary film for TV broadcast, "Eyes to Illuminate: The Lives and Work of Robert and Frances Flaherty," which will examine the Flahertys' growth as artists when nonfiction film began to move away from ethnographic/adventure filmmaking and to emerge as an art form. Literature Fellowships: Prose Translation Projects: selected essays by Italian novelist, essayist, and playwright Natalia Ginzburg will be translated by Lynne Sharon Schwartz; Christi Ann Merrill will translate from Hindi and Rajasthani stories from the 14-volume "Baton ri Phulwari (A Garden of Tales)" by Vijay Dan Detha, inspired by feudal folktales of his native village in India. Poetry Translation Projects: Poems by Henrik Nordbrandt, a prominent Scandinavian poet living in self-imposed Mediterranean exile, will be translated from Danish by Roger Greenwald; Mike O'Connor will translate the works of 15 poets from middle and late Tang Dynasty China in "Another Path: Poems on Chinese Reclusion."
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Primary criteria by which all applications are assessed are artistic excellence and artistic merit. (See Grants to Organizations, Grants for Arts Projects, and The Arts on Radio and Television guidelines for the full list of applicable review criteria.) For literature fellowships, the applicant's manuscript is the sole indicator of artistic excellence and artistic merit considered by the panel. (See guidelines for specifications to meet additional criteria for translation projects.)
