Q: How and when do I apply for a grant?
The annual grants program guidelines and application materials are available in the spring of each year. Applications are available from the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture (POAC) web site. First-time applicants are strongly encouraged to contact POAC staff indicated on the grant category page prior to submitting an application.
Q: My organization does not have nonprofit (501c3)status. Can I still apply for a grant?
You can apply in the Community Arts Partnership grant category using a qualified fiscal agent. The fiscal agent must be a registered non-profit that has tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Fiscal agent must also be an arts organization and meet other eligibility requirement of the grant category.
Q: Can I submit more than one grant application?
Yes, but read the eligibility requirements for each category carefully, and call staff to confirm if you have any question about eligibility. Organizations that receive funding in the A+CCESS I and II grant categories are not eligible to apply in the Collaborative Communities category, but can apply in other categories, provided they meet underlying eligibility requirements for the category.
Q: My organization is not based in Phoenix. Can I still get a grant?
Organizations not based in the city of Phoenix
are eligible to apply only if presenting a festival activity. However, the proposed festival must take place in the city of Phoenix and serve Phoenix residents.
Q: Is it possible to have Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture staff assist me with my proposal?
Staff will be happy to review a draft of your application and can sometimes direct you to resources to help you develop your project. New applicants are strongly encouraged to contact staff to discuss your application. Be sure to contact staff several weeks in advance of the application deadline, though, as staff availability becomes limited as the application deadline approaches. Staff contact information can be found on the grant category webpage.
Q: What is Award Alley?
Award Alley is a commercial web-based grant management portal that the Office of Arts and Culture uses for the grant application and review process. Award Alley streamlines the process for the applicant, grant review panelists and POAC staff. There is no cost to the applicant for using Award Alley.
Q: Who determines whether my proposal is funded or not?
Grant proposals are reviewed by a panel that is comprised of artists, arts professionals, educators and community laypersons, each representing different points of view and various cultural orientations. The panel discusses each proposal before assigning a ranking based on criteria specific to each grant category. The ranking determines whether or not the application is funded and the level of funding that it receives. The panel meetings are open to the public and applicants are encouraged to attend the meeting to hear the review of their application and other applications in the category.
Q: Can I be a panelist?
Yes! The POAC seeks knowledgeable, fair-minded and responsible individuals to serve as grant review panel members. The POAC maintains a database of individuals interested in serving on grant review panels. If you're interested in serving as a panelist, complete a Panelist Information Form.
Q: Are there any resources available to help me plan and develop a grant proposal?
The POAC has several
resources on the web site designed to assist applicants in identifying artists, arts organizations, communities, space, and technical assistance opportunities. We also have an archive of past funded projects.
Q: Are there any funding restrictions?
Yes. Grant funds cannot be used for:
- Construction or renovation of facilities
- Feasibility studies
- Capital expenditures
- Reduction of debts
- Receptions
- Lobbying expenses
- Fundraising projects
- Scholarship programs
- Staff salaries
- Membership dues or fees
Other funding restrictions particular to a grant category may also apply. Be sure to check the eligibility and restrictions listed on the individual grant category page
Q: When does my proposed project need to take place to be eligible for funding?
For the upcoming 2019-2020 cycle, funded activities cannot begin prior to July 1, 2019 and must conclude no later than June 30, 2020.
