This program strengthens the capacity of arts providers and arts organizations by awarding financial support to organizations that offer quality training and technical assistance services on a statewide or multi-regional basis.  Special attention is given to arts providers in underserved communities. Technical assistance includes workshops, publications and other organizational training. An underserved community is one in which individuals lack access to arts programs due to: geography, economic conditions, ethnic background, disability or age.

Guidelines

• Guidelines for Fiscal Year 2010-11 (July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010)*
  
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Applicants must be Indiana-based and have an Indiana address or be registered in Indiana as a foreign corporation and provide arts activities in Indiana. Eligibility also requires the applicant to be a public, private, nonprofit, or tax-exempt agency or be part of an Indiana public agency with a separate organizational structure.

Organizations must have:

• A mission to provide arts-related technical assistance
• Membership or constituency
• A two-year history of planning and delivering arts-related technical assistance
• A process for determining the training needs of consumers and an evaluation of the effectiveness
• A process for planning and evaluation with input from the community
• A governing body that is representative of the service area
• Operated for one year according to a strategic plan adopted by the governing body 
• A statewide presence

Maximum Grant Request

Funding is limited to project support for a distinct aspect of the organization’s arts-related technical assistance activities. Organizations may request up to 50 percent of project expenses for two years or $20,000.

Match Requirement
Applicants must provide a local match

Criteria

Quality - Up to 30 points (30% of total score)
The proposed activities will be of the highest quality possible in relation to community standards, expectations, and resources, as indicated by:

The goals and objectives of the proposed activities are clearly explained and are consistent with the organization’s mission, long-range plans, and with IAC goals.  The artistic goals and program design are consistent with the organization’s resources.  There appear to be a sufficient number of appropriate and qualified personnel (or contractors, or artists), paid or volunteer, to carry out the proposed activities.  The audience has been clearly identified and estimated attendance figures appear reasonable in light of past efforts.  Proposed program components and activities appear to be appropriate in regards to project goals and audience.  The project design contains and describes educational activities and outcomes.  Participating artists, staff, community members and others have been/will be involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating the project activities.

Community Impact/Public Benefit - Up to 40 points (40% of total score)
The proposed activities will have a significant impact on the community the organization serves, as indicated by:

The organization’s constituent base is clearly defined.  The manner in which constituents are involved in assessing needs and program planning is clearly described. There is an appropriate level of constituent involvement and support.  The plan for serving traditionally under-served populations in program development, implementation, and evaluation is clearly described and adequate.  Appropriate promotional efforts are planned to inform the general public about activities, including strategies for reaching traditionally under-served populations.  Proposed activities will be marketed and made accessible to persons with disabilities and other special needs.  The proposed activities will contribute to the long-term growth of the arts in the community.

Management - Up to 30 points (30% of total score)
The organization delivering the proposed activities will be well managed, as indicated by:

There is a dedicated person (paid or volunteer) assigned to manage the project/operation. The manager’s qualifications are clearly explained and appropriate.  The project timetable is clear and provides sufficient detail to guide implementation.  The process that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the activities is clearly defined and measurable. Evaluation includes assessment of impact on the people served.  Audience/participant feedback will be used as one component to evaluate project success in achieving goals.  There is evidence of a successful history of providing related arts activities.  Estimated expenses and budget appear reasonable. Projected income is proportionate and will come from a variety of sources. There are adequate plans for long-term resource development and deficit reduction (where applicable).  The applicant’s governing body meets on a regular basis and represents the diversity of the applicant’s geographic service area with respect to race/ethnicity, gender, age, special needs, and residence, etc.

Panel Session

Eligible applications were reviewed on June 1, 2009 by the Program Evaluation Committee which is comprised of Commissioners of the IAC and community constituents. The panel meeting was held at the IAC Office and was open to the public for observation. Recordings of the panel are available by request. Please contact the Grants Manager at 317-232-1278 for more information. .

How to Apply

1. A Notice of Intent to Apply Form must be completed by all organizations. The IAC will contact each applicant after this form is received.
   • Note: First-time applicants in this category must confer with the IAC Programs Staff to confirm the organization’s eligibility to apply.
     
     
2. Once the IAC has confirmed an applicant's eligibility to apply, applications must be submitted online through the IAC Online Grants System.
   • View a Sample SWASO application
     
     
3. Applicants must provide complete information and documentation as noted in the grant guidelines. 

Deadlines

FY2010 (July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010)
Final Report Deadline: May 14, 2010 by 4:30 p.m. EST