1. Definition of Advocacy

2. Funding Sources

3. Commission Activities and Programs
    [page 1]

4. Budget Distribution
    [page 1]

5. Key Messages for Advocacy
    [page 2]

6. Using Information Effectively
    [page 2]

7. Commission - Fast Facts
    [page 3]

8. Key Things to Remember
    [page 4]

9. Advocacy Contact Checklist
    [page 4]

10. Menu of Contact Ideas
    [page 5]

11. Sample Phone Script
    [page 6]

12. Sample Letter Format
    [page 7]

13. Frequently Asked Questions
    [page 8]

14. Contact Information
    [page 9]

15. Ways to Help Legislators Feel Good
    [page 10]

Definition of Advocacy
Influence legislative decision-making about the arts by building relationships with Idaho's elected officials. Inform them of the personal value and the public benefit of the arts and of the Commission by providing meaningful information about funding and program impacts. Encourage legislators to participate in the arts in their community.

Funding Sources
The Idaho Commission on the Arts is funded through a combination of appropriations from the state general fund, federal money from the National Endowment for the Arts, and private funding for specific projects.

State Funding
The Commission approves a budget for the agency annually, which is submitted to the Department of Financial Management. The Governor prepares his budget proposal and releases it in January. The Legislature negotiates and votes on a budget during session that is sent to the Governor for approval or veto. Once finalized, funds are allocated to state agencies by DFM. Our fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30.

National Endowment for the Arts
Since the creation of the NEA in 1965, the Commission has received federal funding that must be matched. The Commission receives NEA funding through the state partnership program including specific funds for arts education and programs for underserved communities. In addition, the Commission competes for some project grants. Currently, forty percent of all NEA funds are sent to state arts agencies, while the remainder is granted directly to community organizations.

Private Dollars
Private funding is limited to requests for one-time events, such as the statewide arts conference or the Governor's Awards in the Arts.