GENERAL
Q: What grants can I apply for?
A: Review the guidelines for eligibility; it can differ by program. Carefully read the grant description so you apply in the correct category and use the appropriate form. Call staff if you are confused.
Q: When are the deadlines?
A: Click on Grants and Awards then Deadlines. They are also listed on the inside front cover of the hard copy guidelines.
Q: What is “match”?
A: Grants require matching funds and that is demonstrated in the application budget. For example, if a 1:1 match is required the applicant must match each dollar of grant funding with one dollar from other sources. Note: state funds cannot be used as match for state funds. (Awards do not require a match.)
Q: What forms do I use?
A: Please review the forms sections in the hard copy guidelines by program. On the Web site, click on Grants & Awards, Applications Forms, then select by program. Don’t forget to read the grant & award section and prepare answers to the required narrative questions (if applicable). There is a checklist that will assist you in putting together your application packet for submission.
Q: What is a courtesy review?
A: A program staff member can give your application a courtesy review if you contact him or her at least three weeks before the published deadline. Due to limited staff time during these peak periods, submit your application early to take advantage of this service.
Q: Which applications are eligible for courtesy reviews?
A: All are eligible, we especially encourage new applicants to take advantage of this service.
Q. If I’m applying for an annual grant program, when should the period of
support begin and end?
A. The deadlines for the Commission’s annual grants are in January and February of each calendar year. At that time you should request support for projects or programs that will occur between July 1 of that year and June 30 of the next year (the Commission’s fiscal year).
Q: Why is my first grant payment less than my grant award?
A: Ninety percent of the grant award (over $500) is disbursed at the beginning of a grant period. The final 10% will be disbursed upon receiving the final evaluation report for the project in our office.
Q: I cannot complete the project by the fiscal year end deadline, what do
I do?
A: Commission fiscal year spans July 1 to June 30 and is the funding year for all projects. Final evaluation reports are due by August 30 of the current fiscal year. If you cannot complete your project by June 30 in the current fiscal year, you must request an extension in writing. Your request will be reviewed and addressed on a case by case basis. Most extensions are for 14 days (unless there are extenuating circumstances). You are still required to submit an interim report by August 30 when receiving an extension.
Q: How do I apply for an extension on my project?
A: Compose a letter requesting an extension, with a projected timeline and justification for the request. This can be mailed, emailed, or faxed to the Grants Unit at the Commission.
Q: Does this also give me an extension to receive final payment?
A: An extension for the final report does not give an extension for final payment. Federal and state funding have a set deadline and cannot be extended. A final report or interim final report MUST be received by August 30 to be eligible for final payment disbursement.
Q: How soon after the panel date will I know if I’ve gotten a grant?
A: QuickFund$ grant applicants will be notified three weeks after a grant deadline in most circumstances; annual grant applications will be notified in June, after the May Commission meeting. This is when panel recommendations and funding decisions are made.
Q: Do you provide scholarships?
A: No.
GRANTS TO INDIVIDUALS
Q: What can the Commission do for individual artists: filmmakers, writers,
craft artists, visual artists, traditional artists, public artists, and so on.
A: The Commission has a commitment to support individuals. There are
several funding categories open to artists: Fellowship, QuickFund$, Teaching
Artists Directory, Traditional Arts Apprenticeships, and Writer-in-Residence.
Read the guidelines closely for details, check the Web site under
Grants and Awards,
List of Grants and Awards. Assistance with artist statements, résumés,
portfolio development, and grant writing is also available either one-on-one or
in workshop settings.
Q: Why do you need my social security number (SSN)?
A: All individual applicants are entered into a database and recipients are entered into the state controller’s vendor table. Your SSN becomes your grant file number. Then a project number is assigned based on the last 5 of your SSN plus an alpha program code. Funds can be provided only if your SSN is on file with the Commission. It also validates your legal residency status in the United States.
Q: What is meant by anonymous application?
A: This is required for Fellowship applications only. It helps to insure that panelists evaluate the applications from individuals without prejudice. Submit two application forms: one with identifying information for our files and one without that will be copied and given to panelists.
FOLK ARTS
Q: Why is the application for apprenticeships a “joint application”?
A: Because apprenticeships are a learning situation where a master and an apprentice of shared heritage work together, one-on-one, to pass on and maintain esthetic, skills, and knowledge kept within their regional, occupational, or ethnic group.
Q: Why do they have to span from three to ten months?
A: Because the intent is to allow for ample time so apprentice can learn by imitation of the master and through practice.
Q: Can you find me an Apprentice? Or a Master?
A: Ordinarily, it is preferable that the application results from a personal, community-based relationship. However, the Folk & Traditional Arts Director can refer applicants to a Master in Idaho or in a neighboring state.
Q: I love folk dance and want to take a class to learn as many dances from
around the world as I can. How can I apply for an apprenticeship?
A: The Traditional Arts Apprenticeships are learning situations where cultural and artistic traditions are passed on by master artists to other members of their group. This allows for their shared heritage to continue and thrive for future generations. Anyone interested in dances, or any art form from cultural traditions other than their own, should apply for a QuickFund$ grant.
PUBLIC PROGRAM IN THE ARTS/ENTRY TRACK
Q: How much funding can I apply for?
A: If you are applying for a Public Programs in the Arts (PPA) or Entry Track grant for your organization, you should not specify a requested grant amount. PPA and Entry Track funding amounts are based on a sliding-scale formula that considers several factors to determine your grant amount--your organizations last completed fiscal year budget size, the numeric score the grant review panel assigns your application, whether your organization operates in a rural or urban county, and the Commission’s annual budget appropriation for this grant category.
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