The deadline for the Manhattan Community Arts Fund has passed.

These guidelines are for reference purposes only.  The next deadline will be in September 2008.  If you have questions, please contact Natasha Chuk, Program Associate, Grants & Services at 212-219-9401 x117.

Download guidelines and application form

GUIDELINES

The Manhattan Community Arts Fund (MCAF) supports local arts organizations and artists that have little access to other government funding sources. MCAF seeks to provide small grants for arts projects and local artists serving the Manhattan community. The hope is that these funds will enable grant recipients to eventually leverage financial support from other sectors, and to prepare applicants for the process of obtaining public funds.

How MCAF Works
Grants, ranging from $750 to $3,000, are awarded to individual artists or non-profit organizations. Through MCAF, LMCC will award approximately $88,000 this cycle. Last year 69 grants were awarded.

Application Deadline

Applications received after the deadline will be returned to the applicant. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Applicants will be notified by mail starting the second week of March 2008 whether their projects have been funded

Applicant Eligibility
Applications will be accepted from Manhattan-based individual artists or nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits, such as arts organizations, social service agencies, senior centers, faith-based organizations, folk societies and cultural centers are eligible. Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:
• An organization must have proof of non-profit status in Manhattan
• Individual artists must live in Manhattan
• Projects must be implemented in Manhattan

First time applicants are required to attend an information session.

Proposals may only be submitted by applicants who have not applied to MCAF’s September 18, 2007 application deadline.

Project Eligibility
• Ongoing or new projects in any discipline for which activities will take place between April 1, 2008 and
December 31, 2008.
• Applicants may only submit one (1) proposal requesting support for one (1) project.

Funding Restrictions
Under this program funding is not available for:
• Organizations receiving institutional support or program support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA)
• Public school districts, affiliates or components exclusively serving student audiences such as in-school and after school programs
• New York State agencies and departments
• Any organization previously funded with outstanding final reports to LMCC
• Cultural activities restricted to an organization’s membership; eligible projects must be promoted, and remain available, to the general public
• Proposals from educational, health or welfare institutions unless they can demonstrate a history of providing arts services
• Arts programs that are solely socio-economic, recreational, rehabilitative or therapeutic in nature
• Purchase of equipment, fundraising events or administrative expenses not related to the specific project for which funds are requested
• General operating support

Review Process
A panel of artists and arts professionals will review projects using the following four criteria:

• Artistic merit of the proposed project
• Clarity of project proposal
• Project feasibility including budget presentation and outreach plan
• Strength of support materials

The criteria are not listed in order of priority; each is equally important.

In addition, funding priority is given to:
• Artists and arts organizations that have not received funding from MCAF for three consecutive years
• Non-profit groups with organizational budgets of $100,000 or less

Proposals should accurately describe the project, the target audience, and the project’s impact. Project budgets and budget narratives should be precise, reflect actual needs, and demonstrate the ability to raise funds from additional sources.

Grant Requirements
The grant award is a contract for arts services; grantees are required to provide the following during the grant period:

• Sign and return letter of agreement to LMCC
• Include funding credit and logos on all marketing and event materials, print and electronic
• Submit event notification form (an auditor may be present to monitor your project)
• Submit final report, no later than 30 days after completion of all project activities

Grantees who do not comply with the above requirements will jeopardize their funding status and future grant consideration. LMCC may also require grantees to submit interim reports and/or attend an LMCC Grant Clinic (one-on-one grant assistance) to maintain eligibility to apply.

Appeals Process
Applicants may appeal decisions in writing within ten days of funding notifications. Applicants must request an appeal in writing, effectively arguing the case for appeals based on the criteria below. Dissatisfaction with either an unfavorable decision or the recommended level of support cannot be used as an appeal.

Grounds for appeals are limited to the following:
• Misrepresentation of information: an applicant’s information was improperly presented by the Fund staff in a way that may have adversely affected the review process
• Non-presentation of information: the applicant’s information was not presented by the Fund staff prior to or as part of the panel’s decision-making process
• Improper procedure: conflict of interest on part of a panelist

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
A complete application includes:

1) Eight (8) copies, including one original, of the following:
• Application form, completed and signed
• Brochure or one-page fact sheet outlining the mission and activities of the organization or if you are an individual artist an artist statement
• Resumes or brief biographies of key artistic personnel involved in your project

2) If applicant is an individual artist, one (1) copy of one of the following as proof of Manhattan address:
• Telephone bill
• Electric bill
• Driver’s license

If applicant is an organization, one (1) copy of the following items:
• Proof of non-profit status in one of the following forms:

Form: BSM 189 from the Department of State
Certificate from the NY State Office of Charity Registration
Certificate of Incorporation under NY State Section 402 (Non-profit)
Charter issued by Board of Regents under NY State Section 216 (Education)
Letter of determination of 501(c)(3) status from U.S. Internal Revenue Service

• Audited financial statement for the most recently completed fiscal year or, if unavailable, a copy of the most recently filed IRS Form 990, signed by your treasurer, bookkeeper or accountant.
• Projected organizational budget for the next fiscal year

3) Work samples in an appropriate format. See Work Sample Instructions below for more details. Label each with:
• Applicant’s name
• Sample number (e.g. Work Sample #1)

4) One set of support materials. Examples include press clippings or printed promotional materials. (Maximum: 5 pages or 5 five printed pieces)

5) Self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for the return of work samples (stamps only). If no SASE is included with the application, work samples will not be returned after review.
NOTE: All documents must be on 8.5” x 11” paper. Do not staple, package or bind materials. Incomplete, illegible, emailed, or faxed applications will not be reviewed. Please type your application.

Work Sample Instructions
Work samples are a critical element of your application. Prepare a well-organized presentation that best represents your work and/or the proposed project. The grant review panel will have approximately five minutes to review your work samples.

Submit samples of work created and/or presented in the last three years. Please do not submit edited promotional or interview materials.

Do not submit original artwork.

Work Sample Formats
Submit your work sample in one of the following formats:

Recordings (2 maximum)
Audiotapes, CDs, DVDs, Videotapes
Recordings must be cued to play or must include a cue time. Please cue to a portion of the recording that best represents your work and your proposed project. Do not send marketing clips—send actual work or work in progress.

Manuscripts (5 pages maximum)
Scripts, Poetry, Prose
The sample may be no longer than five (5) pages of writing. The manuscript must be typewritten, double-spaced on 8.5" x 11" white paper.

Images (8 maximum)
Printed Reproductions, CD of Images
A maximum of eight (8) images may be submitted. Printed images should be no larger than 8.5 ” x 11”. Digital images must be in a JPEG, GIF, or TIFF file format. Each file should not exceed 300K and should have a maximum height x width of 1000 x 1000px. Please do not send original artwork.

Submit applications to:
Manhattan Community Arts Fund
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council
125 Maiden Lane, Second Floor
New York, New York 10038