This program was offered in 2005, 2006 and 2007 as part of a 3-year, $5 million initiative to support and sustain the cultural community downtown. The third and final round of grants have been awarded and LMCC will no longer be accepting applications for the program. This webpage is provided for reference purposes only.

Guidelines

Introduction
The creation and presentation of events and programs are among the core activities of arts and cultural organizations. As organizations grow in size and constituency, the development of their artistic programming is just as important as the capacity-building steps they must take to ensure their long-term sustainability.

This program recognizes the artistic contributions made by organizations based in Lower Manhattan, and provides support for their core artistic and cultural programming.

This program is made possible by the generous support of
The September 11th Fund.

Program Goals

• To foster a vibrant, growing cultural community that will serve as a cornerstone for economic development, and connect residents, workers and tourists to new artistic and cultural experiences
• To support the core creative and public activities of cultural organizations based in Lower Manhattan
• To encourage the presentation of arts and cultural events in Lower Manhattan
  
  
  

Applicant Eligibility

• Applications will be accepted from 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or from collectives or arts groups with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
• Applications will not be accepted from individuals.
• Applicants must have a primary mission to create and/or present cultural programming, or must have a significant history of presenting cultural programming, including exhibitions, performances, readings, film screenings and other public events. Applicants may be presenters, producers, or self-producing arts groups (i.e., dance or theater companies).
  
• Organizations must have been in existence for at least three years.
• Organizations must be located south of Canal Street or in Chinatown. For the purposes of this program, Chinatown is bounded by Canal, Broadway, Delancey, Essex, and Rutgers Streets.
• An organization may not submit more than one application.
• Applications will not be accepted from political organizations.
• Applications will not be accepted from organizations incorporated under or operating primarily as religious institutions.
  
  

Project Eligibility

• Eligible projects include exhibitions, performances, readings, screenings, and related public events.
• Project-related activity must take place in the area south of Canal Street or in Chinatown. For the purposes of this program, Chinatown is bounded by Canal, Broadway, Delancey, Essex, and Rutgers Streets.
• Project-related activity must begin after April 1, 2008 and be completed on or before June 30, 2009.
• Applications must be restricted to a single project or distinct series. Proposals requesting support for an entire season will not be accepted.
• Eligible expenses for grant funds include direct costs related to the production and public presentation of arts and cultural events. Project costs may include but are not limited to artist, design, and technical fees; rehearsal costs; equipment, space, and venue rental; transportation and shipping; production or exhibition consumables; design and printing of interpretive material (e.g., wall labels, catalogues, brochures, programs); marketing and promotion costs representing up to 20% of the total amount requested; and project-related administrative costs representing up to 15% of the total amount requested
  

Funding Restrictions
Under this program, funding is not available for:

• Establishing a new organization
• Cultural activities restricted to an organization’s membership.
• Payment for purchase of capital equipment.
• Religious or political activities
• Expenses incurred prior to or extending beyond the specified grant period
  
• Organizational overhead
• Hiring of additional salaried personnel
• Arts education programs, training programs, conferences, or workshops
  
  

Award Amounts

• Requests may be submitted for up to $20,000; support will generally range from $7,000 to $15,000
• LMCC anticipates that up to 10-12 grants will be awarded

Review Criteria

• Artistic or programmatic excellence and professional record of applicant
• Project feasibility, taking into account the project budget, timeline, personnel, and production history of applicant organization
• Significance of the project for the applicant’s programmatic and organizational growth, taking into consideration the organizational mission, artistic or programmatic goals, audience development, visibility, capacity, and sustainability
  

 

Review Process
An outside panel will review applications using the above criteria, and will make recommendations for support. During the proposal review period, LMCC may contact applicants to clarify information or pose further questions.

Applicants will receive written notification of the status of their proposals during the week of April 7, 2008.

LMCC may accept and review proposals for projects falling outside of the existing program timeline in cases where projects will significantly address one or more program goals. Artists and organizations with confirmed projects taking place before April 1, 2008 must contact LMCC to discuss the project prior to submitting an application.

Grant Requirements
Grant recipients will be required to submit a final narrative and financial report upon completion of the project.

Information Sessions
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2007, at 4:00pm, and Thursday, January 10, 2007, at 4:00pm
Location:  Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, 125 Maiden Lane, 2nd Floor
Registration required; please visit www.lmcc.net to register.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an information session. Production Grant guidelines and application requirements will be reviewed in detail and LMCC staff will be available to answer questions.

Application Deadline and Submission
Applications and work samples must be received (not postmarked) by standard or express mail service, messenger, or hand delivery by Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 5:00pm.

Submit applications to:

Production Grants Program
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council
125 Maiden Lane, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10038

Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered. The program will not accept applications by fax or email.

Application Instructions
Production grant proposals should include all information listed below in a single narrative format (except where specifically noted), with supporting materials attached as requested. Please use the application checklist to ensure that your proposal is complete. Incomplete proposals will not be considered.

Submit all information in the order provided below, on 8 1/2 x 11” paper, minimum 11-point font. Please do not staple your materials.

1. Completed Application Cover Sheet
Fill out and sign the Application Cover Sheet.

2. Work Sample Cover Sheet
Fill out the appropriate Work Sample Cover Sheet.
3. Organizational Overview
One (1) page organizational overview with mission, history and description of core programs.
4. Project Description
Two (2) page description of the proposed project. Please describe the event or program,
including initial concept and artistic goals, project participants, plan for implementation, and dates.
5. Statement of significance
One (1) page statement about the proposed project as it relates to the applicant’s artistic or programmatic and organizational goals.
6. Project Personnel
One (1) page with brief bios of key artistic and administrative personnel. Please do not submit resumes.
7. Project Budget,
Provide the total anticipated project expenses and sources of income, specifying if income is pending or confirmed, and indicating the specific use of requested LMCC funds.
8. Attachments
Please attach one copy of each of the following:
a. Evidence of 501(c)(3) status: IRS determination letter, or IRS letter of a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor
b. Total operating budget for the most recently completed fiscal year
c. Work samples in the appropriate format, with SASE for their return (see Work Sample Guidelines)
d. Letter of support from 501 (c)(3) fiscal sponsor, if applicable

Work Sample Guidelines
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)
CD, DVD, CD-ROM, Videotape
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.

Samples should be labeled individually with the applicant name and numbered in order of preference.

Manuscripts (20 pages maximum)
Poetry, prose, plays
Submit up to 20 pages of writing, typewritten and double-spaced on 8 1/2 x 11” white paper. Minimum 11-point font.
Images (10 maximum)
CD, DVD, or CD-ROM
Submit up to 10 digital images. 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. Disks should be labeled with the applicant’s name.

Submit work samples with your application for receipt by
Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 5:00pm to:

Production Grants Program
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council
125 Maiden Lane, Second Floor
New York, New York 10038

Provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your work samples. Stamps only; metered mail will not be accepted. Work samples submitted without a SASE will not be returned.