Creative Arts Industries Commission 1000 S.W. Jackson St., Suite 100 Topeka, KS 66612-1354 Phone: (785) 296-2178 Fax: (785) 296-3490 TTY: 711 pjasso@kansascommerce.com KansasCommerce.com/CreativeArtsIndustries Pat George, Secretary Peter Jasso, Director Sam Brownback, Governor PURPOSE Creative Economy Project Support The Creative Economy Project Support program provides funding to help communities and organizations complete initiatives addressing a wide variety of goals and objectives. Projects may be funded at the planning and/or implementation stage. This highly competitive consortium program supports initiatives that encourage dynamic partnerships between public, private, and cultural sectors that create jobs, increase revenue, promote economic development, revitalize communities, and draw cultural tourists. Creative Economy Project initiatives must leverage the assets of the creative sector that are intrinsic in Kansas communities to improve a community s economic conditions, generate real income and enhance the quality of life. Applications will be considered from communities/regions with a strong commitment to inter-sector collaboration that seeks to strengthen the creative assets of their community. The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission is offering this major grant program to activate the concept that Kansas s quality of place is as an economic asset. The Creative Economy Project Support program is designed to function locally to meaningfully support dialogue and partnership between local public, private, and cultural sectors regarding the economic development of their communities. The Creative Economy Project Support program will provide the cultural sector with significant funds to contribute to mutually agreed upon plans and initiatives that stimulate the local economy, strengthen the role of arts and culture, and enhance the community s quality of place. Successful applications will come from communities that have active cultural nonprofits. The communities themselves must be poised for growth and engaged in economic and community planning as well as development using other funding sources. They will include an active network of involved citizens including youth, elected leaders and business leaders in a comprehensive revitalization effort. The nonprofit arts organizations are expected to plan and oversee project direction, management and implementation side by side with their partners and community. It is anticipated that the Creative Economy Project Support project will have a designated part-time coordinator to communicate with the public, partners, artists and others involved with the project. This coordinator should be seen as a member of the community equally adept at relating to the governance, economic and artistic sectors of the community. The coordinator will function as a liaison between the partners involved in the project. Funds may be used to support a single activity or a suite of related activities that are not already supported through a current KCAIC program. Applicants must demonstrate excellent artistic, educational and cultural value; responsiveness to their community; credible planning and evaluation strategies; and rigorous financial and managerial accountability. Fulfillment of these attributes ensures that funded projects make significant contributions to their communities health and vitality in significant ways.
PROGRAM GOALS Through the Creative Economy Project Support program the KCAIC will support partnerships that can develop long-term sustainable impact by: Aiding in the revitalization of neighborhoods and communities Improving the infrastructure and viability of the creative industries Stimulating increased participation and engagement in cultural and creative activities by residents and visitors Creative Economy Projects must have: A systematic approach to culture and economic development with a persuasive vision for change A strong collaborative network of partners from cultural, economic, and governmental sectors Clearly defined economic goals and objectives An action plan aligned with the project vision and economic goals A funding plan that is appropriate, feasible, indicates strong community support and includes a well-conceived long-term sustainability strategy Creative Economy Project Grants will be awarded to projects that: Maximize the economic impact of the creative industry in a community or region. Raise awareness of local cultural products and stimulate increased participation and engagement by residents and visitors Position a community or region as a unique cultural destination to attract new visitors and their spending Build a solid, sustainable infrastructure of arts and cultural organizations and events as a component of a community s or region s economic development efforts Improve a community s or region s quality of life through resulting arts and cultural events The program will not fund: Projects that are part of a single organization's usual, ongoing activities Projects that do not involve a partnership of at least three organizations willing to invest time and effort in the project's outcomes Activities of very limited duration that are not directly tied to long-term community economic development goals Projects where arts and cultural activity are not at the center of the project's plan Capacity building initiatives for artists that are not integral to a broader economic development strategy Short-term employment or education projects for youth Print materials, web design or other media items General operations, including the staff time of any of the organizations involved Costs of applying for assistance Fundraising Professional development Costs incurred before the date the grant is approved Capital projects and purchase of equipment that are not integral to a broader economic development strategy and directly related and essential to proposed project activities.
Creative Economy Project funds may be used for a wide variety of project expenses. Organizations may choose to dedicate funds to creative or administrative costs. Other allowable expenses include research, marketing, program planning, outside fees, production and evaluation. Creative Economy Project grants must be used to support long-term economic or community development initiatives through the arts and may be awarded to projects at the planning and/or implementation stage: Projects in the planning stage should identify, study or improve economic or community development objectives, including planning processes, research, data collection, consultant services or other activities necessary to inform the design of projects that will support the cultural component of the Creative Economy and drive economic development. Planning stage projects should support processes that investigate, identify, and refine creative community economic development objectives prior to implementation. The most competitive applications will be ones that are uniquely tailored to a particular community, industry or circumstance, offer new insights into the creative economy, and are the most innovative in approach. Grants awarded to projects in the planning stage may fund the direct expenses connected to project planning including: Preliminary beneficiary/audience evaluation Planning consultants fees and services, including meeting facilitation Data collection necessary to inform the plan's outcomes Meetings with advisors, project partners, and representatives of target audiences or other groups Travel to sites, or to other resources And other costs associated with the planning process Projects in the implementation stage need not have received a grant at the planning stage, although funded implementation projects will show evidence of thorough planning and clearly defined goals and objectives. KEY DATES Initial Application Deadline: April 8 Full Application Deadline (upon initial qualification): May 15 Project Phase Start Date: after June 30, 2013 Project Phase Completion Date: before June 30, 2014 Projects may include broad multi-year initiatives that include several phases. The Project Phase Start and Completion Dates above refer to the phase of activities eligible for a KCAIC funding request and define the granting period when awarded KCAIC funds must be expended. Related project activities may occur beyond the granting period. While you may present information about a broader initiative, be very specific about the phase(s) of your project that are included in your request for funding (e.g., funding is being requested for 'Phase B' of 'Phases A,B, & C' activity). Grant Awards
Creative Economy Project applicants may request up to $75,000. Grant award amounts are highly competitive and will generally be funded at a high percentage of the requested amount depending on the availability of KCAIC funds. An applicant must demonstrate a fiscal structure that allows them to legally and responsibly utilize grant funds. All Project Support grants require a 1:1 match. Eighty percent of the match must be in cash and 20 percent may be in-kind support. For applicants from underserved populations/regions, up to 50 percent of the match may be in-kind support. This demonstrates the applicant s ability to undertake the project. Funded applicants must document all in-kind donations needed for their match when they complete their final report at the conclusion of the grant period. Organizations are eligible to apply for only one Project Support grant per fiscal year. The KCAIC defines underserved as applicants from or serving rural, low income, or minority populations. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS All Creative Economy Project applications must come from dynamic partnerships among at least three stakeholder groups that are prepared to lead the project over time. The project must include at least one partner each from the private (for-profit businesses), public (local government), and cultural (nonprofit arts and cultural organizations) sector. Other partners may include: nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, educational institutions and state and federal agencies. For clarification, the primary or lead partner must serve as the applicant and main project contact for the KCAIC and have fiscal responsibility for the grant. A partnering organization is involved in making decisions about the future direction of the project on a regular and ongoing basis. An applicant meets the requirements of this grant program if they are: 1. A creative arts and cultural sector organization that: Is a nonprofit organization, legally established in the state of Kansas Has tax exempt status 501(c)(3) from the Internal Revenue Service Promotes, presents, produces and/or teaches visual, performing, literary, media or traditional arts as its primary purpose 2. A public sector entity such as a local or county government The development of a relationship among stakeholders prepared to invest time and effort into the project is a fundamental component. Each organization is expected to make a significant contribution to the project. All applicants must have completed and filed all final reports required for previous KCAIC grants. The applicant becomes legally accountable for complying with the above eligibility requirements upon submission of this request. REVIEW PROCESS Initial applications are reviewed by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission Board. Full applications are reviewed by a seven person panel consisting of one individual from each of the six
economic regions of Kansas as defined by Commerce and a chair who shall be a member of the KCAIC board. Panel members shall be selected from members of the KCAIC Board, the Department of Commerce, and/or knowledgeable professionals in the creative arts industries. Grant recommendations will be presented to the full Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission which will act upon the panel s recommendations. The review process and delivery of funds may take up to four months. However, grant funds may be used to reimburse costs incurred for the project after the grant has been approved. Please plan accordingly. REVIEW CRITERIA Successful applications will have a strong, if not predominant cultural component and demonstrate that they are poised to work with all aspects of community planning and development. They should be on the precipice of redevelopment with arts and culture as a central player and demonstrate that these funds will function as a tipping point. Applicants must demonstrate Evidence of a high level of commitment from community leadership and community partners (cultural, governmental and business), with the willingness and flexibility to undertake innovative and experimental processes Evidence of planning, implementation and assessment of goals Evidence that the collaboration has or will grow out of shared experiences and commonly perceived needs. It should also show that it will strengthen an understanding of the importance of building on the practices, skills and priorities that come most naturally to the partners Evidence that the collaborators shall seek to serve populations beyond their own immediate constituencies and yield benefits for the entire community Evidence of a high level of citizen involvement, including a strong youth component and participation by members of underserved populations Evidence that places values and vision into action plans and/or policies Evidence of a plan to evaluate and share results of the project Evidence of the ability to sustain revitalization efforts, including the liaison position, beyond the granting period Grant awards will be based on the following: The originality of the concept to be investigated Extent to which the concept aligns with the Creative Economy Project Support program goals Extent to which the proposed planning framework, methods, and analyses are logical, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project Extent to which the proposed planning activities will assist in making informed decisions about how to proceed to the implementation stage Qualifications of the organizations, stakeholders, and consultants involved A suitable budget Applicants will be evaluated based on how well their application meets the criteria in the following evaluation categories: 1. Cultural Value 2. Community Participation and Accessibility 3. Planning, Evaluation and Documentation
4. Organizational and Financial Management 5. Long Term Economic Impact Evidence of meeting the criteria will be found in the application s narrative, budget information, support materials and website. Cultural Value Applicant s proposed project demonstrates cultural value for the community being served Applicant s proposed project aligns with and advances the organization s mission Applicant s proposed project involves qualified creative personnel Applicant strengthens the cultural sector in its community or region Community Participation and Accessibility Applicant understands and is responsive to the needs of the community Applicant has identified and minimized barriers to cultural participation, including but not limited to barriers that prevent participation by people with disabilities Applicant s relationships within the community strengthen its ability to fulfill its mission Applicant effectively publicizes and promotes its activities to the community it serves Applicant defines strategies to reach a broad and definable audience Planning and Evaluation Applicant s planning process is comprehensive and clearly described with realistic goals Applicant s evaluation strategies are appropriate for participants and activities Applicant clearly describes the ways in which the project is new to the organization, over and above normal programming Applicant engages in planning and has developed clearly defined and realistic economic goals Organizational and Financial Management Applicant demonstrates the ability to manage resources and other assets appropriately Applicant s staff, board and/or volunteers are qualified and demonstrate the capacity to complete the proposed project Applicant s budget is realistic, complete and aligns with application narrative Applicant s budget reflects a broad base of revenue and support from earned, unearned and inkind sources If applicable, applicant has a viable plan to reduce any accumulated deficit Lead applicant demonstrates evidence of sound fiscal management and organizational capacity commensurate with its role in leading project partnership One of the partnership organizations has proven expertise in economic development Partnership has clearly defined roles and expectations among appropriate organizational partners Long Term Economic Impact Project contributes to stated local and/or regional economic development goals Applicant has an evaluation component that includes the measurement of the economic impact of its activities
Applicant has developed strategies to sustain the initiative beyond the granting period Priority status will be given to Creative Economy Project grants that are developed in partnership with local and/or regional economic development entities and have a high degree of potential for replication in other parts of the state and/or support efforts in areas where there are high levels of unemployment. EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE PROJECTS The creation of a new designated creative district The creation of new economic development/incentive programs for creative enterprises in existing designated creative districts The development of a regional cultural branding and marketing campaign for local creative assets Rehabilitation of historic properties into cultural facilities The construction and development of new or renovated facilities that offer resources to the creative industries, such as incubators, studio space or affordable housing for creatives Cultural tourism product development HOW TO APPLY In order to be considered as an applicant for the Creative Economy Project Support program, applicants must first submit an initial application along with samples of their organization s work. If approved to move forward, applicants will then be instructed to submit a full application. Deadlines for the Two-Part Grant Process I. Part One: Initial Application - Deadline: April 8, 2013 The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission will review initial applications and related materials and instruct qualified applicants to develop the proposed venture into a full grant proposal. Initial applications and support materials must be emailed or postmarked on or before April 8, 2013, or handdelivered to the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission offices before 5:00 pm, April 8, 2013. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by email. II. Part Two: Full Grant Application - Deadline: May 15, 2013 After the review of the initial applications and support materials has been completed, qualified applicants will proceed to Part Two with a full grant application. Only those applicants who have been pre-qualified will be considered. Applications must be emailed or postmarked on or before May 15, 2013, or hand-delivered to the Kansas Creative Arts Industries offices before 5:00 pm, May 15, 2013. The KCAIC strongly encourages applicants to submit their applications via email to: pjasso@kansascommerce.com Part One: Initial applications Due April 8, 2013 The initial application must include four sections: 1. Grant Application Form a. General organization and project info
b. Project summary c. Estimated budget summary 2. Support Materials/Work samples 3. Letters of intended support from partners 4. Brief professional biographies for all primary creatives involved in the venture Section One: Grant Application Form The grant application form consists of three information sections and a support materials form. Part 1: General Information This section asks for general information regarding the primary organization as well as the proposed project including: Organization Name Primary Contact Name: Primary creative discipline (e.g. visual, graphic design, literary, film, media, theatre, music, dance, etc.) Mailing address Primary & Secondary phone number Email and web address Organizational structure Underserved status EIN & NAICS Legal Structure Project Title Primary project discipline Project director/coordinator Project activity type Project start & end dates Amount requested Part 2: Project Summary The summary must address the following: The mission and goal of the project A general timeline of proposed activities. Include any related project activities that may extend beyond the granting period, if applicable, but be very specific about the phase(s) of your project that are included in your request for funding (e.g., funding is being requested for 'Phase B' of 'Phases A,B, & C' activity) and that they occur within the granting period. A description of the main partnering organizations and their role in the project The expected impact the project will have on the community A clear explanation of how requested funding will be utilized. Financial statements are not necessary at this point Plans for securing matching funds (both cash and in-kind) Part 3: Estimated Budget Summary This is a general estimated summary of the proposed project budget for initial review and planning by the KCAIC. Applicants should complete to the best of their abilities at this time. If an itemized budget category is unknown, feel free to leave it blank. A more detailed budget will be required in the final application round. Section Two: Support Materials / Work Samples (Grant Application Form Part 4)
Include any organizational literature (websites, pdfs) and/or applicable work samples. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit samples via hyperlink (web address) wherever possible. Use the form found on the Grant Application Form Part 4. Section Three: Letters of intended support from primary partners Please submit a letter of intended support from each of the primary partnering organizations comprising the main project team. Letters should address the role each organization will play in the execution of the project and their commitment to it successful completion. Section Four: Brief professional biographies for all primary creatives involved in the project. Please include brief bios, including both artistic and entrepreneurial experience, of the primary creatives involved in the project. This should include the project director/coordinator. Please save letters and bios as PDFs and attach along with the initial application for PDF in your email submission. Please submit all material by email to KCAIC by April 8, 2013. The review panel will select a pool of potential applicants from the applications submitted. During this period, the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission will also offer application assistance. Application Materials Part Two: Full Grant Application - Due May 15, 2013 I. Application Narrative Provide clear, specific responses to each of the topics, addressed sequentially and numbered. The project description is the central element of the grant request. Your plan should be in 12 point type, single spaced, with 1 inch margins and include the following in this format: A. Description Provide a brief description of the project you wish to undertake, noting whether the project is at the planning or implementation stage of development. What is your plan and how will you allocate dollars to execute the plan? B. Cultural Value 1. Describe the activities that will take place during the grant period by providing an overview of key individuals who will be involved (primary project coordinator, key personnel, outside professionals, partners and/or participants), what will happen, and when and where activities will take place. 2. Describe how your project will strengthen the Creative Economy and result in the creation of jobs and income, revitalize a community, and/or attract cultural tourists. C. Community Participation and Accessibility 1. Why is your community motivated to participate in this project? 2. Describe how your project will be promoted to members of the public, including your strategies for outreach to underserved populations. 3. Describe the marketing plan your project will use to reach a broad and definable audience. D. Planning and Evaluation
1. Describe the need for the project and the needs assessment process through which it was identified. 2. Describe your planning process to date, including how your staff, partners and community members are involved in the proposed project. 3. Summarize how your project contributes to stated local and/or regional economic development goals. 4. Thinking beyond your consortium s immediate constituency, how will your project strengthen the community or region culturally and economically? 5. Present a plan of how you will track progress toward your stated economic goals, including your plans for evaluation and documentation, and what strategies will be used to ensure that the project is completed successfully. 6. What financial and in-kind contributions can your community offer to support the project over a period of 18 months? How do you expect to sustain the initiative beyond the granting period? E. Organizational and Financial Management 1. Describe how your consortium developed and how it will collaborate with municipal government and business to strengthen the cultural and economic development of the community and/or region. 2. Describe the partnership overseeing the project, including partner roles, responsibilities and expectations, and highlighting the assets each partner organization brings to the project. 3. Describe the primary applicant s organizational readiness to complete the project as described, including evidence of sound fiscal management and other resources or strengths that will help it implement activities. II. Application Budget Form and Detail Organizations must provide evidence of 1:1 cash or in-kind match. III. Resumes For key staff members and other personnel involved with the project. Creative professionals to be employed by the project may be included as well. IV. Letters of Support From individuals or representatives of organizations who can speak to their anticipated benefit from the project. V. Letters from Funders or Donors Submit letters confirming funds outlined in the income budget section of your online application. VI. One-page Planning Timeline Outline the project's planning development from initial conversations to the project's launch. Provide details and comment on any assessment strategies, decisions, participants, key meeting dates, and so on. Limit to one page. VII. One-page Project Timeline Outline the plan for the project's implementation. Include details about scheduling, locations and other special events, etc. Include any meetings as well as key ongoing assessment and planning strategies. Include any related project activities that may extend beyond the granting period, if applicable, but but be very specific about the phase(s) of your project that are included in your request for funding (e.g., funding is being requested for 'Phase B' of 'Phases A,B, & C' activity) and that they occur within the granting period. Limit to one page. VIII. Financial Information Provide fiscal year income summary or most recent activity statement for lead partner (applicant). Please use accrual accounting. IX. Vendor Form To be provided by a first time applicant or those whose contact information has changed. This is
information used by Revenue to generate a check if the grant is awarded. Applicants should be sure to indicate the address the check should be sent to. X. Assurances Form for Organizations only Form must include the original signature of an authorizing official. Please mark with name of applicant. XI. Media Materials This collection can include applicable newspaper articles, newsletter, program, brochure, photographs, catalogs, DVDs, CDs Professional resumes for those managing the proposed activity