Decatur Area Arts Council (Community and Education Grants)
The Decatur Area Arts Council supports and promotes creative arts experiences and events to enrich communities in Macon County and surrounding areas. By providing grants funded by national, state, and local organizations, the council empowers schools, nonprofits, and community groups to bring impactful arts initiatives to life. Their mission focuses on fostering accessibility to the arts, enhancing cultural education, and inspiring creative expression for the benefit of residents across their service area.
More information about this grant and the application form are both available on the foundation website here!
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible organizations for the Decatur Area Arts Council grant include municipal agencies or units of government, pre-schools and K-12 schools, school cultural groups or parent organizations, colleges and universities, shelter/mental health facilities, hospitals and nursing homes, religious organizations, arts organizations, and community organizations.
Location: The Decatur Area Arts Council grant is available to organizations located in Macon County, Illinois, and the communities of Assumption, Clinton, Moweaqua, Pana, and Taylorville.
Project Scope: The project scope for the Decatur Area Arts Council grant includes:- Arts events: Activities or performances that enhance cultural engagement in the community.
- Creative arts learning experiences: Educational opportunities fostering artistic expression and skill development.
FUNDING RESTRICTIONS
The Decatur Area Arts Council grant provides funding ranging from $200 to $1,200 per project on average.
Funding restrictions for the Decatur Area Arts Council grant include:
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Funds cannot be used for capital improvements (e.g., building renovations or equipment purchases).
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Grants do not support general operating expenses or ongoing administrative costs.
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Projects must directly relate to arts events or educational experiences.
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Organizations must be not-for-profit and meet eligibility requirements.
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Projects must occur within the DAAC service area and adhere to grant deadlines and timelines.
For further details, refer to the guidelines provided by the Arts Council.
APPLICATION COMPONENTS
Completed Application Form: Includes project details, objectives, and impact.
Budget Overview: Itemized list of expenses and funding sources.
Proof of Nonprofit Status: Documentation verifying the organization’s eligibility.
Project Timeline: Start and completion dates within the grant guidelines.
Supporting Materials: May include letters of support, program outlines, or promotional plans.
Contact Information: For organizational representatives.
DEADLINE
The deadlines for the Decatur Area Arts Council grant application are:
- Early September
- February
- May
Exact dates vary; refer to the current application guidelines for specifics. Projects must start at least 30 days after approval and be completed by August 31 of the fiscal year.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The reporting requirements for the Decatur Area Arts Council grant typically include:
- Final Report Submission: A detailed summary of the completed project.
- Financial Report: An itemized account of how grant funds were spent.
- Impact Assessment: Description of the project's outcomes, including community engagement and benefits.
- Supporting Documentation: Photos, promotional materials, or program reviews as evidence of project execution.
Reports must be submitted by the specified deadline, as outlined in the grant guidelines.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Artistic Quality: The merit and creativity of the proposed arts event or learning experience.
Community Impact: How the project engages and benefits the local community.
Feasibility: The organization's ability to successfully execute the project, including budget and timeline considerations.
Alignment with Mission: How well the project aligns with the DAAC’s goal of promoting the arts and arts education.
Inclusivity: Efforts to reach diverse and underserved populations.
Applications are reviewed based on these factors to ensure projects align with the DAAC’s mission and funding priorities.