Programs
2009 Recovery Act Grants for the Arts in Philadelphia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
2009 Recovery Act Grants for the Arts in Philadelphia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why do the projects eligible for support only address job preservation?
- Why isn't a job for development staff eligible for support?
- Is there a salary cap on the job for which my organization can seek support?
- Can my organization apply for an existing position even if it is currently unfilled?
- What does "previously engaged" mean in the context of fees for artists and/or contractual personnel?
- If personnel are already included in a current NEA grant, can I request support for them under this program?
- Is my organization more likely to receive a grant if we request $15,000 or $25,000 rather than $45,000?
- Why aren't consortium applications allowed?
- Can individuals apply?
- Is there anything new or different about reporting requirements for recipients of Recovery Act funds?
- Do I have to submit my application online?
Why do the projects eligible for support only address job preservation?
While the overall American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) speaks to both job creation and job preservation, the part of the Recovery Act specific to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) states that funds are to be distributed in direct grants "which preserve jobs in the non-profit arts sector threatened by declines in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn."
Why isn't a job for development staff eligible for support?
Salaries, wages, fringe benefits, and fees that are incurred in connection with fund raising are not allowable project expenses -- for this program or any other federal grantmaking program.
Is there a salary cap on the job for which my organization can seek support?
No. The job for which you request support must be critical to your organization's mission and core work, and in jeopardy because of the current economic situation. While there is no limit on the salary your organization pays for the position, the maximum amount that this program will provide to your organization, in total, is $15,000, $25,000 or $45,000. These funds may be used for full or partial support of one employee position. These grants do not require a match. However, if this grant provides only partial support for an employee position, it's up to your organization to cover the balance from other sources, as appropriate.
Can my organization apply for an existing position even if it is currently unfilled?
Yes. Funds under this Act are intended to preserve jobs. We realize that an organization may have a critical position that is currently unfilled due to numerous reasons including but not limited to finances.
What does "previously engaged" mean in the context of fees for artists and/or contractual personnel?
The intention here is not to support the engagement of personnel for new employee positions or new projects. Rather, funding is intended to provide fee support for artists and/or contractual personnel already involved in activities that: 1) are underway, but threatened; 2) could benefit by being extended beyond the period that present finances allow; or 3) have received serious planning, but have been put on hold or have been cancelled due to economics (in which case contracts would not yet have been signed).
If personnel are already included in a current NEA grant, can I request support for them under this program?
Yes, as long as each request is for a distinctly different project. A grantee may not receive more than one Arts Endowment grant for the same project during the same or an overlapping period of support. For example, an orchestra could request support for an arts education coordinator through this program (one project). That same arts education coordinator could work on programs related to another NEA grant (a second project), as long as the same time is not charged to both projects. There can be no commingling of funds and grantees are required to maintain records that easily account for these separate costs.
Is my organization more likely to receive a grant if we request $15,000 or $25,000 rather than $45,000?
Each application will be considered in connection with the review criteria as detailed in the guidelines. Grants will be awarded for the amount requested or not at all. You should present a compelling argument for your proposed project in the context of your own organization. Be realistic in your request. These funds are limited and will not be able to support all worthwhile projects.
Why aren't consortium applications allowed?
While the Arts Endowment recognizes the value of consortium projects, it does not consider such projects the most efficient or effective vehicle for the preservation of jobs under the terms of the ARRA Act. The focus on the timely distribution of critical funds can best be achieved through grants directly to individual organizations.
Can individuals apply?
No. Congress has prohibited the Arts Endowment from making direct grants to individuals except for Literature Fellowships, NEA Jazz Masters Fellowships, NEA National Heritage Fellowships in the Folk & Traditional Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts Opera Honors. Individuals can apply for Literature Fellowships. Jazz Masters Fellowships, Heritage Fellowships, and Opera Honors are awarded based on nominations from the public.
Is there anything new or different about reporting requirements for recipients of Recovery Act funds?
Yes, the reports will be required more frequently and in a standard format. For example, quarterly reports that contain specific data about the jobs preserved will be required. A “Recovery” section has been added to the NEA web site at www.arts.gov/recovery/ to serve as the central information portal for the agency's implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Additional reporting requirements can be found here and at www.philaculture.org as they become available.
Do I have to submit my application online?
Yes. We strongly recommend that you submit at least 3 days in advance of the deadline to give yourself ample time to resolve any problems that you might encounter. In addition, we encourage you to submit outside the hours of 12 noon to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, when demand on the application system is apt to be heaviest.
Have a question that hasn't yet been answered? Please e-mail it to recoverygrants@philaculture.org.