Implementation Grant Application

For 2008, applicants have the option of applying for one or two years of funding. The application process for either option is similar.

Applicants applying for two years of funding must be able to demonstrate that the project scope incorporates a sustainability strategy and a timeline that warrants support for a two-year period.

Approval of a two-year award does not guarantee funding for both years. Two-year awards are contingent upon an appropriation to the program by the legislature and by the board of the MCC. Any previously funded project with a significant capacity or project delivery issue is unlikely to be recommended for a two-year award.

The program will fund those applicants that have:

• An innovative, systemic, strategic approach to cultural economic development
• Clearly defined economic goals and objectives
• Project activities that are aligned with the economic goals
• Multiple funding sources that demonstrate project viability, community support, and the potential for long-term sustainability

The program will not fund:

• Activities of limited duration that are not directly tied to long-term economic development goals
• Projects that are part of a single organization’s usual, ongoing activities
• Projects that further the goals or missions of the sponsoring organizations but effect little economic change
• Projects that may improve, but do not substantially change the benefiting organizations' operations
• Short-term employment or education projects for youth
• Capital expenses. The program does not fund capital projects involving the redevelopment of buildings or pre-development feasibility studies. Capital items or equipment that can reasonably be depreciated within a three-year period is an allowable expense. (For more information about programs that support capital projects, please see the Cultural Facilities Fund or ArtistLink web sites.)

Review Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the following 100-point scale:

• Economic Context and Impact (30 points)
• Project Activities (40 points)
• Project Management and Budget (20 points)
• Evaluation (10 points)

Reporting Requirements and Grant Cancellations
Grant recipients are required to submit reports on a regular basis.

Recipients of implementation grants are required to submit:

• An interim report six months after the project begins detailing the project’s progress, any changes in proposed activities, project timeline or personnel, and a financial statement
• An annual written report providing a narrative description and financial documentation of the project’s past activities as well as a description of and budgetary information on future activities

Recipients of implementation grants funded for two years are required to submit the reports described above but on an annual basis.

The MCC has the right to withhold, reduce, or cancel grants if a partnership:

• Fails to comply with the terms of the grant contract
• Does not notify the MCC of significant changes in the project and/or partners
• Is unable to raise the required match
• Demonstrates inadequate financial management and oversight
• Does not properly credit MCC support
• Misses deadlines for grant reports

New Project - Implementation Grant Application Checklist

Returning Project - Implementation Grant Application Checklist
Any project funded through the John and Abigail Adams Arts Program in either 2005, 2006, or 2007 is considered a Returning Applicant.