|
Small Organization Season Support
(SOSS) Grant
Purpose
Small Organization Season Support (SOSS) grants assist small nonprofit arts organizations in presenting a season of activities in any arts discipline(s) that serve the general public and meet specific needs of the applicant organization.
The funding category is designed to:
- Sustain small arts organizations by offering general operating support.
- Recognize and assist arts programming and services that contribute to the quality of life in the applicant’s community or region.
- Reward small arts organizations that produce creative and innovative arts activities.
Eligible
Nonprofit organizations (1) that are designated as federally tax-exempt under the IRS Section 501(c)(3), units of government, or nonprofit educational institutions, (2) whose seasons include a series of at least 4 arts activities, and (3) whose mission statements clearly identify themselves as ARTS organizations are eligible to apply. Nonprofit organizations meeting all three of these criteria, and that are NOT eligible for Arts Challenge Grant funding, should apply for a Small Organization Season Support Grant. Organizations failing to meet criterion #2 or #3 should apply for a Project Grant, even if they are seeking funds for more than one activity.
Organizations that for logical reasons share a 501(c)(3) tax ID number with another organization are eligible to apply for Small Organization Season Support grants provided they meet the criteria outlined under “Scope of Funding” found in the Introduction.
If you are unsure about whether to apply for a Small Organization Season Support Grant or a Project Grant, contact the South Dakota Arts Council office. The staff will be glad to assist you with your grant proposal.
Ineligible
Organizations that do not meet the nonprofit eligibility standards outlined above are ineligible to apply for any grant.
Organizations applying for an SOSS grant are not eligible to apply for a Project Grant.
Deadline
Applications must be postmarked no later than the March 1st deadline. Late applications will not be accepted. Remember that many post offices will not postmark after 5 p.m. Contact your postmaster if you have questions. Applications may also be delivered in person to the South Dakota Arts Council office no later than 5 p.m. on March 1. Applications submitted by FAX machine will not be accepted. Grant awards will be announced in May for the fiscal year that begins the following July 1.
SOSS grants are awarded for a two-year period.
Grant Amount
Applicants may request up to 10% of their total eligible cash operating expenses from the most recently completed fiscal year. Due to SDAC’s budget and the competitive application process, grant awards may be less than the applicant’s request.
SOSS grant recipients receive the same award each year for a two-year period pending federal and state appropriations and, therefore, need to apply only every other year. Should appropriations be increased, reduced or eliminated, second year grant awards may reflect such action.
Funds may be requested as needed throughout each fiscal year. The annual final payment (10% of the grant) will be made upon receipt of an evaluation each fiscal year. Grant funds may be used for general operating assistance.
Criteria for Awarding Grants
Applications are reviewed by arts discipline panels and SDAC with consideration given to:
- Complete description of the organization’s background, purpose and specific programs an SDAC grant will support.
- How the applicant’s programs and services positively impact the arts and quality of life in the community or region.
- Organizational and fiscal management as demonstrated by a year-end financial statement from the most recently completed fiscal year and a realistic operating budget for the current fiscal year.
- Quality of long-range planning as evidenced by a calendar of future arts activities and optional long-range plan.
- Quality within the art form(s) as demonstrated by artistic and/or other supplementary documentation.
Bonus points will be given to applications that include:
- A history of and/or planning for projects that are especially innovative or creative.
- Involvement of disabled, minority, geographically isolated or new constituencies as specifically addressed in the application narrative.
- Advocacy, visibility, or public awareness of the arts as specifically addressed in the narrative.
Application Procedure
Applicants must submit the following:
1. First page of the Small Organization Season Support (SOSS) Grant Application.
- Before completing the application form read the Glossary, and Grant Application Codes.
- A summary of the organization’s mission and goals must be included on the bottom of the page in the space provided.
- Sign and date the application on the bottom of the page.
2. SOSS Application Budget Page (Page 2 of application). Include income and expenses for the entire season of activities. (Note: Out-of-state travel costs are not eligible expenses unless related to board/staff professional development. Subtract all ineligible expenses before completing the budget page.)
- To complete the first column, use figures from the most recently completed fiscal year.
- To complete the second column, enter figures from the current fiscal year’s operating budget.
3. Application narrative of no more than 4 single-side pages. Within the narrative, restate and answer in detail each of the following 4 questions which follow the Criteria for Awarding Grants:
- What is the background and purpose of the organization?
- What aspects of the organization’s programs and services impact the quality of life in the community or region?
- What are the planned activities for the next fiscal year?
- How does the organization (a) meet the needs of underserved audiences (i.e. disabled, minority, geographically isolated or new constituencies) and (b) promote advocacy, visibility and public awareness of the arts?
4. List of the current board of directors with addresses and occupations.
5. List of individuals (staff, volunteers, and/or artists) who coordinate and/or contribute to the artistic quality of the organization’s programming. Include a short biography (no more than one paragraph) of each person.
6. Applicant’s most recent year-end financial statement signed by treasurer or appropriate authorizing official.
7. Optional: Up to five single-side pages of supporting print materials, including, but not limited to, newspaper articles and reviews, or letters of support. Use only 8-1/2” x 11” standard-size paper. Legal-sized paper will not be accepted.
8. Artistic Documentation Form
9. Representative artistic documentation as outlined to provide evidence of the artistic quality of the organization’s programming. Documentation for every event need not be submitted, but should be representative of the overall quality of programming.
10. Five copies of up to five program brochures or equivalent documentation if available.
11. Organization’s long-range plan if available.
12. Self-addressed stamped mailer for return of artistic documentation. Materials will not be returned unless mailer is included with the application. Printed support materials will not be returned unless specifically requested.
Make a copy of the application packet for your files before submitting the application.
Evaluation
Evaluations are due within 30 days from the ending date of the Project Grant activity. Information required on the Evaluation Form includes description and comments on the project, rating (with explanation) of the project, number of events scheduled, actual number of individuals benefiting, and financial reports.
Subsequent grants are dependent upon receipt of completed evaluation reports.
SOSS GRANT CHECKLIST HOW TO PACKAGE YOUR APPLICATION
FOR SUBMISSION
Send one copy of the application form and attachments. Pages must be single-sided, 8 1/2” x 11”; oversized materials and newspaper clippings must be photocopied or laid out to fit this format. Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered by the deadline. Retain a copy for your records
Illustrated below is the order in which application, attachments, and supplementary materials must be assembled. To have documentation returned, you must enclose a self-addressed mailing package with adequate postage.
Checklist of Materials and Assembly Order
1. Application Form
2. Budget Page
3. Application Narrative
4. List of current board of directors
5. List of individuals contributing to programming
6. Year-end financial statement
7. Supporting Print Materials (optional)
8. Artistic Documentation Form
9. Actual Artistic Documentation
10. Program brochures (5 copies each of up to 5 brochures)
11. Long-range plan (if available)
12. Self-addressed mailer with adequate postage to have documentation returned.
|
