Technical Assistance Grant

Purpose

Technical Assistance to South Dakota nonprofit arts organizations provides matching funds for specialists to advise groups on technical matters, specific programs, projects, and/or administrative functions, provided that this expertise is not available within the organization.
Assistance specifically related to technology issues such as use of the internet, web design and other computer expertise may be funded in this category.

Consultant’s responsibility is to offer advice and suggestions toward solving an organization’s problems and, if applicable, to help train or advise staff members to carry out the suggestions. A board or staff member should be assigned to work with the consultant to implement recommendations.

Consultant may be the organization’s choice (provided that person is, in the judgment of the Council, a qualified professional) or, if the organization requests, Council staff will recommend a number of consultants from which the organization may choose.

Assistance up to $500 may be provided by the Council to match 50% of the consultant’s negotiated fee and travel/lodging/meals at state government rates. The final payment (10% of the grant) will be made upon receipt of the evaluation. No more than $500 may be awarded to an organization within a fiscal year.

Colleges and universities are not eligible to apply.

All materials must be postmarked at least 30 days prior to the beginning date of the proposed activity.

Applications are reviewed by staff with consideration given to the following:

• Complete description of the consultation.
• Indication of need for Technical Assistance.
• Qualifications of selected consultant.
• Management and fiscal competence of applicant.
• Realist budget showing cash match.

Applicants must submit one copy of the following materials:

1. Apply online [application linked here]. Reach out to staff with any questions [staff list linked here].
   • A summary of the proposed activity must be supplied in the space provided on the application form.
2. Budget Page. List constultant's travel fee under
   • A. Personnel/Other Outside Fees and Services. List consultant's travel, lodging and meals expenses under C. Travel. List sources and amounts of matching funds under the appropriate category in the Income section of the budget.
3. Narrative. An application narrative which includes:
   • An outline of the particular needs of the organization.
   • Consultant's name and address.
   • Proposed dates of the consultation
     Add the page(s) to the application.
4. Resume. A copy of the consultant's resume. Add the page(s) to the application.

Make a copy of the application packet for your files before submitting the application.

Evaluation

Evaluation forms are due 30 days after the ending date of the Technical Assistance activity. Information required on the Evaluation Form includes description and comments on the project, rating (with explanation) of the consultation, number of events scheduled, actual number of individuals benefiting (attendance), and financial report. Subsequent grants are dependent upon receipt of completed evaluation reports.

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