Operating Support

Artistik Approach at Artspace Lofts
photo: Alyssa Kelley

OPERATING SUPPORT GRANTS

 

OUR ARTS INVESTMENTS

ArtsMemphis is engaged in a multi-year process of realigning our arts investment programs. In keeping with the needs of our community and trends in our field, we continue to develop strategies to better support the variety of arts in Shelby County, to base arts investments on organizations’ current work and progress in addressing the needs of communities, and to establish goals for diversity and inclusion for our staff, board and partners.  As we work through this process, we will continue to communicate with and invite input from all artists and arts organizations – those that have previously received funds from ArtsMemphis as well as those that have not – to ensure this process is open and transparent, and the needs and perspectives of the full arts spectrum of Shelby County are integrated into our process. Our guidelines, criteria and funding totals continue to evolve and we will continue to distribute information and host conversations about our programs to ensure all current and potential grant recipients are well informed of our funding opportunities.

For reference, the papers linked below provide information and context on similar work happening across the country, examining arts funding trends and the need for more equitable funds distribution.

Grantmakers in the Arts:  Recalculating the Formula for Success

Helicon Collaborative: Not Just Money

Memphis Music Initiative: Disruptive Philanthropy

 

OPERATING SUPPORT INVESTMENTS FOR ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

Providing operating funds to arts organizations has been a cornerstone of ArtsMemphis’ since its founding in 1963. ArtsMemphis recognizes that unrestricted support is necessary to shape a dynamic and sustainable arts community. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of local individuals, foundations and corporations and the Tennessee Arts Commission, ArtsMemphis will invest nearly $1.24M in arts organizations in FY19 through a competitive operating support grant program.

This unrestricted funding is intended to advance ArtsMemphis’ mission of sustaining Memphis’ world-renowned cultural vitality and strengthening local communities through the arts.  These investments should supplement other revenue, both earned and contributed, generated by the organization.

Our eligibility criteria and guidelines have changed and as we continue to evolve this program to ensure greater equity in our arts investments, we anticipate further changes in the years ahead.  Evaluation criteria have remained largely the same as last year.

Organizations must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible to apply for funding consideration:

  • Have a current 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status with a primary place of business in Shelby County.
  • Have a primary mission of arts programming.
  • Offer programs that are accessible to all Shelby County citizens regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any characteristic protected by law.
  • If an operating support grant was awarded in FY18, all reporting and other requirements must be submitted and the grant closed out by June 30, 2018.

 

The following entities are not eligible for Operating Support Grants but may be eligible for other funding through ArtsMemphis.

  • Organizations with a mission that is not arts-based.
  • Institutions of higher education or individual departments of colleges and universities.
  • Religious organizations, churches or church-affiliated programs, and programs that have implicit religious content, express a particular religious view, or advance a religious purpose.
  • Governmental institutions, i.e., public libraries, park and recreational facilities, schools, etc.
  • Arts-missioned programs or projects operating under a fiscal agent that does not have an arts-based mission.

GROUP DESIGNATIONS

Group 1:  Current fiscal year budget less than $100,000 OR less than 3 years of ArtsMemphis grant support in past 5 fiscal years

Group 2:  3-Year Budget average of $100,000-$399,999 AND 3 years of support from ArtsMemphis in past 5 fiscal years

Group 3:  3-Year Budget average* of $400,000-$1,499,999 AND 3 years of support from ArtsMemphis in past 5 fiscal years

Group 4:  3-Year Budget average* of $1,500,000+ AND 3 years of support from ArtsMemphis in past 5 fiscal years

*3-year expense average as reported on Form 990 will determine funding category for Groups 3-4.

Three years of support in past five fiscal years means that an organization received at least one ArtsMemphis grant, from any of our programs including designated gifts, in three different years since July 1, 2013.

Total Operating Support funds available - $1.239M ($1.194M in FY18)

Click on the Group to which your organization belongs for more information.

Group 1

Eligibility Requirements

  • Organization’s current fiscal year budget is less than $100,000 OR organization has less than three years of ArtsMemphis grant support in past five fiscal years.
  • Have a current 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status with a primary place of business in Shelby County.
  • Have a primary mission of arts programming.
  • Offer programs that are accessible to all Shelby County citizens regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any characteristic protected by law.
  • Have proof of compliance with all local, state, and federal laws or requirements (i.e. IRS form 990, state auditor forms, TN solicitation license, etc.).

 

Application Requirements

  • Organizational Profile (via online form)
  • Narrative (via online form)
  • Budget (via email attachment):
    • Option 1:  Submit your financial data using ArtsMemphis’ Financial Appendix Template.
    • Option 2:  Submit your last fiscal year budget to actuals comparison and your current fiscal year budget in format of your choice. If you choose this option, you must also submit a narrative report that includes the following information:
      • Explanation of any variances Last FY-Current FY budget >10% +/-
      • Describe any line items notes as “other”
      • Explain how deficits are covered
      • In-kind support description
  • Staff and Board list using template provided in “Application” tab.  If your organization is volunteer-run, please note the names of your volunteers/board members and the role they serve.  Please indicate if the positions are paid or unpaid. (via email attachment)

Group 2

Eligibility Requirements

  • Organization’s average expenses over past three fiscal years are $100,000-$399,999, determined by averaging Form 990 Expenses for past three completed fiscal year reports.
  • Three years of support from ArtsMemphis in past five fiscal years.
  • Have a current 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status with a primary place of business in Shelby County.
  • Have a primary mission of arts programming.
  • Offer programs that are accessible to all Shelby County citizens regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any characteristic protected by law.
  • Offer a full season of programming and/or year-round activity.
  • Have proof of compliance with all local, state, and federal laws or requirements (i.e. IRS form 990, state auditor forms, TN solicitation license, etc.).

 

Application Requirements

  • Organizational Profile (via online form)
  • Narrative (via online form)
  • Budget (via email attachment):
    • Option 1:  Submit your financial data using ArtsMemphis’ Financial Appendix Template.
    • Option 2:  Submit your last fiscal year budget to actuals comparison and your current fiscal year budget in format of your choice. 
      • If you choose this option, you are not required to provide your Form 990 information for the past three completed fiscal years, however you should use this data to identify this as your Group designation.  ArtsMemphis staff will verify your designation.
      •  If you choose this option, you must also submit a narrative report that includes the following information:
      •  Explanation of any variances Last FY-Current FY budget >10% +/-
      • Describe any line items notes as “other”
      •  Explain how deficits are covered
      • In-kind support description
  • Staff and Board list using template provided in “Application” tab. (via email attachment)

Group 3

Eligibility Requirements

  • Organization’s average expenses over past three fiscal years are $400,000-$1,499,999, determined by averaging Form 990 Expenses for past three completed fiscal year reports.
  • Three years of support from ArtsMemphis in past five fiscal years. 
  • Have a current 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status with a primary place of business in Shelby County.
  • Have a primary mission of arts programming.
  • Offer programs that are accessible to all Shelby County citizens regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any characteristic protected by law.
  • Offer a full season of programming and/or year-round activity.
  • Have proof of compliance with all local, state, and federal laws or requirements (i.e. IRS form 990, state auditor forms, TN solicitation license, etc.).

 

Application Requirements

  • Organizational Profile (via online form)
  • Narrative (via online form)
  • Financial Appendix form. (via email attachment)
  • Balance sheet for last completed financial reporting period (e.g. last month, last quarter). (via email attachment)
  • WHEREtoGIVEmidsouth.org Profile.
  • List of top 25 donors. (via email attachment)
  • Staff and Board list using template provided in “Application” tab. (via email attachment)

Group 4

Eligibility Requirements

  • Organization’s average expenses over past three fiscal years are $1,500,000+, determined by averaging Form 990 Expenses for past three completed fiscal year reports.
  • Three years of support from ArtsMemphis in past five fiscal years 
  • Have a current 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status with a primary place of business in Shelby County.
  • Have a primary mission of arts programming.
  • Offer programs that are accessible to all Shelby County citizens regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any characteristic protected by law.
  • Offer a full season of programming and/or year-round activity.
  • Have proof of compliance with all local, state, and federal laws or requirements (i.e. IRS form 990, state auditor forms, TN solicitation license, etc.).

 

Application Requirements

  • Organizational Profile (via online form)
  • Narrative (via online form)
  • Financial Appendix form. (via email attachment)
  • Balance sheet for last completed financial reporting period (e.g. last month, last quarter). (via email attachment)
  • WHEREtoGIVEmidsouth.org Profile.
  • List of top 25 donors. (via email attachment)
  • Staff and Board list using template provided in “Application” tab. (via email attachment)
  • A maximum of $1,239,000 will be available for grant investments in FY19 (an increase of $45K from FY18).
    • Group 1:  Approximately $20,000   
    • Group 2:  Approximately $38,000
    • Group 3:  Approximately $331,000
    • Group 4:  Approximately $850,000
  • Grant award decisions are competitive and awards are based on an organization’s documentation of progress and success against the stated criteria.
  • Submission of an application for funding does not guarantee that funding will be awarded.
  • Requests for FY19 funding may not exceed 5% of an organization’s current fiscal year budget. 
    • Review panels will consider documented in-kind contributions as part of the financial review.
  • Review Process:
    • Review panel comprised of ArtsMemphis board members and supporters.
    • An organization’s review may include a site visit, event or performance attendance or pre-review meeting with review panel members.
      • Not all applicants will be visited or have a pre-review meeting.  Therefore, all critical information must be included in the grant application.
  • Applications and associated materials must be received by Friday, July 20 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Emailed and hard copy organization profile and application forms will not be accepted.
    • Some required attachments may be submitted via email if so noted in the Attachments & Actions Check List on the application form.
    • In fairness to others, no deadline extensions are granted and we will not accept incomplete applications. An application may be deemed incomplete and ineligible if information is not provided in the appropriate format by the deadline.
    • Please do not submit more materials than stipulated; excess materials will be discarded.
  • You are encouraged to contact Tracy Lauritzen Wright at ArtsMemphis in advance of the deadline with any questions or to seek guidance ([email protected], 901-578-2787).  A list of Frequent Asked Questions will be available and updated regularly.

As ArtsMemphis works towards impact-based funding decisions, we are considering the following areas around which we anticipate defining goals for our grants and arts investments in the near future.

  • Vibrant Communities
  • Economic Impact
  • Talent Development & Retention (for arts organizations and community as a whole)
  • Youth Access
  • Fair Opportunity Exposure – our vision is that every Memphian experiences the impact of the arts in their lives

The impact areas above and the criteria below will be used as a guide by review panel members to assess each application.

 

Mission, Capacity and Impact (60%) 

Mission

  • Does the organization demonstrate progress against their stated mission and goals?
  • Do the organization’s goals align with ArtsMemphis’ mission and vision?
  • Does the organization show advancement in program excellence in all creative endeavors?

Capacity

  • Is there stability within the organization and its leadership?
  • Does the organization have the administrative capacity to carry out its goals today and plan for tomorrow?
  • Does the organization have the artistic capacity to carry out its goals?
  • Does the organization have existing relationships/partnerships to advance inclusion in their programming, and/or to leverage assets and capacities with other organizations to expand impact, access and sustainability?

Impact

  • Does a program(s) or initiative noted in the application address underserved populations?
  • Was a program(s) or initiative noted in the application developed due to and/or utilizing research or evaluation data?
  • Does the organization present art works that are inclusive of all members of the community or use art to tell stories that are inclusive of all members of the community?
  • Does the organization have key metrics and an evaluation plan to track success against stated goals?
  • Does the organization offer programs that are relevant to the broader community?

 

Governance and Fiscal Accountability (40%) 

Governance

  • Does the Board financially support the organization and is it actively involved in the organization? 
  • Does the Board structure align with the needs of the organization?

Fiscal Accountability

  • What is the general financial health of the organization?
  • Does the organization have diverse revenue streams?
  • Does the organization have a defined strategy for growth and/or sustainability?
  • If the organization is operating at a deficit, does it have a reasonable plan for reversing this trend? 
  • Does the organization have reserve funds available in the event of a deficit? Are there controls in place to maintain a reserve?
  • Is there an effort to improve the efficiency of operations and control expenses?

May 29, 2018                      Grant Application Opens

Submit questions to Tracy Lauritzen Wright at [email protected]

 

June 12, 2018                     Information Sessions

2:00pm at Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance, 2670 Union Avenue Extended, Suite 100

6:00pm at ArtsMemphis, 575 S. Mendenhall

Register

 

June 21, 2018                     Information Session

10:00am at National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry Street

Register

 

July 20, 2018                       DEADLINE

All grant application materials must be submitted by 5:00 pm

 

August 6-24, 2018            Site visits / pre-review meetings

As scheduled by ArtsMemphis staff

 

September 24                   Grant decisions announced

 

September 30                   Initial grant payments distributed

All information sessions have concluded. You can download and view the information session presentation here.

If you have questions please refer to the FAQ document for updated information. Any further questions can be directed to Tracy Lauritzen Wright at [email protected]. 

IMPORTANT:  Please download the document version of the organization profile and application forms before beginning to fill in the requested information so that you may compile your responses.  You may then copy and paste your responses into these online forms.  It is not possible to save your work mid-way through completion of the online application form, and it must be filled out in one sitting.

 

Click on the links below to access application materials.

You may submit questions about this grant in writing to Tracy Lauritzen Wright at [email protected]. 

We will begin to provide information in the FAQ document after the June 12 information sessions.

Questions received by July 13, 2018 will be answered and included in the FAQ document.

 

 

If you have any questions regarding the FY19 Operating Support Grants please call our office at (901) 578-2787 or contact Tracy Lauritzen Wright at [email protected] 

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