OpportunityTitle: NEA Challenge America Fast-Track Review Grants, FY2009
CategoryExplanation: This category supports focused, distinct projects that take place over limited periods of time and involve limited geographic areas.     All projects must extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations that have limited access to the arts due to geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. The involvement of professionally trained, experienced artists and arts professionals is essential.     Each applicant must present a simple, straightforward project that reflects only one of the project types below. Fast-Track Review Grants are available only for:     An arts event that will feature one or more guest artists. The project (such as a festival, exhibit, recital, reading, performance, screening, broadcast, lecture) must include the participation of guest artist(s). Artistic staff or resident artists of an applicant organization do not qualify as guest artists. In addition to artists&apos; fees, the project may include public relations, professional documentation, and program enhancements that are integral to the event. Examples of program enhancements include interpretive material, transportation, program accommodations (e.g., sign language interpretation, audio description), catalogues, brochures, or publications. Other enhancements such as specific lecture-demonstrations, pre- or post-event talks, or workshops relevant to the proposed arts event also are eligible. NOTE: Projects that involve curriculum-based arts instruction are not eligible (see the Learning in the Arts category).     Professionally directed public art projects such as murals, sculptures, or environmental art that are developed through community engagement.     Civic design activities that involve the renovation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of cultural facilities or spaces . Projects may include architectural studies, design competitions, charettes (design workshops), or feasibility plans. Funding is not available for actual renovation or construction costs.     The unified promotion of community-wide arts activities and resources to enhance cultural tourism or activities in cultural districts. Unified promotion is defined as the professional assessment, design, and/or distribution of public relations tools (calendars, Web sites, brochures, rack cards, signage, etc.) designed to benefit several local orga
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: If an organization applies to the Challenge America Fast-Track Review Grants category, it may not submit another application to the Access to Artistic Excellence or Learning in the Arts categories.    To be eligible, the applicant organization must:     Meet the Arts Endowment&apos;s &quot;Legal Requirements&quot; including nonprofit, tax-exempt status at the time of application. (All organizations must apply directly on their own behalf. Applications through a fiscal agent are not allowed.)    Have a three-year history of programming prior to the application deadline.    Have submitted acceptable Final Report packages by the due date(s) for all Arts Endowment grant(s) previously received.
Description: If an organization applies to the Challenge America Fast-Track Review Grants category, it may not submit another application to the Access to Artistic Excellence or Learning in the Arts categories. The Challenge America: Reaching Every Community Fast-Track Review Grants category offers support primarily to small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations -- those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Age alone (e.g., youth, seniors) does not qualify a group as underserved; at least one of the underserved characteristics noted here also must be present. This category, as an essential component of the Arts Endowment&apos;s goal of providing wide access to artistic excellence, supports local projects that can have significant effects within communities. Grants are available for professional arts programming and for projects that emphasize the potential of the arts in community development. Partnerships can be valuable to the success of these projects. While not required, applicants are encouraged to consider partnerships among organizations, both in and outside of the arts, as appropriate to their project. These Fast-Track Review Grants: Extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations. Are limited to the specific types of projects outlined below. Are for $10,000 each. Receive an expedited application review. Organizations are notified whether they have been recommended for a grant approximately six months after they apply; projects may start shortly thereafter.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: NEA Web Site Manager
GrantorContactText: National Endowment for the Arts &lt;br/&gt;Web Site Manager
CloseDateExplanation: June 2, 2008, Application Deadline   January 1, 2009, Earliest Beginning Date for Arts Endowment Period of Support