Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
What is the time-frame for each grant request for funding?
The funding will be for the duration of the performing season for each individual performing arts organization (and may vary between organizations).
What needs to be included in the application?
Applicants are required to submit an application package including:
- One copy of the applicant’s most recent financial statement including an annualized profit and loss statement and a balance sheet
- One copy of a typical year’s budget including expected revenue from donations, sponsorships, and ticket sales; and expected expenses including artistic and administrative
- One copy of the application’s IRS 501c3 determination letter
- One copy of the season brochure or performance advertisement
- A description of the organization
- A description of the need for young professional artists or student internships
- Justification for the amount requested for the artists pay or internship including educational expenses, performance pay, etc. A list of the organization’s Board of Directors including phone number and email address, with a note of the percentage of board members who contribute either with volunteer time (outside of board meetings) or financially to the organization.
When is the application deadline?
Grants are evaluated throughout the calendar year in the order in which they are received. Grants are intended for the performance season that begins in the calendar year of the grant request. Funding is limited; grants submitted late in the calendar year are less likely to be funded.
How will applicant organizations be notified?
Applicants will be notified of the receipt of the application and will be informed if additional information is needed and/or when the application is reviewed via email. If a site visit or interview is required, this will be scheduled at the convenience of AWE and the applicant. Applications may be submitted twice in a calendar year. Applicants will be notified of the status within 60 days of submittal.
How will I know if my application is ready to submit?
Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposals with AWE foundation staff before preparing an application. Only once all parts of the application have been completed, can the applicant organization submit their application.
Can I apply again if our organization received the grant last year?
Absolutely! However no more than two applications will be accepted from the same organization within the same fiscal year. Priority will be given to those organizations who tell AWE how the grant money was used and information of if it was beneficial to the organization.
What are the eligibility requirements for applicants?
Regarding funding decisions, AWE carefully weighs a variety of factors concerning the proposed project and the applicant organization. Here are our eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must be local, within a 50-mile radius of Fort Collins
- Applicants must be legally incorporated
- Applicants must be IRS 501c3 organizations
- Activities proposed for funding must be performance-oriented, either through live performance or education for live performance
- AWE will not consider applications for competitions or private performances
We also factor in an applicant organization’s merit, organizational capacity, and alignment with Art Without End’s mission statement.
WHAT IS THE TARGET AGE RANGE FOR RECIPIENTS FROM THE ORGANIZATION?
The recipients should be within the age range of 15-25 in order to receive the internship or artist pay.
WHO IS CONSIDERED AN IDEAL RECIPIENT FROM THE ORGANIZATION?
The artist or internship recipients are preferably those who are supporting performers. For example: supporting actors, corps de ballet, non-principal musicians, chorus members, etc. Additionally, back-stage creative and office support may also be recipients including but not limited to production management, lighting, costume, set design, or marketing and advertising.
How much will the AWE Grant cover?
Typical awards will range from $2,000 to $5,000 for a student intern’s tuition and $12,000 to $15,000 for a paid artist or staff member. Other amounts will be considered with sufficient justification in the application. The award is given directly to the 501c3 organizations, not directly to the young artist.
What business education must be provided to the young artist or intern?
All selected recipients of grant dollars will be asked to learn the basic business fundamentals of the organization, including but not limited to:
- A conversation with the Executive Director and Treasurer to understand behind-the-scenes operations and how finances flow
- A conversation with the Board President to understand board purposes and responsibilities
- A conversation with a donor/patron to understand why the community supports the organization
- The artist or intern should perform or work on a minimum of one of the regular season productions. Backstage operations, costuming set design, etc. will count for this requirement
- If appropriate, volunteer hours set by the organization will be requested in marketing, fundraising, or logistics
- This request is not meant to take too much time; if recipient is already aware of the business finances, logistics, and community support of the organization, the request may be waived