ARTSFAIRFAX

ARTSFAIRAX is collecting contact information and descriptions of programs by and for 50+ residents including teaching artists, art therapists, and arts programs in all arts disciplines.  The resulting Creative Aging Resource Guide will be used to assist senior centers, community centers, adult day programs, libraries, parks, and recreation centers for the annual Creative Aging Festival as well as year round programming.

The goal of the Creative Aging initiative is to encourage older adult participation in the arts by promoting programming by and for 50+ residents and education on the benefits of older adult participation in the arts. 

                                                            Fast Track Grants

                                                       Application and Guidelines

Program Description 

Fast Track Grants are non-matching grants to Fairfax County arts organizations to fund one-time events or activities that fall outside the regular cycle or scope of ARTSFAIRFAX grants.

Award Amount  

Applicants may request up to $1,000. No Match is required. A Fast Track Grant is paid in full at the time of award. 

Applicant Eligibility

All applicants must meet the following criteria to apply for a Fast Track Grant. Staff reviews all grant applications for eligibility prior to any awards consideration. 

1. An organization is eligible to apply if:

· It has as a core mission the creation, exhibition, presentation, production, or performance of and/or education in an arts discipline.

· It has regular activity in a minimum of four different months in the year or 120 days of the year.

· An organization must:

· Be in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws; and

· Hold current or pending status under IRS code 501(c)(3); or

· Operate as a specifically defined arts division, or have its own arts program identity, within a larger nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

2. Organizations that receive line item funding from Fairfax County, George Mason University and non-profit organizations and foundations that support county programs are only eligible to apply for Project Support grants, not Operating Support, Organizational and Professional Development, or Fast Track grants.

3. The applicant organization or the division/program must have an address of record within the geographical boundaries of Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church and satisfy TWO of the following four criteria:

· Present at least 51% of public artistic activities within the geographical boundaries of Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church, or

· Meet, rehearse, exhibit, and operate within the geographical boundary of Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church, or

· Have 51% of board of directors’ members work or reside in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church, or

· Verify that 51% of attendees at performances, exhibits, events, and activities reside in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church evidenced through acceptable statistical data including but not limited to: ticket analysis, subscription data, box office surveys, and audience surveys.

4. The applicant must have submitted all required final reports for any grant(s) received from the ARTSFAIRFAX during the most recently completed fiscal year.

5. An organization must have independently prepared financial statements such as an audit or a treasurer’s report.

6. Organizations may receive Fast Track Grants only once per 12 month period.

7. An organization has to be a county wide non-profit organization or foundation.

8. Preference will be given to programs that serve Fairfax county residents.

Criteria: 

· Project addresses an opportunity or need that falls outside the regular cycle or scope of ARTSFAIRFAX grants

· Projects requesting travel support outside the county are eligible if it is for unanticipated professional development opportunities that fall outside ARTSFAIRFAX’s regular grant cycle. Any costs related to travel for artistic activities—performances, exhibitions, etc.—must be within Fairfax County

· Grant funds will meet the applicant’s identified need

· Project costs are realistic

Eligible Expenses   

· Unforeseen project costs that could threaten an organization’s ability to successfully carry out a project

· Equipment lease, purchase or  repair that was not anticipated 

· Unexpected artistic opportunity not part of regular season or artistic calendar

· Emergency situation as defined by the organization

The Fast Track grant is not an alternative for submitting late applications or missing deadlines in other categories.  Funds may not be used for deficit reduction, construction or renovation projects, political advocacy, expenses that have occurred in the past or fundraising events. If funds are requested to support an activity or performance, the event must be open to the public.

Grant Preparation Assistance

Please contact the ARTSFAIRFAX Grants Department with questions about an activity’s appropriateness or eligibility.

Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until available funds are expended.

Review Process: Applications will be internally reviewed by a panel of staff members and approved by the ARTSFAIRFAX Grants Committee. Applicants will be notified of their grant status within 30 days of receipt of the application.

Final Report: A one-page (maximum) final report is required within 60 days of receipt of funds summarizing how funds were spent and the impact of the grant.

How to Apply: 

Step 1: Contact ARTSFAIRFAX for preliminary project eligibility determination.

Step 2: Complete Online application at https://artsfairfax.submittable.com/submit

You will be required to attach the following: 

1) Bios (no longer than 1 paragraph) of key artistic and administrative staff involved 

2) A list of the organization’s Board of Directors

3) If applying for the first time include a 501(c)(3) determination letter 

4) A 500 word narrative that includes a description of the unforeseen need or opportunity that will be funded through the grant and the overall cost details of the project

Applicants will receive an email confirmation once the grant application had been submitted. 

Acknowledgements: ARTSFAIRFAX requires acknowledgement of the Arts Council’s support for all public programs and services. Credit the Arts Council as a donor on all printed materials and digital media through use of the ARTSFAIRFAX logo and the statement, “This program is funded in part by ARTSFAIRFAX, supported by the County of Fairfax.” Grant recipients should send copies to ARTSFAIRFAX of all materials that are distributed to the public, e.g., flyers, brochures, or program booklets.

Project Support Grants are non-recurring grants used to support eligible nonprofit arts organizations in providing activities that engage new audiences in the arts and contribute to the vibrancy and quality of life in Fairfax County. These grants encourage wide participation in the arts through diverse cultural programming available to all residents of Fairfax County. 

Please click here to view the complete Guidelines for this grant program: