Small Operating Support Grant Program

How can we help you do what you do…better?

Healthy arts, history, and cultural organizations enhance quality of life in Iowa communities. With SOS Grants, the Department of Cultural Affairs wants to help small and mid-sized arts, history, and cultural organizations:

Ease the pressure that comes with making ends meet
Take steps toward improved professionalism and standards of operation
Cover some operational costs to free up other funds for programming
Become more effective at achieving goals that have value in their communities

Grant Amounts
Applicants may apply for no more than 5% of their previous year’s operating budget, up to a maximum of $5,000.

Note: SOS grants are one-time grants. The Department of Cultural Affairs makes no commitments to continued funding in subsequent years.

Funding Period
SOS Grant funds may be used for expenditures occurring between January 1 and June 30, 2008.

Deadline
Submit applications by 4:30 p.m. on November 30, 2007. This is NOT a postmark deadline.

How can funds be used?
The intent of this grant program is to support operating expenses. Expenses for special projects are typically funded through other IAC/DCA grant programs. Small and mid-size arts, history, and cultural organizations in Iowa might apply for an SOS grant to support:

Personnel, including either paid or contracted employees
Equipment purchases that will improve efficiency in the organization
New members challenge drive to match membership dues, subscriptions, tickets, etc.
Hiring a consultant
Costs related to technology: software purchases, staff training, etc.
General marketing and promotional expenses
Other operating costs such as rent, utilities, phone, website, etc.

SOS Grant funds may NOT be used for capital expenses or for political lobbying activities, or as matching funds for activities already receiving funds from another Department of Cultural Affairs grant program.

Eligible Applicants
To be eligible for SOS funds, ALL the following must be true for an organization:

The organization’s primary mission and purpose are the arts, history or culture; for example, arts organizations, botanical centers, historical organizations, museums, cultural centers, or centers for the performing arts.
The organization is registered with the Iowa Secretary of State’s office as an Iowa nonprofit organization and operates as a federally tax exempt organization under IRS section 501(c)(3), OR is a formal entity of city, county, or tribal government.
The organization has been in existence in its community for at least 3 years.
The organization’s annual operating budget is less than $150,000 per year.

Not Eligible to Apply

Individuals
An entity of federal or state government
A for-profit corporation or business; religious organization; political party; labor union; or national service/professional organization
An educational institution, organization or K-12 school, whose primary orientation, mission and purpose is education and the awarding of academic credits, or organizations that are operated with a purpose to support such institutions
An organization that receives general operating support through other programs administered by the DCA or its divisions
A previous grantee of the Department of Cultural Affairs or any of its divisions with an outstanding late Final Report
An organization using a fiscal agent or the Iowa nonprofit or federal tax-exempt status of another organization.
An auditorium, convention center or other similar type of venue
An organization that has already received funding for the same project or expenses from another grant program operated by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs or any of its divisions.

Funding Limitations from Other DCA Grant Programs
The Department of Cultural Affairs manages a number of grant programs. Some restrictions are necessary in order to be sure that funds can be distributed broadly.

SOS grant recipients may apply for and receive funds from any Iowa Arts Council, State Historical Society of Iowa, or general DCA grant programs, but MAY NOT use SOS funds as match for these grants.
In addition, SOS grant recipients are limited to receiving one Major Grant OR one Mini Grant from the Iowa Arts Council per fiscal year.

Criteria
SOS grants will be reviewed using the following criteria:

Need for and Impact of Funds (up to 15 points): the need for SOS funds must be clearly stated, and the application narrative must clearly define the impact these funds will have on the organization’s ability to achieve its mission and goals.
Community Support (up to 15 points): the organization must show through its narrative and attached support letters that it provides arts, history, or cultural programming and/or services that are highly valued and supported by leaders in its community.
Completeness of Application Content and Budget Detail (up to 5 points): the budget request and attached organizational budget must be clear and understandable to reviewers, and application package must include all required materials

Review Process
A review panel of at least three individuals representing DCA staff and constituents will evaluate each proposal according to the criteria. The panel will make recommendations to the DCA Director, who makes final award decisions.

Applicants will receive notification of award decisions within 45 days of the application deadline.

To Apply

Read the guidelines, application form, and service contract to be sure of the SOS program’s details.
Assemble an application package that includes the following:

Completed SOS Application Form, including up to two pages of responses to narrative questions
Department of Cultural Affairs Service Contract, completed and signed by the appropriate organization authority
Completed Substitute W-9 Form, which enables grant payments from the State of Iowa
Maximum of three letters of support from leaders in the community, describing the impact and importance of the organization to the community
Itemized operating budget (expenses and income) for the organization’s most recently completed operating year

Send the application package to:

SOS Grant Application
c/o Linda Lee
Department of Cultural Affairs
600 E Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50319