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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:

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:

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:

Not Eligible to Apply

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. 

  Criteria
SOS grants will be reviewed using the following criteria:

  1. 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.    
  2. 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.
  3. 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

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

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

 

 

Contact: Dawn Oropeza
SOS Program Coordinator
Dawn.Oropeza@iowa.gov
515.281.5773

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