Department of Cultural Affairs’ SOS grant applications due July 27
Small Operating Support grants targeted to arts, history and cultural organizations
For Immediate Release June 25, 2009
(DES MOINES, Iowa) – The deadline for non-profit arts, history and cultural organizations to submit applications for the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs’ Small Operating Support grants is July 27, 2009.
SOS grants are targeted to arts, history and cultural organizations. Applicants may request up to five percent of their annual budget, or a maximum of $5,000. This round of SOS grants funding must be used Sept. 1, 2009-June 30, 2010.
“One of the greatest challenges small and mid-sized arts, history and cultural organizations face is covering their operational costs,” DCA Director Cyndi Pederson said. “With the support of SOS grants, they can focus more of their resources on programming and other events.”
SOS applications must be in the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs office by 4:30 p.m. on July 27, 2009. DCA is at 600 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. Visit www.culturalaffairs.org
or contact Dawn Oropeza Martinez at 515-281-5773 for more information.Examples for which SOS funds may be used include equipment purchases that will improve efficiency in the organization; the cost of membership drives; hiring a consultant or contracted employees; paying costs related to technology such as software purchases, staff training, web development; marketing and promotional expenses; or temporary relief of operating costs such as rent or utilities due to the costs of special programs.
SOS funds may not be used for capital expenses or for political lobbying activities, or for activities already receiving funds from or used as matching funds for another DCA grant program.
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for developing the state’s interest in the areas of the arts, history and other cultural matters with the advice and assistance from its two divisions: the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council. DCA preserves, researches, interprets and promotes an awareness and understanding of local, state and regional history and stimulates and encourages the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation in them. It implements tourism-related art and history projects as directed by the General Assembly and designs a comprehensive, statewide, long-range plan with the assistance of the Iowa Arts Council to develop the arts in Iowa. More information about DCA is available at www.culturalaffairs.org.
