Capacity Building—Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is different about the Capacity Building program compared to the outgoing Information and Resource Assistance Program (IRAP)?
The programs are similar, but important differences exist. The IRAP program (and the Technical Assistance program before it) mainly funded consultancies and conference registration costs. The Capacity Building program is broader and more hands-on. Workshops are to be attended by teams, not individuals. The OAC is better able to provide assessments and diagnostics for interested organizations than ever before. And the focus areas for organizational development are spelled out. Click on What the Program Supports for details.

2. Can you give me an example of the types of projects that might be funded in Capacity Building?
Projects designed to improve the leadership or governance of an organization, improve linkages to its community, or develop financial or human resources may be eligible. Click here to read some examples of eligible projects, and please contact your Program Coordinator at the OAC prior to applying to discuss the eligibility of your project.

3. My organization is planning to work with a consultant. How do I choose the right one? Does the OAC have a list that I might use? Should I have met with him/her and have a plan in place before I apply?
You may request a list of suggested consultants from the OAC for the Capacity Building program, but the ultimate decision on which consultant is the best "fit" for your needs will be yours to make. You may also choose to work with a consultant not listed on the OAC list if you like, after discussing it with your Program Coordinator. You will definitely want to meet with your consultant to discuss your OAC proposal prior to submitting it to the Capacity Building program. Read the Capacity Building section of the Guidelines for further information.

4. Is there a deadline for applying to the Capacity Building program?
Applicants may apply anytime, but must apply no less than 6 weeks before the proposed activities are scheduled to begin. Grants will be awarded to organizations on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the year as our budget allows. We hope to have funds available for Capacity Building grants on a year-round basis.

5. Which OAC staff member should I contact for assistance with this program?
Program Coordinators have been assigned to assist constituents by geographic region rather than by arts discipline or OAC program. This will allow constituents to work with a single coordinator for all their questions, regardless of application type (with the exception of Arts Learning grants) and will allow our coordinators to become familiar with all the organizations in a given region of the state. For a map and listing of the regions please visit our staff page.

6. What is the cash match required for the Capacity Building program?
There is a 1:1 match required for all organizational grants. Cash and some documented in-kind donations are allowable as part of that match.

7. How can I determine if my organization's programming or project addresses the process of creating public value for my community?
The OAC believes that practically every arts activity planned with the community creates value for people and the community-at-large in some fashion. Capturing, documenting and evaluating that value is often much more complicated! Essentially, organizations need to tell better stories about how people's lives are changed as a result of their work. For more information on current research in this area you should first begin by reading the Cultural Participation Policy section of our Guidelines. In addition, you may wish to discuss your specific question with the OAC program Coordinator in your region. He/she will have additional suggestions on ways in which you can become part of the public value conversation.