Sustainability—Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is different about the Sustainability program compared to the outgoing Operating Support I and II programs?
The programs are similar, but differences exist. Sustainability applications will not be grouped or reviewed by arts discipline (visual arts, performing arts, community arts, literature, etc.) as Operating Support applications were. Sustainability applicants will also not make an actual grant request, as they did under the OSII program; instead, grant amounts will be calculated using a formula based on your organization's last fiscal year income. All Sustainability grants will also be two-year grants, unlike OSII grants. Read the Guidelines section on Sustainability to learn more.

2. May I receive funding through the Sustainability program and also apply to Arts Innovation for a new or special one-time project?
Yes. However, these grants will be highly competitive and that priority will be given to those projects that are truly progressive and represent a departure from the day-to-day programming of their institutions. You may wish to contact your OAC Program Coordinator for more information.

3. Is there still a $40,000 maximum for the total amount of grant money that an organization may receive in one fiscal year from the OAC?
No organization with a budget lower than $1.5 million may receive more than $40,000 in a single fiscal year through any combination of grants from the Sustainability and Arts Innovation programs. This cap excludes additional funding from all other programs. Please contact your OAC Program Coordinator for more information.

4. My organization has a budget over $1.5 million. May I apply for funding through the Sustainability program and also apply to Arts Innovation for a new or special one-time project?
Yes. However, due to limited funding, be aware that small, emerging and mid-sized arts and cultural organizations will generally be given priority for Arts Innovation funds.

5. Are support materials required as part of my application?
Yes, this program does require one complete set of support materials. Support materials must be received in the OAC office within seven calendar days to be accepted. You will be notified via e-mail when your materials have reached our office. Please read the Support Materials section for more information on the types of materials you may wish to include, or contact your OAC Program Coordinator.

6. Is my organization required to submit an audit with my application to the Sustainability program?
Organizations applying to the Sustainability Program with budgets over $1.5 million must submit a certified audit by April 1. Organizations applying to the Sustainability program with budgets under $1.5 million may send either: 1) an audit (either certified or uncertified); 2) a copy of their IRS Form 990; or 3) a copy of your Treasurer's Report signed by the treasurer. In all cases, documents should relate to your organization's most recently completed fiscal year.

7. Will the OAC panel meetings still be open to the public?
Yes, OAC panel meetings for the Sustainability program will be open to the public. Panel dates for FY 2006 meetings will be posted on the OAC website several months in advance of the meeting date.

8. 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 covered please visit our staff page.

9. What is the cash match required for the Sustainability 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.

10. 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.