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HomeMy WebLinkAboutArt Grant GuidelinesApplications are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Applications MUST be submitted electronically by 4:30pm on the day of the deadline or they will not be considered in that quarter. Q1 - October 24, 2025 Q2 - February 6, 2026 Q3 - April 17, 2026 Q4 - July 18, 2026 We are on hand to answer your questions and assist with your application. Call during regular business hours. Arts@rentonwa.gov 425-430-7271 Funding for arts, cultural and heritage projects that serve residents and visitors in Renton, Washington. We encourage innovative projects by artists and communities that showcase cultural diversity, increase understanding, and inspire new forms of creative participation and opportunities for growth, particularly for under- served groups. Historically, grants have been awarded in amounts between $500 and $10,000. Projects must take place during 2025 and should be completed by December 15, 2026. 2026 Grant Guidelines SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS IN RENTON RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION DEADLINES GET HELP Purpose The City of Renton, through the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, offers grants to individuals, organizations and community groups for arts and culture projects and events that serve the general public in Renton. Public Funding = Public Benefit Projects should provide public benefit. Examples of public benefit are: Free public performances, exhibitions, workshops, screenings, or readings. Scholarships to ongoing, fee-based arts educational or training programs. Services that expand access and inclusion to individuals with limited physical or English- speaking abilities. Application Review Process The Commission approves project awards based on recommendations from the Arts Commission Grants Committee. Applications are competitively evaluated against the program’s purpose and criteria for eligible organizations. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed. Timeline Applications MUST be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on the day of the deadline; otherwise, they will not be considered for that quarter. Quarter 1 - applications due October 24 Oct 24 Applications due Nov 10 Grants Committee Review Dec 2 Arts Commission Review of Recommended Applications Quarter 2 - applications due February 6 Feb 6 Applications due Feb 16 Grants Committee Review Mar 3 Arts Commission Review of Recommended Applications Quarter 3 - applications due April 17 Apr 17 Applications due Apr 27 Grants Committee Review June 2 Arts Commission Review of Recommended Applications Quarter 4 - applications due July 18 July 18 Applications due Aug 10 Grants Committee Review Sept 1 Arts Commission Review of Recommended Applications Page 2 Program Overview Funding Restrictions include: The following types of projects are NOT eligible for funding: Projects that are not located in Renton; do not primarily benefit Renton residents; or are not offered free of charge, or at reduced rates to the extent possible. Projects that are not open to the public. Projects that have already been completed. Projects that support or oppose a specific interest such as a particular business, political, or religious viewpoint or organization. Capital construction projects. Projects that use the Grant funds to provide cash awards to individuals. Projects which preclude reasonable access by the general public, such as in a location not open to the general public, or for which membership is required, or admission charges cannot be reduced or waived for access Grant Awards have been used to: Produce one-time performances, exhibits, special events or programs that bring arts or cultural experiences to Renton residents. Provide opportunities for independent artists to develop and present new work in all mediums. Improve arts and cultural opportunities for artists and audiences from diverse communities. Participatory and educational opportunities for youth, multicultural, seniors, and special populations. Increase access to arts and cultural events by providing discount tickets and/or free educational programs. , Generally, the maximum award is $10,000 and the minimum award is $500. However, the Arts Commission may recommend greater or lesser amounts. Timing of Projects Projects must take place during 2026 and should be completed by December 15, 2026. Payment Payment for reimbursable expenses will be made at the end of the project, with possible exceptions based on circumstances and City policy. The funding recipient must submit invoices and a final report to the Arts Commission by December 19 for reimbursement. Checks are typically mailed within 30 days of the invoice date and receipt of all required paperwork. Eligibility Who May Apply Individuals, groups of people (all ages), neighborhood or business organizations seeking funding for an art project or cultural event. Independent Artists, Arts and Cultural organizations, including professional an community-based groups. IRS not-for-profit status – 501 (c)(3) – is not required. A City of Renton business license may be required. Application Packet The application is available at rentonwa.gov/rmac, and is due according to the schedule above. Please complete the form in its entirety and submit it along with all supplemental materials online. Incomplete applications will delay funding consideration. To avoid this, ensure that your project description is clear and easy to understand, especially for those unfamiliar with it. Your budget must be accurate and complete, using the provided budget template in the grant application, and include details about any additional funding sources for your project. Additional information or clarification may be requested by the Grants Committee. Page 3 Artistic Innovation Quality and promise of the proposed arts, cultural, and heritage project to meet the cultural needs of an audience and/or constituent group. Innovative approach to foster creative and civic participation by Renton's diverse residents and visitors, particularly underserved people and communities. Fills a gap in art, cultural, or heritage offerings and opportunities not regularly available to Renton residents and visitors. Public Access and Benefit Proposed projects must take place in Renton. Proposed projects must serve and be accessible to residents of Renton. Proposed projects must present new works to the public. Priority will be given to projects that involve Renton- based artists and organizations. Project Feasibility Demonstrated experience of project leaders to accomplish the scope and scale of the project. Evidence of thoughtful planning including clearly articulated goals and process for evaluation. Realistic budget and timeline. Funding Evaluation Criteria Application Instructions Complete the application available on rentonwa.gov/rmac including supplemental materials Incomplete and/or inaccurate applications will result in return of application, delaying funding consideration or potential denial of funding consideration. All applicants must provide the following: Proof of liability insurance including $1,000,000/occurrence and $2,000,000/general aggregate. The City reserves the right to waive this insurance requirement under certain circumstances. Insurance must be in the name of the entity or organization with which the City enters into agreement. Insurance certificate must name the City of Renton as an additionally insured. Insurance must be in place through the entirety of the project. Active non-expired City of Renton Business License Information regarding acquiring a city business license can be found at rentonwa.gov/business.