Deadline: 27-Jan-21
Arts Midwest is seeking grant applications for the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read to support nonprofit and community organizations across the country in developing community-wide reading programs that encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences.
The programs include activities such as author readings, book discussions, art exhibits, lectures, film series, music or dance events, theatrical performances, panel discussions, and other events and activities related to the community’s chosen book. Activities focus on one book from the NEA Big Read library.
Funding Information
- Selected organizations receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to support their NEA Big Read projects.
Funding May Support
- Supplies, artistic fees, speaker fees, project overhead costs, promotional fees, salaries, venue rental fees, travel costs, book purchases, and other expenses directly related and necessary to conduct a community-wide multidisciplinary arts program.
Funding is not available for:
- Overlapping project costs between federal awards, whether received directly from a federal agency or indirectly, such as through a state agency or other entity.
- Programs restricted to any organization’s membership; programs must be promoted and available to the general public.
- Payment for facilities, purchase of capital equipment, or non-project related administrative expenses.
- Fellowships or cash prizes.
- Capital improvements or construction, purchase of capital goods, purchase of real estate property, or endowments.
- Expenses to purchase alcoholic beverages or to pay associated costs (servers, insurance, liquor licenses, etc.)
- Entertainment costs, such as opening parties, receptions, or fundraisers designed to raise funds for your own organization and on behalf of another person, organization, or cause.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant organizations for NEA Big Read must be a 501c(3) nonprofit; a division of the state, local, or tribal government; or a tax-exempt public library. Eligible applicants include organizations such as arts centres, arts councils, arts organizations, colleges and universities, community service organizations, environmental organizations, fairs and festivals, faith-based organizations, historical societies, housing authorities, humanities councils, libraries, literary centres, museums, school districts, theatre companies, trade associations, and tribal governments.
- Local education agencies, school districts, and state and regional education agencies are eligible. They do not fund individual elementary or secondary schools—charter, private, or public—directly. Schools may participate as partners in projects for which another eligible organization applies. If a single school also is a local education agency, as is the case with some charter schools, the school may apply with documentation that supports its status as a local education agency.
What to know before applying
- The NEA Big Read grant derives from federal funds and must be matched 1 to 1 with non-federal funds. Eligible items for match may include any combination of earned revenues, private/local grants, in-kind contributions, cash, salaries and wages from the applicant organization and partner organizations.
- Grants are disbursed in an 80%/20% split. 80% of the award arrives near the start of proposed programs and 20% arrives after submission of a final report. Advance payment may be requested to cover direct costs prior to programs starting, such as the cost of book purchases.
- Unallowable expenses include refreshments, meals (unless as part of speaker per diem), prizes, fundraising costs, alcohol, etc. Contact Arts Midwest with any specific concerns.
- A DUNS number is required.
- An “active” SAM.gov registration is required before funds can be issued.
- Attendance of adults and youths (separately) must be tracked at events.
- They strongly encourage applicants, especially first-time applicants, to reach out to Arts Midwest before you apply to help you draft a competitive proposal. Arts Midwest manages grant applications for the NEA Big Read and serves as the program manager on behalf of the National Endowment for the Arts. Its experienced staff can answer questions on eligibility and program intent, project development, grant attachment verification, and can, upon request, review your application materials in advance of the deadline.
For more information, visit https://www.artsmidwest.org/programs/neabigread/guidelines
