Online Grants Applications and Management System
Logos
- Missouri Arts Council logos
- National Endowment for the Arts logos – required if your grant includes federal funds
FY2021 Annual Grants Guidelines and Applications
The deadline for applications for annual grants for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) is February 24, 2020. These annual grants are for programs taking place between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021.
Guidelines
- FY21 Guide to Grants
- FY21 Guide to Off-Year Grants
- FY21 Guide to Arts Council Grants
- FY21 Guide to Arts Education Grants
- FY21 Guide to Partnership Grants (applications by invitation only)
- FY21 Instructions for Annual Disciplines
Applications
- Link to Online Grants Management System
- Blank FY20 Off-Year Application (for preparation purposes)
Supplemental Materials
- Draft Review Checklist
- General Application Scoring Guide
- Guide to Support Materials
- Board List Template
- High-Quality Professional Development Standards for Arts Education Professional Development Grant
FY2021 Express Grants Guidelines and Applications
We are now accepting applications for Express Project and Express Touring programs for FY2021 (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021).
Guidelines
- FY21 Guide to Express Grants
- FY21 Instructions for Express Project Applications
- FY21 Guide to Express Touring for Schools and Communities
- FY21 Guide to Arts Education Grants
Supplemental Materials
- Guide to Support Materials
- High-Quality Professional Development Standards for Arts Education Professional Development Grant
For Personal Assistance
If you have any questions about Express Grants, contact these program specialists:
- Express Project and Community Touring | Donald Rice, 314-340-6854, donald.rice@ltgov.mo.gov
- Express Arts Education Grants, Express Touring Grants for Schools, and Big Yellow School Bus Grants | Julie Hale, 314-340-6853, julie.hale@ltgov.mo.gov
FAQS ABOUT FY2021 GRANTS
General FAQs
Could there be further FY2021 restrictions?
Yes, if revenues fall short of state projections, additional restrictions could take place.
Does the Grant Agreement allow changes in funding?
Yes, Grant Agreements include a clause in case budget changes require reductions. In addition, guidelines prominently note this possibility.
How do I complete our Interim Report?
Once you receive your award letter, you may access your Interim Report in the grant system. Update your program and budget information based on your award. Most applications were prepared before we knew the impact of COVID-19. You may have proposed programs that are simply not feasible in the current environment. You may offer modifications or alternatives to your projects that make them viable. Or you may be able to complete your project as originally intended. Your Interim Report will be reviewed by your program specialist after submission. You will be notified by email once it is approved, and your Grant Agreement will be sent to you by email from SignEasy.
What if we need to make a change to our project, whether or not as a result of COVID-19?
Applicants should notify your Missouri Arts Council program staff of any significant changes in your project. Our staff will work with you to determine the appropriate course of action. This may include significant modifications, or doing all or part of the event virtually.
May we invoice for costs relating to cancelling or postponing events relating to COVID-19?
Unfortunately, neither state nor federal funds that we grant may be spent on programs that do not occur. You may wish to contact your vendors, even if the sale was “not refundable,” as many have relaxed policies in the wake of COVID-19.
Will canceling or postponing events impact our relationship with the Missouri Arts Council?
Absolutely not. Your organization should do what is necessary for the well-being of your organization and constituents.
What if we are unable to produce any programming this year?
These are extraordinarily difficult times for nonprofit arts organizations. If you are unable to produce programming this year, you might consider suspending your grant this year. This is a last resort option, and you will not receive funding, but it will not count against you. Consider this option very carefully. You may need time to assess your situation, engage with supporters, or just eliminate costs for a year to sustain your operation. We understand. Before you pull the plug, give us a call.
What should my organization include in our FY2021 Final Report?
The organization should provide the actual results on the MAC-funded events, including attendance, event locations, and detailed financial summary.
What are eligible expenses?
See the FY21 Guide to Grants for information on what we can and cannot fund.
Are matching funds still required?
Yes.
When must funds be used?
All funds must be spent within the fiscal year they are awarded. The 2021 fiscal year ends June 30, 2021.
When will the NEA CARES funds be available?
The Missouri Arts Council received $468,700 from the National Endowment for the Arts to distribute to the state of Missouri. We will make that available as soon as state funds have been awarded.
What if I have other questions?
Contact your program specialist or Executive Director Michael Donovan.
Operating Support FAQs
May we use part of our funds for Operating Support?
All organizations receiving Missouri Arts Council funds are expected to implement the programs they proposed for approved funding. If this is not feasible due to COVID-19 or restrictions on public events, you may propose an alternative program or modifications to the proposed program. All organizations using public funding should provide public value for the funds they receive. An alternative program may reduce the costs of your event and leave a balance in your grant funds. With prior approval, these funds may be used for Operating Support.
What is the difference between Project and Operating Support Grants?
We fund both Projects and Operating Support. Both must have a public presentation during the grant period.
- Project funding is focused on a specific activity that is completed in a specific timeframe. Examples are performances, exhibits, and literary publications.
- Operating Support provides stability and sustaining funding to organizations. The most significant difference is that, in Operating Support, Missouri Arts Council funds can be used for administrative costs not directly related to a project.
What is an eligible arts organization for Operating Support?
An organization is eligible if it is a Missouri-based nonprofit whose purpose is primarily to present, produce, or serve the arts. You will be notified by your program specialist if your organization is eligible.
What organizations are not eligible for Operating Support?
- Organizations that do not primarily present, produce, or serve the arts, including schools, universities, government agencies, and social service organizations, are not eligible.
- Organizations that receive Express and Partnership Grants are not eligible.
What if the organization already receives operating funds?
This will not affect you.
Why are non-arts organizations not eligible for Operating Support?
It is within the Missouri Arts Council’s mission to provide operational support for arts organizations. Unfortunately, we may not provide operational support for municipalities, universities, schools, and non-arts nonprofits.
Does this mean the Missouri Arts Council no longer supports arts projects by non-arts organizations?
Absolutely not. We will continue to fund approved arts programs by eligible non-arts organizations via both Express and Annual Grants.
FY2021 Forms for Grant Recipients
Required
These documents are located in our Online Grants Application and Management System:
- Interim Report
- Grant Agreement
- Final Report
The invoice must be typed. Handwritten forms will not be accepted. Using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, click on the relevant link to access the fillable PDF. Save the document on your computer, then complete the form you have saved on your computer. (If you enter information directly from the link without first saving the form, all the data will be lost.)
- FY21 Invoice
- FY21 Invoice, Big Yellow School Bus — coming soon
Supplemental Documents
- FY21 Grant Requirements Checklist
- FY21 Grant Management Handbook
- State Vendor System for Payment of Grants – Organizations new to the Missouri Arts Council, as well as those changing their legal name, address, or banking information, must register through MissouriBUYS.
Sample Documents
- Sample Arts Education Budget Detail
- Sample Board List Template
- Sample Budget Detail
- Sample Financial Statement – Required information includes assets and liabilities, fund balance, revenues, expenses, method of accounting (cash or accrual), and time period covered.
- Sample IRS Tax Exemption
- Sample Email to Governor and State Legislators
- Sample Email to Governor and State Legislators for Arts Education, Big Yellow School Bus, or School Touring Program
- Sample Missouri Annual Registration Report
- Sample MissouriBUYS Registration Form
- Sample W-9
Touring Performers
We are not accepting new applications for the Missouri Touring Performers Directory for FY2021 (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). To learn when FY2022 applications become available, we recommend that interested artists sign up for email notifications about our programs. The sign-up form is in the lower right-hand corner of every page of this website.
- Guidelines for Missouri Touring Performers Directory (FY2020, for reference only)
School Touring Qualified
Applications to become School Touring Qualified are still being accepted and are accepted throughout the year. The selection process for becoming School Touring Qualified is independent of the process for being listed on the Missouri Touring Performers Directory. Applicants for School Touring Qualified need not apply for or already be listed on the Missouri Touring Performers Directory.