>> Valley Arts Initiative
Program Goal
The Valley Arts Initiative is a granting program designed to increase public understanding of, and access to, an array of artistic activities sponsored by organizations in the St. Croix Valley.
Each year the foundation receives an award from the Wisconsin Arts Board and matches this award with additional funds from family foundations or individual donors.
The St. Croix Valley Foundation is committed to funding quality arts projects that:
- Bring a wider audience to understanding, experiencing or appreciating an artistic or cultural experience.
- Use art as a means to make connections, generate dialogue or stimulate action around a specific social issue.
Who is Eligible?
Grant funds must be used for artistic activity that occurs within or benefits the St. Croix Valley region. Extra points will be given to organizations located in Washington & Chisago counties in Minnesota and Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin.
To be eligible for a grant, the applicant must be a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been in existence for at least two years prior to the application. Applicants may also designate a 501(c)(3) organization as a fiscal sponsor.
The Wisconsin Arts Board has three other minimum requirements:
- Cash Match – applicants must match the amount requested with cash or in-kind contributions. Of this match 50% must be cash. For example, if an applicant requests $1,000 from the Foundation, you must show a $1,000 match of which $500 must be a cash, coming from ticket sales, other grants or individual contributions.
- Public Service Activity – each funded project must perform a public service activity such as a concert, an exhibition, etc. The activity must be: a) announced to all members of the community; and b) held in a public setting accessible to persons with disabilities. A fee for admission may be charged.
- Use of Other Funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board – applicants may not use funds from the arts board as part of their matching contribution.
Applicants must also have no outstanding final reports due to the St. Croix Valley Foundation for previous arts grants.
What Are the Funding Criteria?
The foundation will review proposals using the following criteria:
- Artistic Excellence and Leadership
- The project demonstrates artistic excellence through well qualified artists and staff.
- The organization demonstrates artistic leadership.
- Impact & Community Benefit
- The proposal explains who the project is for (target population and/or intended audience) and demonstrates a clear need for the project.
- Artistic impact on the community or the region as a whole.
- The project has a broader impact on the community or the region as a whole beyond artistic or entertainment value.
- The project will benefit organizations located in SCVF’s service area.
- Management and Fiscal Responsibility
- There is a clearly defined plan and achievable goals, activities and timelines.
- The project includes a marketing plan to reach its intended audience.
- The proposal describes a plan to measure whether the project meets its goals.
- The budget is realistic, the project is financially feasible, and budget details are provided.
Extra points will be also given to projects that have not received a grant award from the Foundation previously.
The review panel will make an effort to ensure available funds are awarded to organizations throughout our service area.
Applicants are encouraged to review the sample budget when preparing their proposal. The Wisconsin Arts Board also has evaluation materials on line to help applicants understand the types of evaluation strategies arts organizations might consider. Applicants are encouraged to consider these materials but to also be realistic given the scale of project you are proposing. In other words, only do what is practical given your resources.
What Expenses Are Eligible?
Grant funds may be expended within one year from the date of the award. Grants may not be used for uniforms or for expenses already incurred by the applicant.
What is the Size Range of a Valley Arts Grant?
Grants can range from $250 up to $2,500. Proposals may be awarded partial funding.
Can More Than One Proposal Be Submitted?
An organization is limited to one proposal for each grant program. An applicant may submit a proposal for another SCVF grant program during the same grant cycle if they are eligible.
How Are Grant Decisions Made?
A panel reviews proposals in an open public meeting following a review process and conflict of interest policy. Applicants are encouraged to attend. A grant decision may be appealed according to the appeals policy.
Whom Can I Contact for More Information?
If you have further questions, contact Jill Shannon, Director of Community Partnerships at 715-386-9490 or via email. Click on recent grants to view grants made last cycle.
Go to application materials for forms to complete your application.