MCACA General Guidelines

MCACA FY 2009 Code Book

These booklets contain information to help organizations learn about the general requirements for application to all MCACA programs. MCACA programs support, in part, arts and cultural activities which will take place between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009.

Online Guidelines and Application Forms -- May 1, 2008 Deadline

Arts and Learning Program  

Arts Projects Program  

Capital Improvement Program

Local Arts Agencies Services Program

Online Guidelines are available -- June 1, 2008 Deadline for Application online submittal. 

Anchor Organizations Program  

Regional Regranters Program

Partnership Program  

What's NEW for MCACA's FY09 Grant Programs . . .

Peer Panel Grant Review Q & A
This summer, each applicant will be given up to five minutes during their grant review to answer questions about their project and application. The panel review process will not be changed except for this addition. Look for the date of the panel review in your acknowledgement of receipt of application letter, or check www.michigan.gov/arts.

MCACA is offering the Q & A on a trial basis this year to encourage applicants to attend the panel review and to give them the opportunity to clarify aspects of their application that may not be fully understood by the panel. Please note that this is not an opportunity to lobby for projects; applicants will only be allowed to respond to the panelists if they have questions. As always, applicants are welcome and encouraged to stay for the entire session and listen to other application reviews as this can be a valuable and affordable learning opportunity.

Arts and Learning Program Categories
This program will now have two new subcategories instead of the previous seven. These categories are meant to incorporate all possible projects eligible in the previous categories. Contact program manager Carolyn Damstra with questions and to discuss which category best suits a project.

New Categories:
     1. Art Education Partnerships
Effective and sustainable arts learning projects and programs are achieved through strong collaborations or partnerships. In this category, priority is given to collaborative efforts that emphasize skill acquisition, direct participation, improved access to quality arts experiences and fostering commitment to and knowledge of arts learning.

Partnerships can be between two or more of the following: professional arts and/or cultural producers or presenters; teaching artists; community groups, professional development educators; and pre-k through 12 and university/college learning institutions. Only one partner with 501 (c)(3) status can apply, although all named partners should be clearly committed to and active in the project. The details of the partnership structure should be clearly spelled out in the narrative.

Activities should have a distinct arts and culture educational focus. Examples include workshops; residencies; professional development; and inclusive and participatory art projects, exhibits and performances that are primarily learning opportunities. Mere performance or presentation of arts programming is ineligible.

Evidence of collaboration should include joint planning of activities, cooperative preparation of target audience, hands-on instruction by high quality artists or qualified educators and collaborative evaluation and assessment of the program. Projects for all ages are eligible

     2. Community Art Education
This category supports non-school-based arts and culture projects operated by community art schools, local art agency classes, and organizations whose main mission is arts and culture education. Teachers and staff should be highly qualified and projects should demonstrate excellence and innovation in programming. Activities should be hands-on and participatory; mere performance or presentation of arts programming is ineligible.

In this category, priority is given to projects that involve the community in planning and outreach and offer a strong rationale for the impact of the proposed activity and expected outcomes. Examples include a series of after school art classes at a local art agency or community school, a series of children's theater productions or a youth music camp. Projects for all ages are eligible.

Capital Improvements Program Goes Green
In partnership with the Michigan department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), we are encouraging capital projects that incorporate sustainability; energy efficiency and/or low impact design (green buildings, rain gardens, storm water management) and green infrastructure. The council will consider additional incentives and work with the DEQ to allow our clients direct access to DEQ grant programs.

Rural Arts And Culture Program
Due to budget and staff reductions as well as lack of applicants, MCACA will not offer the Rural Arts and Culture Program in FY 2009. Former applicants to this program are strongly encouraged to contact Program Manager Carolyn Damstra to discuss eligibility in other programs.

Updated:  February 20, 2008