Development Opportunity Grants (DOGs)
PURPOSE
Development Opportunity Grants are designed for smaller community or non-professional arts groups that have 501(c)3 status. The Commission recognizes that community groups play an important role in building audiences and providing participatory opportunities in the arts.
DOG applications are accepted throughout the year and are processed until current-year funding is depleted. DOG awards do not exceed $2,000.
GUIDELINES
- The arts program must take place in St. Louis City or County.
- Organization must be a nonprofit arts organization with 501(c)3 status.
- You must not have received a regular RAC grant during the same year you apply for a DOG.
- RAC funds must be matched at least fifty percent by other cash revenues.
Applicants may request up to $2000 and may apply only once per calendar year.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
- First, call Lisette Dennis at the Regional Arts Commission, 863-5811, to discuss your eligibility.
- Send a detailed letter addressed to Executive Director, Jill McGuire meeting the following requirements:
- must be no longer than two pages;
- include a brief organizational history of your group;
- include program location, projected audience, and cost of admission;
- project the total cost (expenses) of the project;
- describe the specific programming RAC funds will support, and
- mention any awards or special recognition your group has received.
- Attach a program budget listing income and expense, a copy of the group's 501(c)3 certification, and a board list noting offices held by directors and their addresses.
APPLICATION REVIEW:
Applications will be reviewed by RAC staff for appropriateness and completeness. The staff will consider eligibility, geographic area served, history of the organization, and type of programming proposed. You must provide information on upcoming events for which you are seeking RAC funding. Two tickets to those performances or exhibits should be made available at no charge to RAC representatives.
GRANT DISBURSEMENT:
Grants will be disbursed upon completion of the funded program and receipt of an invoice. Applicants need not submit a final report. Invoices must be received by December 15 of the calendar year in which the DOG is granted.
