Non-profit arts organizations are suffering under Covid-19, especially when so much of the funding is needed to support community basic needs programs. There are resources available, both locally and nationally. My recommendation is to use a strategy of vigilance and adaptation. Stay in touch with your traditional funding base, maintain communications so you will be aware of funding as it is available, and adapt for a shift in funding priorities. Below is an overview of resources available to arts organizations navigating the economic crisis. I’ve made a couple comments on availability based on experience and information from the sites.
The National Endowment of the Arts has a funding opportunity available to state, regional and local arts agencies through the CARES act. For more information on that program follow this link https://www.arts.gov/grants/apply-grant/grants-organizations. There are also still a few grants for nationally relevant arts projects but the Challenge America grant has been canceled for this year. What you need to know is that CARES money approval will be hitting the states and communities in MAY/JUNE, so watch your local organizations for more information. UPDATE: FLORIDA HUMANITIES COUNCIL has opened CARES Funding for Humanities Organizations. https://floridahumanities.org/grants/cares/
Traditional State resources are available but may be subsumed by or dependent on the NEA grant or other programs. Remember government funding is based on the approved budget, so there may be some shifting in to allow for that expense. Also, the state legislature may not approve the usual grant funds, even if your grant is successful. Prepare for this by applying for the CARES funding which is more secure this year. That said, Florida’s State program is through the Division of Cultural Affairs. The traditional grant program is available with a deadline of June 1st. https://dos.myflorida.com/cultural/grants/grant-information-and-deadlines/
Foundations are perhaps the most nimble organizations to fund and support non-profits at this time. Some work together as a consortium, and some are private. Your best plan is to work with both and the second requires extensive research. The Foundation Directory is a great place to research this information but it is a subscription. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org
Tourism programs are going to suffer and the loss of that money will reverberate through the states. Many arts organizations, larger venues in particular, have developed successful partnerships working with tourism using heads in beds tax programs. I anticipate cut backs in grant money available, which will also put pressure on small organizations. Prepare by strengthening your connections to existing donors now.
I’ll update my blog with more detailed opportunities in the coming month, so check back weekly. Stay safe. Be creative. We are essential to the new normal.