Arts Equity Grant

GRANTS and SERVICES TO PROMOTE EQUITY IN THE ARTS

LexArts seeks partnerships with new and diverse artists and organizations. Funding is available for projects that engage diverse artists and audiences.

As part of our efforts to advance diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, LexArts seeks to strengthen and build the capacity of organizations that promote the arts and cultures of communities of color and to provide meaningful creative opportunities for artists of color, as well as, programs, projects, and ideas that are doing important work that benefit traditionally underserved communities.

DIVERSITY

LexArts utilizes the core value tools provided by the Kentucky Arts Council

Diversity, as understood by the arts council, should promote positive relationships among the state’s various communities and provide equitable arts program delivery to marginalized communities, including, but never limited to: people of minority ethnic and racial groups; people with disabilities; geographically or economically isolated communities; disadvantaged and at-risk people; older adults; institutionalized people; women; and the LGBTQIA+ communities.

Eligibility

_ You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's [website]().

Application Details

Grants And Services to Promote Equity in The Arts
LexArts seeks partnerships with new and diverse artists and organizations. Funding is available for projects
that engage diverse artists and audiences.
strengthen and build the capacity of organizations that promote the arts and cultures of diverse communities
as well as to provide meaningful creative opportunities for diverse communities, programs, projects, and
ideas that are doing important work that benefit traditionally underserved communities.
Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000
(Final funding capacity to be determined upon review of each individual application)
Diversity
-LexArts utilizes the core value tools provided by the Kentucky Arts Council
Diversity, as understood by the arts council, should promote positive relationships among the state’s various
communities and provide equitable arts program delivery to marginalized communities, including, but never
limited to people of minority ethnic and racial groups; people with disabilities; geographically or
economically isolated communities; disadvantaged and at-risk people; older adults; institutionalized people;
women; and the LGBTQIA+ communities. 501-c3 status is not required.
If you have questions concerning the Arts Equity Grant program,
please email Kay’mon Murrah at kmurrah@lexarts.org.
Application Deadline No deadline (Rolling)
Public Grant Review Scheduled once a month (Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion Committee Meeting)
Applicant Notification 30 days following the Committee meeting
Program period 12-months after project approval
Final Report Due 30 days following the completion of the project

ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS
All applicants must document the following in Community Arts Program Support
order to be eligible: for Organizations will not fund:

• • Instructional programs designed only
• • 18 years of age
• to benefit students enrolled in
• • Applicant must be a resident of Fayette
• independent colleges, or universities
• County
• • General operating expenses
• • Project located in Fayette and/or
• • Previously funded organization, project, or
• surrounding counties
• program
• • New organization, project or program not
• • Activities intended primarily for fundraising
• previously funded by LexArts
• • Historic preservation
• • Must meet standards of diversity and • Capital expenditures for equipment, or
• equity, cultural and community impact,
• for facility construction or renovation
• and show sound management and
• • Debt reduction, penalties, or
• financial accountability
• litigation costs
• • Compliance with prior LexArts grant • Hospitality activities including
• reporting requirements food or beverage
• • Programming or activities not available
• to the general public
• Scoring Criteria
• Applications will be assessed using the following criteria:
• Arts Engagement Impact (40%)
• • Community Impact
• • Sustainability
• • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Program Planning and Evaluation (40%)
• • Project Description
• • Evaluation
• • Budget
• Application Materials (20%)
• • Required Documentation

FUNDING AND APPLICANT MATCH
LexArts does not require a match for Arts Equity Grants; however, applicants are strongly encouraged
to seek additional funding. Additional funding demonstrates the organization’s commitment to
completing the proposed program. It also illustrates that the project is well-received by the
community (e.g., individuals, community organizations, and businesses).
HOW TO APPLY

1. Review the FY24 Arts Equity Grants guidelines and application.

All applicants are encouraged to contact LexArts at Kay’mon Murrah at kmurrah@lexarts.org for
technical assistance.
HELPFUL TIPS: Give yourself ample time to plan, write, re-write, and review the application with
the LexArts Community Arts Services staff. This includes developing the application, gathering
artistic documentation, and all supplemental materials. The application process will require the
dedicated efforts of one or two individuals in your organization.

• Attend a LexArts grants workshop and if so desired, schedule a one-on-one

consultation for additional assistance.

• Write the application narrative sections in a Word document and then cut and paste i nto

the online application.

• Format the narrative so that it is reader-friendly (e.g., space between paragraphs,

bullets, etc. if space permits).

• Check and double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Have a reader not familiar with this grant application review it for content, clarity, and other

errors.

• Submit your application days before the submission deadline as technology challenges

are possible and input errors more often when applicants are rushed.

• When preparing the application, save as you go. JotForm may not auto-save your

progress, and please be aware that the program may time out.

1. Create a detailed budget for the program.
2. Applicants can submit applications year-round. All materials must be uploaded through the online

web form at https://lexarts.org/equity/. LexArts will not accept applications submitted via hard
copy, email, or fax.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Enter the following information in the application as indicated.
● One-sentence description of the project or program
● Funding request (Arts Equity Grant project requests may be between $500 to $5,000.)
● Start and end date (month, date) of the project. (Projects must take place within 12
. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The following required documents must be uploaded as either PDF or Microsoft Word files in the
Upload section of the application. Place the applicant’s name and title of the document in the upper
right-hand corner. Multiple PDFs can be combined into a single document.
Summary - Summarize your request in a few sentences. Begin your narrative with a single-sentence
description of how much money is requested and the purpose: (Organization) requests ($X) to
(support/expand/etc.) the (name of program/series/event, etc.)
Project Description - Provide a clear description of your program. Describe the project in detail,
painting a vivid picture so panelists unfamiliar with your program can envision it. What will happen?
Where will the program take place? How will the program be implemented? If an organization was
awarded program support funds in a previous year for the same program, the applicant must identify
new components or differences from the prior year.
Program Budget - Create a detailed budget for the program.
• If applicable, 501-c3 Documentation

• If applicable, audience and/or internal demographic and diversity Information

PHASE1 - GRANT REVIEW PROCESS
All applications will undergo an eligibility audit by the LexArts Community Arts Services staff. If an
applicant fails to meet the eligibility requirements, the applicant will be notified, and the application will
not be forwarded to the panel. The staff makes no assessment of the review criteria. Once the
application is reviewed and accepted for eligibility, LexArts will notify applicants via email.
PHASE 2 – GRANTS COMMITTEE
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the LexArts Board of Directors reviews the panel’s funding
recommendations and allocates funding based on funds available.
PHASE 3 – LEXARTS BOARD APPROVAL
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee’s recommendations are submitted to the LexArts Board
of Directors for approval.

REQUIREMENTS AFTER FUNDING

• Grantees must sign the Grant Agreement Form and, if required, complete the

Program Revision Form. Grant Agreement Forms must be signed and returned within
30 days of receipt.

• All grantees must attend the Grantee Orientation.
• If there are significant changes to the program, grantees must contact the

Community Arts Services staff for approval and the approved changes must be
provided in writing.

• Grantees must acknowledge LexArts as the funding source for the program and include

its logo in print, social media platforms, websites, press releases, and public
presentations. Guidelines for acknowledgment of LexArts support will be provided to
all grant recipients.

• All programs must take place in facilities that are accessible to persons with

disabilities.
ON-SITE EVALUATIONS
LexArts’ staff may attend funded projects, programs, or activities to monitor compliance with the
terms of the grant agreement. You may be contacted by LexArts requesting tickets to performances
or events.

LexArts
2023-2024 (FY24) Arts Equity Grants Guidelines
Grants And Services to Promote Equity in The Arts
LexArts seeks partnerships with new and diverse artists and organizations. Funding is available for projects
that engage diverse artists and audiences.
As part of our efforts to advance diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, LexArts seeks to both
strengthen and build the capacity of organizations that promote the arts and cultures of diverse communities
as well as to provide meaningful creative opportunities for diverse communities, programs, projects, and
ideas that are doing important work that benefit traditionally underserved communities.
Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000
(Final funding capacity to be determined upon review of each individual application)
Diversity
-LexArts utilizes the core value tools provided by the Kentucky Arts Council
Diversity, as understood by the arts council, should promote positive relationships among the state’s various
communities and provide equitable arts program delivery to marginalized communities, including, but never
limited to people of minority ethnic and racial groups; people with disabilities; geographically or
economically isolated communities; disadvantaged and at-risk people; older adults; institutionalized people;
women; and the LGBTQIA+ communities. 501-c3 status is not required.
If you have questions concerning the Arts Equity Grant program,
please email Kay’mon Murrah at kmurrah@lexarts.org.