MCA Cultural Grants for Nonprofit Arts Organizations

Geographic Scope: Ocala/Marion County, Florida

Overview:
A key element of MCA's mission is supporting local arts organizations with direct funding. The Fund provides direct support to nonprofit arts organizations for programming, equipment, and initiatives. To date, $525,000 has been awarded to more than 42 different nonprofit arts organizations, supporting more than 135 art initiatives and impacting more than 385,000 individuals including seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities, students, and artists.

Eligible Disciplines:
Grants are available for all artistic disciplines, including:

• Music
• Theater
• Dance
• Visual Arts
• Cinema
• Literary Arts
• Folk Arts
• Photography
• Historical and scientific museums may also apply

Eligible Applicants:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations
• Public agencies governed by county, municipality, school district, institutions of higher education, or agencies of state government
• Federally recognized Indian tribal governments

Eligibility Requirements:

• Current 501(c)(3) status for a minimum of two years as of the grant deadline
• Must be in good standing with the State of Florida Division of Corporations and IRS
• MCA will verify the organization's current 501(c)(3) status

Funding Categories:

• Special Project or Program (Artist in Residence, Festival, Special Exhibits, Special Events)
• Organizational Development (Consultant Support, Services)

Timeline:
Each spring, MCA announces the release of the Cultural Grant Criteria and Application. Grants are formally awarded in the fall at Applaud the Arts, MCA's annual gathering of artists and arts organizations.

Review Process:
A committee of community volunteers, chaired by a MCA Board member, evaluates each grant utilizing the criteria in the application and guidelines. Following the evaluation and scoring process, the committee's recommendations are reviewed by MCA Executive Committee and presented to the Board.

Contact Information:

• Phone: (352) 369-1500
• Email: available on website
• Address: 23 SW Broadway Street, Ocala, FL 34471
• Website: mcaocala.org

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through MCA's grant portal. The organization requests that applicants complete a comprehensive application form.

Required Application Information:

1. Organization Cover Page:
   • Legal Name of Not-For-Profit Entity
   • Type of Funding (check one): Special Project/Program OR Organizational Development
   • Component selection based on funding type
2. Not-For-Profit Designation Certification:
   • Certification of current 501(c)(3) status (minimum 2 years)
   • Upload copy of Certificate of Florida Not-for-Profit Status OR IRS determination letter
   • Acceptable file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf, html, odt, jpeg (Max 128 MB)
3. General Information - Identification Section:
   • Legal name of organization (as shown on IRS 501(c)(3))
   • Unique Entity ID (UEI)
   • Employee Identification Number (EIN)
   • Organization name (dba, department, etc.)
   • Mailing address and street address
   • City and Zip Code
   • Resident County
   • Telephone Number
   • Contact Person (First Name, Last Name)
   • Email Address of Contact Person
   • Date of Incorporation
   • Website Address
   • Type of Organization (Arts/Culture, Arts Education, Science, History, Heritage)
   • Fiscal Year Dates (FROM/TO)
4. Grant History:
   • Has your organization ever received a grant from MCA? (Yes/No)
   • Have you submitted a Final Report? (Yes/No)
   • IMPORTANT: If a Final Report for previous grant has not been filed, current application will NOT be accepted
   • Year Last Received
5. Project/Program Information:
   • Project/Program Title
   • Grant Amount Requested (max $10,000; may not exceed 50% of total expenses)
   • Start Date (Month Day, Year)
   • End Date (Month Day, Year)
   • Number of Different Events
   • Number of Individuals Expected to Participate
   • Number of Youth Participating
   • Total Number of Opportunities to Participate
   • Total Number of Artists Participating
6. Narrative Sections:
   • Organization Mission Statement: Provide mission statement of organization (or program mission if applicable)
   • Project/Program Summary: Describe your proposed project or program. Identify your goals and how you plan to achieve them. Be specific!
7. Proposed Budget and Revenue Sources:
   • Describe operating expenses (salaries, marketing costs, etc.)
   • Describe other funding sources that will support expenses (in addition to MCA grant)
   • Describe donations (both cash and non-cash) from community
   • Describe admission charges, if applicable
   • IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION LIMIT: May not exceed 25% of proposal costs
   • Budget must balance (all arithmetic must be verified)
   • Detailed budget form required with line items for:
   • MCA Grant
   • Cash Match
   • In-Kind Contributions
   • Revenue sources to include:
   • Admissions
   • Contracted Services Revenue
   • Corporate Support
   • Foundation Support
   • Other Private Support
   • Government Support (Federal, State/Regional)
   • Applicant Cash (Savings, Reserves, Etc.)
   • Budget calculations:
   • Total In-Kind Contributions
   • Total Proposal Costs (MCA Grant + Cash Match + In-Kind)
   • Total Cash Income
   • Percentage of Total Project Requested From MCA
8. Compliance Certifications:
   • Anti-Discrimination Policy: Certification that organization has anti-discrimination policy and abides by it (Yes)
   • Cultural Equity Policy: Does your organization have a Cultural Equity Policy? (Yes/No)
   • NEA Certification: Certification that participants in this MCA/NEA grant program have not been disbarred, suspended, or have any exclusions or disqualifications from doing business with Federal government
9. Final Certification:
   • Certification that all information is true and correct
   • Commitment to abide by all legal, financial, and reporting requirements
   • Name of Authorizing Official
   • Title of Authorizing Official
   • Telephone Number
   • Date Signed

Submission Format:

• Online application form
• Save and Continue Later option available
• CAPTCHA verification required

Important Notes:

• Grants may not exceed 50% of anticipated total expenses
• In-kind contributions may not exceed 25% of proposal costs
• All amounts must be rounded to the dollar (no cents)
• Budget must balance
• Final Report required if previous grant received