DAYTON, OH (February 3, 2020) Culture Works and the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District (MCACD) are pleased to announce a new grant program for organizations creating arts and cultural experiences in Montgomery County. The MCACD is providing $150,000 for the 2020 Special Projects Grant program, which will be administered by Culture Works.

Small to mid-sized arts and cultural organizations, other nonprofits, schools, colleges, universities, municipalities and government agencies located in Montgomery County can apply for up to $10,000 to support arts and cultural activities taking place between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. Collectives and other unincorporated organizations may also apply in partnership with a nonprofit, tax-exempt fiscal agent.

Special Projects Grants can be used to produce or present a wide variety of arts and cultural activities, such as festivals, exhibitions, performances, artists’ series, and in-school arts and cultural programs.

“Montgomery County values the role the arts play in education, economic development, and our quality of life,” said Matt Dunn, MCACD Executive Director. “It is important that there are opportunities for arts and cultural projects to benefit the residents across the county.” Dunn also said he hopes the types and geography of opportunities will reflect the diversity of the community.

To apply for a Special Projects Grant, organizations are required to:

1. Attend a free grant info session. Culture Works will host two sessions in the 2nd floor Community Room at the Dayton Metro Library Main Branch: Monday, February 10, 2020 from 3:30-5:00pm and Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 4:30-6:00pm. Organizations can register here or RSVP to kmaner@cultureworks.org.
2. Submit an online Intent to Apply form indicating the proposed activities, the amount requested, and the organization’s nonprofit status. The form will be available at cultureworks.org starting February 3, 2020 and must be submitted online by February 29, 2020. Culture Works and the MCACD will review all Intent to Apply forms for eligibility, and approved organizations will be invited to complete the full grant application.
3. If eligible, complete the online grant application by April 30, 2020.

An independent panel will review applications and evaluate each proposed project’s artistic quality and community impact, as well as the administrative capability of the applicant organization. Funding decisions will be made at a public meeting at the end of June.

“It’s a win for our community any time artists and arts organizations are empowered to create,” said Lisa Hanson, Executive Director of Culture Works. “Montgomery County has been a steadfast partner in ensuring that residents of our region have access to dynamic arts and cultural programs.”

Full eligibility requirements, guidelines, and the intent to apply form for the Special Projects Grant program are available at cultureworks.org/apply-for-funding/#special-projects.

For more information about grant opportunities available through Culture Works, contact Karen Maner, Grants Manager, at (937)222-2787 or kmaner@cultureworks.org.

ABOUT CULTURE WORKS
Culture Works is the funding, advocacy, and service organization that passionately inspires, supports, and sustains arts and culture in the Dayton Region. As the united arts fund and arts service agency for the Dayton Region, Culture Works believes that creating and maintaining a vibrant and attractive community filled with quality arts brings measurable and immeasurable value to our citizens. From providing inspiring educational opportunities for our children, to attracting and retaining employees in our region, to adding beauty and entertainment to our lives, arts and culture reflect all the best and most beautiful parts of who we are.

ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY ARTS AND CULTURAL DISTRICT
The MCACD is a special purpose unit of Montgomery County government. Montgomery County believes the arts play a valuable role in our quality of life, education, workplace creativity and more. The arts can also build community and break down barriers by bringing people together for common experiences and to share in each other’s culture.