Note: You must choose between the Creative Communities (CC) grant program and the Creation and Presentation (C&P) grant program. You may not apply to both. If you have a current CC grant, please do not apply to C&P.
Applicants must fulfill all of the following conditions to be eligible for this program
have a record of consistent artistic activities for at least the three consecutive years prior to application
have as a primary purpose the creation/production or presentation of artistic programming (performances, exhibits, events) that benefits the general interested public
demonstrate community participation in the program planning
match each dollar of Arts Board support with at least one dollar of public (non-state) or private funds
have an average of at least $10,000 in organizational revenue for each of the past three years (WAB cannot contribute more than 25% of an organization's overall budget)
be incorporated in and conduct business in Wisconsin in order to apply for support (organizations are required to provide proof of incorporation and activity in Wisconsin before applications are reviewed or funds awarded)
hold tax-exempt status from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and must qualify as a charitable organization under Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended; have a Federal Identification Number, assigned by the Internal Revenue Service
have a federally required Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which replaces the previously required DUNS number (to obtain a UEI, follow the instructions at SAM.gov). If a Creation and Presentation grant applicant can show that it has applied for a UEI prior to submitting its application — even if that UEI has not yet been received — then the application will be accepted for review.
For Colleges, Universities, and Units of Tribal or Local Government including Public Schools
WAB does support programs that fall under the auspices of these organizations, provided those programs involve the local community in planning, execution, and participation. These applicants must demonstrate that their programming reaches the general public in addition to an academic audience. This can be shown through financial support from sources beyond the school such as local corporations, businesses, individuals, and foundations; through its audience and participant evaluation statistics; and through board, advisory or steering committee composition that includes community members.
Performing Arts Series, Galleries/Museums and Art Film Series that are ongoing and a part of colleges, universities, or public schools are eligible. Grants are based on the arts program’s budget, not the overall university/college/school budget. Indirect costs may be shown as in-kind, but not as part of the cash budget/match. No administrative fee for this grant may be charged to the grant or to the program’s budget by the university/college/school.
For Presenting Organization applicants only
A presenting organization is defined as an organization that serves its community primarily by brokering relationships between touring performing artists and the presenter’s community. It does so by acting as the catalyst to bring those artists from outside of the presenter’s community into that community, to perform in concerts and/or residencies. The applicant must present four or more performances annually by professional touring artists who reside outside of the presenting organization’s community in a series that is locally planned.
Types of Activities Not Funded
In general, WAB does not fund the following nor can the match for WAB funds be used for these expenses:
Capital equipment (items costing more than $5,000 with a useful life of more than one year) or capital expenditures, e.g., renovation of existing facilities
Benefit/fundraiser activities
Prizes or awards
Competitions
Deficits incurred from past activities
Individual tuition
Activities for which higher ed academic credit is given (Grades 13+) and/or continuing education hours for teachers are given
Out-of-state travel
Hospitality expenses, i.e. entertainment, refreshments or food at receptions, parties, gallery openings
Activities that have already been completed by the beginning of the grant period
Activities that have a religious purpose
General operating expenses
Curriculum expansion
Activities not open to the general public (Activities conducted in public schools are considered to be public)
Activities that are “inherently religious" such as religious worship, instruction, and proselytization. Religious organizations or groups with a religious affiliation are eligible to apply for funding for a project or program that is available to the general public and has the purpose of benefitting the public, not the religious organization.