PHILOSOPHY:  COMMUNITY ARTS PROGAMS

     Georgia Council for the Arts believes that the arts cultivate healthy, vibrant communities, rich in civic participation and economic prosperity.  The arts and artists have the power to foster both community and economic development. Three grants are offered to support the efforts of organizations offering diverse arts programs and services that create access to the arts for all Georgians and utilize the arts to create shared experiences that strengthen communities.  These grants recognize and support the expanding role that arts organizations are taking in the broader cultural, social, educational, and economic areas of community life. 

Community Arts Program Manager: 

Janice Eaton Kilby      (404) 685-2797

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Funding is available in the following grant categories:

Community Arts Programs and Services (CAPS) Grant

      A local arts agency, arts council, arts center, or arts commission applying for this operational support grant must have as its principle purpose the provision of services and programs to increase access to and stimulate the development of arts organizations, artists, and the public.  The organization must provide programs and services in multiple disciplines, and it is expected that strong collaborations and partnerships will exist with the public, private, and non-profit sectors within the community.  The maximum award is $87,875 or 2.17% of the previous year’s operating budget, whichever is less.

CAPS Single Year & Year 1 Grant Application Instructions

CAPS Single Year & Year 1 Grant Proposal Package Forms

CAPS Continuation Grant

     Applicants applying for continuation funding (Year 2 or Year 3) must have been approved for continuation funding for the previous year (Year 1 or Year 2).  In the second and third year of continuation funding, the application process for CAPS is shorter. The grant award amount remains stable from year-to-year. 

CAPS Continuation Years 2 & 3 Grant Application Instructions

CAPS Continuation Years 2 & 3 Grant Proposal Package Forms

Community Partners (CPP/CPI) Grant

     These two grants support the collaborative efforts of organizations working to provide innovative community arts-programs that reach underserved populations in the state.  The CP grant must be applied for on behalf of a formal partnership involving at least one arts entity and a 501(c) 3 organization.  The CP grant has two components: a planning grant and an implementation grant.  Each is a one-year grant.  The CPP award is for up to $2,500; the CPI award is for up to $10,000.

     Applicants are not required to apply for a planning grant (CPP) to be eligible for an implementation grant (CPI); however, evaluation of the implementation grant application will be based on evidence of a sound, feasible plan.  Likewise, award of a Community Partners Planning grant does not guarantee implementation funding.  All grants are evaluated on a competitive basis. 

Community Partners Planning (CPP) Grant Application Instructions

Community Partners Planning (CPP) Grant Proposal Package Forms

Community Partners Implementation (CPI) Grant Application Instructions

Community Partners Implementation (CPI) Grant Proposal Package Forms

Grassroots Arts Program (GAP)

     The Grassroots Arts Program is a decentralized funding mechanism created by the Georgia General Assembly to give communities local decision-making power over the allocation of the state’s arts funding.  These small grants are designed to allow funds to reach every county, enabling emerging arts organizations to grow, therefore enhancing the cultural climate in communities and neighborhoods. 

     A statewide network of organizations provides the invaluable service of acting locally and regionally as GAP Agencies to re-grant state funds and support arts programming.  The award is determined by county allocations and population size. For more detailed information on funding, visit the GAP eManual. 

     Throughout the fall and winter of 2006 GCA staff met with a Senate GAP Study Committee, initiated and chaired by Senator Jack Hill.  As a result of the Committee’s work and commitment to the Grassroots Arts Program additional state funds were added to the GAP county allocations budget for FY2008.  Due to the budget increase and GAP study, GCA is considering options for restructuring the program for FY2009.  Meetings will be held with GAP Administrators in the fall to explore options and solicit feedback. GAP Agency applications will not be posted until a program restructure has been thoroughly reviewed and further decisions made.