Who is eligible?
• Projects that have as its core an arts based or cultural activity that takes place between January 1 and December 31, 2009

• A nonprofit organization or local government unit based in Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne or Yates Counties

• A PTA with nonprofit status independent of the public school, and provides cultural services to the general community unrelated to the school functions

• An individual artist sponsored by a nonprofit organization based in Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne or Yates Counties

What kinds of projects are preferred?
Priority for funding will be given to the following kinds of projects:

• Projects for first time applicants or new initiatives from past applicants

• Projects that request funds for the payment of artist fees and technical production services

• Projects which employ quality artists

• Projects that contain a strong outreach and promotion plan to minority/under-served populations

• Projects that reflect cultural traditions or contemporary creative expression of a particular ethnic group

• Collaborative projects that support ongoing arts and cultural development

• Organizations that utilize under-served and/or minority individuals as participants or artists in their projects

• Individual artist-driven projects sponsored by an eligible organization

• Projects that are providing free participation or admission to individuals who are economically in-need

• Organizations that are bringing their project to audiences that are otherwise unable to access artistic or cultural programming

• Organizations developing new projects specifically geared towards reaching new and under-served audiences

How do I apply?
As part of the application process, you MUST attend an instructional seminar/workshop session or meet one-on-one with the DEC Arts Grants Coordinator prior to the submission of your grant. This is mandatory!

Applications received from organizations which have not attended a DEC Seminar will NOT be considered for funding. The person(s) who are intending to write the grant must attend a seminar (or meet one-on-one with the DEC Coordinator).

In addition, after attending the mandatory seminar, you may make an appointment for an individual review session, prior to August 29, 2008. This step is optional, and is not viewed as a commitment for either the applicant or Phelps Arts Center.

Deadline for submission: Monday, September 22, 2008

Current DEC Application Seminar Schedule

When Is The Application Deadline?
The new online Organization Profile and Application must be submitted by Monday, September 22, 2008. All supplemental materials must be postmarked or hand delivered by 5:00 PM on Monday, September 22, 2008. Late, faxed or e-mailed applications will NOT be considered.

Mail or hand deliver to either location:

Phelps Historical Society (Open Tuesday-Friday)
66 Main Street
Phelps, NY 14532

Phelps Arts Center (Open Thurs-Sat)
15 Church Street
Phelps, NY 14532

For hand deliveries: PHS is a 2 story brick museum located on Main Street (Route 96) on the corner of Main & Wayne Sts. It has an after hours mail slot in the front side porch door. PAC is a former stone church located on Church Street just south and opposite of the Phelps Post Office.

When Will A Decision Be Made?
Optional submission of your proposal for staff review: 5 PM, Friday, August 29, 2008

Final deadline for submission: 5 PM, Monday, September 22, 2008

Review panelists meet and recommend projects for funding: October - November, 2008

Recommended projects are presented to the PCHS Board of Directors for final approval: December, 2008

Grantees notified (by mail): January, 2009

Grants awarded: February, 2009 at Annual DEC Arts Awards Ceremony

Granted projects must take place by December 31, 2009

How Will The Money Be Distributed?
Grant checks will be distributed in February, 2009 at Annual DEC Awards Ceremony

Are there informational meetings and workshops that I can attend that will explain the DEC program?
DEC Application Seminars (Required)
From May to August, free DEC Application Seminars are held across the five counties. These seminars provide an understanding of DEC Guidelines and the mechanics of the application form. Attendance at a seminar is mandatory for applicants. Dates and locations are available on-line (see below). Sign up via email to artsgrants@fltg.net. Please call 315.548.2095, 315.515.8400 or 315.548.4940 to confirm time, location, date and your attendance.

Current DEC Application Seminar Schedule

Is there a draft application review?
Draft Application Review (optional)
One-on-one consultations are offered year round to provide review and feedback as a guide to improving potential grant proposals. These optional services, provided by DEC staff, are not funding commitments or endorsements of a proposal.

Please call the Phelps Arts Center offices (315. 548.2095 or 315.515.8400) to make an appointment with our staff, or e-mail your draft application for review to Nancy Newland at artsgrants@fltg.net or Mary Beth Springemeier at histsoc@fltg.net

Are application forms, guidelines and other materials available online?
Yes! See the Forms & Applications page to download everything you need.