How to apply for Arts Institute funding

About Arts Institute Awards

Award amounts for Arts Institute funding depend on the following:

• the merits of the proposal
• the amount of Arts Institute funds available
• the ability of the unit to match the award amount
• the number of quality proposals under consideration.

As you read the submission guidelines, please keep in mind that USCAI's core staff will be available to consult with all applicants in order to provide general guidance on structuring proposals and preparing budgets prior to the final submission of the program application. This support will aid the project director in designing, if necessary, the planning of the program's length, its scope, logistical support, lodging, food, and supplies. Applicants seeking USCAI funds should feel free to consult with the Institute's staff for help with drafting project proposals. Applicants should understand, however, that this support will not, in any way, serve as a genesis for the project proposal.

The Application

The USCAI Application for Funds consists of a cover sheet (form provided), project narrative, budget information, signature certifications, and appendices/ support material. Please adhere to the stated page limits and do not use a font smaller than 11 point on typed material.

Sponsoring Unit: The Sponsoring Unit is recognized as the project/program host who is ultimately responsible for the activities and outcome of the project/program. The sponsoring unit should provide a detailed outline covering marketing strategies, budget costs, benefit to the University, and communities whose lives will be illuminated or enriched by said project/program.

Sponsoring Unit's Authorizing Official: This person is the authorized agent of the sponsoring unit with authority to commit resources. While he/she may also act as the fiscal agent, this person is often the sponsoring unit's dean or department chair.

Fiscal Agent: The person responsible for the receipt/handling of funds, the maintaining of financial records and the completion of the final financial report. He/she must maintain contact with the project director. The fiscal agent cannot act also as the project director. Two different signatures are required on the final submitted project application.

Project Director: The person responsible for the overall management of the project, for serving as the liaison to USCAI, and for preparing and submitting the final narrative evaluation and budget report. The person designated as the project director must be a member of the University of South Carolina Columbia Campus.

The Cash and In-Kind Cost Shares: USCAI requires a 1:1 match for every requested dollar amount. The cash and in-kind cost shares must equal or exceed the amount of the outright request. Please note: An in-kind amount is acceptable; however, this amount must not exceed 25% of the 1:1 match. Cash match is preferred. Cash cost share is the real dollar amount of funding furnished by the host college/department that will be allocated as a means of funding the requested program/project. The in-kind cost share is the amount of value donated toward ensuring the project/program's success. In-kind support includes volunteer hours, donation of services, space, or material or a donation of honoraria.

USCAI Project Narrative

Be sure to answer the following questions in full, using concise language, in your project/program narrative. It would be best if you begin each section of your narrative by answering the following questions in the order in which they are listed. The six narrative sections should be typed and should not exceed two pages in length (the budget and support material will constitute additional pages).

Project Abstract: Briefly describe the project (approximately 150 words), highlighting the project/program's goal or purpose: Fine Arts focus; subject matter or theme; role the program/project will have in promoting awareness and benefit of interdisciplinary projects; intended audience(s); and major formats. The "format" of the proposed program must provide opportunities for public participation in the form of lectures, readings, media content, exhibits, performances, productions, films, conferences, or discussions and exchange of viewpoints before and after presentations between presenters and audience.

Project Description

Describe the proposed project concisely. Incorporate the following:

• Overall Goal or Purpose: In the broadest sense, what is the project designed to accomplish? In what ways do project organizers define the arts that are integrated into said project as integral players in achieving the project goal?
• Objectives and Activities: What activities or objectives have been designed to fulfill the project's goal? If the activity is part of a larger project, briefly describe those plans to provide context for how this application satisfies a certain section of a larger endeavor. Activities must retain a focus on the benefits reaped by the University of South Carolina from designing and presenting interdisciplinary collaborative arts-focused programs that creatively provide enrichment to student, faculty, and outreach audiences. Think about the following: how has the interest of members of the University community and public community been assessed? How is the project important to both of these communities? How have recognized and emerging artists been involved in the designing of said project? How, if appropriate, have scholars and representatives of the integrated art fields been involved in designing said project?
• Planning and Timetable: Give a timetable for the project, including all major benchmarks, such as promotions, strategies for marketing, and avenues for compiling mailing lists (standard mail and specialized email notification). Include a schedule of program activities, even if it is tentative. Include the name of any major presenters.
• Budget Breakdown: Briefly describe how you arrived at the figure in the budget summary. The total cost share (in-kind, cash, or a combination) must at least equal the amount of the outright request. Cost of designing the project, preparing the application, or other activity prior to the awarding of USCAI funds cannot be included in the project budget.