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Arts and Cultural Nonprofits
Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are a key element of the creative economy in the City of Wichita Falls and key drivers of educational, economic and community benefit. In response to the negative economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wichita Falls City Council has set aside $250,000.00 in federal funds the city received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in order to support Creative Economy recovery.
In order to efficiently and quickly distribute these dollars, The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture is splitting the money among recipients of City of Wichita Falls Arts and Culture Grant funding for the Fiscal Years 2021/2022 and/or 2022/2023.
Funds will be targeted at 501(c)3 nonprofit establishments that have received an Arts and Culture Grant award in FY 2021/22 and/or FY 2022/23, and are involved in producing, promoting, or participating in live performances, events, or exhibits intended for public viewing, and establishments that preserve and exhibit objects and sites of historical, cultural, or educational interest. Organizations must be up to date on all City of Wichita Falls grant reporting requirements by the submission deadline to be eligible for funding.
Grants will be provided over a two-year period and can be used for operating expenses such as salaries and benefits for employees, fees for artists and contractors, mortgage/rent, utilities, and marketing. Fees and expenses associated with executing required COVID protocols would also be eligible.
The objectives of the arts & cultural nonprofit recovery program are to:
- Retain nonprofits that are core to the creative economy in the region.
- Retain and expand employment at these nonprofits.
- Ensure ongoing access to arts and cultural programming throughout The City of Wichita Falls.
Alliance Staff will notify all applicants of their application status within ten business days following the City Council approval of grantees. Grant awards will be made in the form of an agreement executed between the applicant and the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture. The grant period will be outlined in a contract between the applicant organization and the City of Wichita Falls for a 12-month period. Applicants are informed of deadlines throughout the process. The contracting period can take between one and three months. No payments will be made until the contract has been fully executed. Payments typically take between two and four weeks to process after receipt of an acceptable invoice.
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FAQs
What are my next steps after I submit my grant application? The Alliance will contact all applicants and notify them if they are or are not approved for funding within ten business days following the deadline. Those approved will receive funds directly.
How can I check my application status? The Alliance will contact applicants within ten business days of the application closing date.
Will I get confirmation that my application has been received? Applicants will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided in the application. The confirmation email will include additional information about next steps.
What should I do if I am having technical difficulties with the application? Please contact the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture directly.
What will the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture do with my information? The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture will not disclose or use application data and retain the confidentiality of the application data.
Do I need to attend a pre-application meeting before applying? No. You are eligible to apply directly.
What are the reporting requirements for Wichita Falls Nonprofit Relief Grant? There are no reporting requirements at the time of application. If audited, the organization would be required to submit documentation of eligible expenses for reimbursement. This documentation may be receipts, payroll, or other documentation.
Are early applicants given any priority in allocations? Early applicants are not given priority in allocations. We still encourage applicants to submit their completed applications before the final deadline of October 21, 2022. This will allow additional time for follow-up if the Alliance needs additional documentation or has additional questions about your application.
The State of Texas does not require Articles of Incorporation for 501(c)3 status. What other documentation is acceptable to provide? Applicants can provide their DBA, their Articles of Incorporation, or their Certificate of Formation.
Can an application be edited after submission? No. Once an application is submitted, The Alliance will review the application documentation for completeness and notify the applicant within ten business days if additional information is needed. In all other cases, submitted applications cannot be edited.
When will an applicant receive an approval or denial letter of grant funds? All applicants will receive approval or denial correspondence by November 1, 2022. During the application period, if more information is needed from an applicant, The Alliance will reach out within ten business days to retrieve more information.
Am I eligible to apply if I receive money from the City of Wichita Falls Cultural Funding Programs? Yes, you are still eligible to receive the Arts & Culture Non-Profit Grant.
Am I eligible to apply if I received funding from other City of Wichita Falls COVID-19 programs? Yes, you are still eligible to receive the Arts & Culture Non-Profit Grant.
Can I apply if I am fiscally sponsored by a non-profit organization? No, fiscally sponsored groups are not eligible for this funding. Only 501(c)3 organizations that are currently recommended for a City of Wichita Falls Arts and Culture Grant are eligible to apply.
Do I need to repay the dollars received through the Wichita Falls Arts & Culture Non-Profit Relief Grant? No. The Wichita Falls Arts & Culture Non-Profit Relief Grant is not a loan program.
How will my organization receive funds from the City of Wichita Falls if approved for the Arts & Culture Non-Profit Relief Grant program? The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture will make all efforts to distribute funds within one month following the grant application closing date by check.
Does this City of Wichita Falls grant or loan affect the forgivability of any federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds that were received from the U.S. Small Business Administration? No, receiving a City of Wichita Falls grant or loan will not affect the forgivability of Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds.
What restrictions will be placed on the funds granted? There are no restrictions on these funds. There is an expectation, however, that the money will be used to support the organization’s operations, programming, and services to the Wichita Falls community.
THE APPLICATION PERIOD HAS ENDED.