Grants FAQs
Questions and answers about the COAHSI grant process...
1. How do
I apply for a grant?
Each grant has a specific application process. Please review the guidelines
carefully. (Guidelines are available to download when the grant is open,
or you can get a copy by contacting the COAHSI offices). Note if a letter
of intent or workshop attendance are required. Study the important deadlines
associated with the grant. You are strongly encouraged to contact the
Grant Director associated with your grant, to discuss your application
and any questions you might have that relate to your proposal.
2. What resources
are available to me as I prepare my application?
COAHSI staff members are available to answer questions about your applications,
help applicants find a partner or conduit, and provide other assistance.
Informational workshops are held for each grant, and it is strongly suggested
that applicants discuss their proposals with the Grant Director to clarify
any language, questions, or expectations you have about the application
process.
3. Who decides
which applications are funded?
Decisions are made by an independent panel of professional artists, teaching
artists, scholars, school and arts administrators, school-based teachers,
civic, business and community representatives knowledgeable in the granting
area. Panelists will base funding decisions on how well each application
meets the evaluative criteria specified in the grant guidelines. It is
the panel's responsibility to decide who is to be funded and at what amount.
Note: Want to serve on a panel? It's
fun, and a great way to meet other artists and art lovers in our community! >
Consideration of proposals is done on a competitive basis. The COAHSI
staff is responsible for the administration of these grants only and cannot
make decisions about the selection of grants or their level of funding.
4. When will
I be notified whether or not my request will be funded?
The panels meet two to three weeks after the application deadline. Applicants
will be notified by mail of funding decisions (either for, or against)
at the conclusion of the panel's deliberations.
5. If my project
is awarded, what’s next?
Pending notification of your award, all funded applicants will be required
to sign a contract with COAHSI before the funds will be released. COAHSI
will make checks payable to the school, cultural organization, or individual
artist. Recipients are also asked to attend an Awards Ceremony where project
checks are distributed.
6. As a grant
recipient, what are my responsibilities?
Grant recipients must notify COAHSI of any contact name, address or telephone
changes. Grant recipients must also credit The Council on the Arts and
Humanities for Staten Island and the funding sponsor of the grant on all
printed materials related to the funded project. Grantees must also provide
COAHSI with a timeline for their program's implementation since funded
programs are subject to an independent auditor's review to ensure that
the funded project fulfills the spirit and intent of the grant. Grantees
are also required to submit a final report no later than 30 days after
the completion of the project. Failure to submit a final report will jeopardize
future funding requests.
7. What recourse
do I have if I believe my application did not receive fair consideration
during the panel process?
If the panel determines that your application should not be funded, the
applicant can request that Grant Director provide insights garnered through
panel debates as to why the request was refused. If, after speaking with
the Grant Director, the applicant still believes in the merits of their
proposal and wishes to appeal the decision, grievances must be made, in
writing, to COAHSI's Exective Director and certain criteria must be met.
An independent panel will convene again during the next funding cycle
and the entire process is reviewed by the COAHSI Board of Directors. Awardees
have the right to accept or decline their awards; however, they cannot
contest the amount they have been granted.
8. Can I apply
for multiple grants?
Yes, it is possible to apply for multiple grants if the grant guidelines
allow it. However, since the grant program is a competitive process and
not all requests can be funded, applicants are encouraged to select the
grant which best suits their needs and submit a complete and well-thought-through
application only in that respective program. Please contact COAHSI if you have any questions about eligibility requirements or guidelines
for specific grants.
Photographer
Ira Rosen received a 2008 Premier Grant for his black and white photo
essay of people candidly shot on New York Streets.