NEA Challenge America Fast-Track, FY 2013 CFDA 45.024

The Challenge America Fast-Track category offers support primarily to small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations -- those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Applications are due by May 24, 2012.

Age alone (e.g., youth, seniors) does not qualify a group as underserved; at least one of the underserved characteristics noted here also must be present. This category, as an essential component of the Arts Endowment's goal of providing wide access to artistic excellence, supports local projects that can have significant effects within communities. Grants are available for professional arts programming and for projects that emphasize the potential of the arts in community development.

Partnerships can be valuable to the success of these projects. While not required, applicants are encouraged to consider partnerships among organizations, both in and outside of the arts, as appropriate to their project.

These Fast-Track grants: Extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations. Are limited to the specific types of projects outlined below. Are for $10,000 each. Receive an expedited application review. Organizations are notified whether they have been recommended for a grant approximately six months after they apply; projects may start shortly thereafter.

NOTE: A policy will be implemented in the coming year to limit consecutive year funding. This policy will ensure that Challenge America Fast-Track funding reaches new organizations and their communities of underserved populations with limited access to the arts. Starting with grants that are awarded in FY 2011, an organization that receives Challenge America Fast-Track grants for three years in a row will not be eligible to apply to the Fast-Track category for the following one-year period. For example, if an organization receives grants in FY 2009, 2010, and 2011, it may not apply again in FY 2012. During FY 2012, the organization may apply to other Arts Endowment funding opportunities including Access to Artistic Excellence and Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth. The organization would be able to apply to the Challenge America Fast-Track category in FY 2013.

An Organization may submit only one application through one of the following FY 2013 Grants for Arts Projects categories: Access to Artistic Excellence, Challenge America Fast-Track, Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth. The Arts Endowment's support of a project may start on or after January 1, 2013.

Document Type: Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number: 2012NEA01CAFT
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Posted Date: Jan 04, 2012
Creation Date: Jan 04, 2012
Original Closing Date for Applications: May 24, 2012  May 24, 2012, Application Deadline
January 1, 2013, Earliest Beginning Date for Arts Endowment Period of Support
Current Closing Date for Applications: May 24, 2012  May 24, 2012, Application Deadline
January 1, 2013, Earliest Beginning Date for Arts Endowment Period of Support
Archive Date: Jun 23, 2012
Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Category of Funding Activity: Arts (see "Cultural Affairs" in CFDA)

Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards:
Estimated Total Program Funding:
Award Ceiling: $10,000
Award Floor: $10,000
CFDA Number(s): 45.024 -- Promotion of the Arts_Grants to Organizations and Individuals
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

Eligible Applicants:
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Independent school districts
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education

Additional Information on Eligibility:
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations; units of state or local government; or federally recognized tribal communities or tribes may apply. Applicants may be arts organizations, local arts agencies, arts service organizations, local education agencies (school districts), and other organizations that can help advance the goals of the Arts Endowment. To be eligible, the applicant organization must: Meet the Arts Endowment's "Legal Requirements" including nonprofit, tax-exempt status at the time of application. (All organizations must apply directly on their own behalf. Applications through a fiscal agent are not allowed.) Have a three-year history of programming prior to the application deadline. Have submitted acceptable Final Report packages by the due date(s) for all Arts Endowment grant(s) previously received.

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