Community Arts Development Frequently Asked Questions

What is Community Arts Development?

Community Arts Development is a program created by the Maine Arts Commission to strengthen communities through the arts and to strengthen the arts in communities. Funding and/or technical assistance is available through the Building Capacity in Maine’s Cultural Communities program. Commission support is offered as seed money to organizations or municipalities that apply on behalf of their entire community.

What is Capacity Building?

According to Paul Connolly and Carol Lukas, “Capacity building refers to activities that strengthen a nonprofit organization and help it better fulfill its mission. These activities include, among others, strategic planning, technology upgrades, operational improvements, and board development.” (Connolly and Lukas, Strengthening Nonprofit Performance: A Funder’s Guide to Capacity Building. St. Paul: Wilder Foundation , 2004.)

Why does the Maine Arts Commission invest in capacity building?

We invest in Capacity Building to

Enhance program impact
Increase nonprofit and community sustainability
Leverage philanthropic dollars (Connolly and Lukas, 2004)

Is Capacity Building synonymous with Organizational Development?

No. The Capacity Building program is aimed at communities, not individual organizations . It is intended to strengthen the development of arts in the community as a whole, rather than a single organization or institution in the community.

Who is eligible to apply for Capacity Building funds?

Local arts, civic, or educational organizations may apply on behalf of the community. Applicants must have non-profit, 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.

Is the Discovery Research program still available?

Communities may still apply for Discovery Research projects under the Capacity Building program.

Can community arts organizations apply for staff assistance under the Capacity Building program?

Yes.

How competitive is the Capacity Building Program?

In the first two rounds of applications, we have received approximately 25-30 applications, and we have funded approximately half.

Do the Capacity Building grants require a match?

Yes. The Capacity Building grants require 1:1 match. If the grant award is $10,000, the applicant must raise another $10,000 from another sources, such as private foundations. The match can include in-kind services donated to the project.

What if my organization does not have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status?

With a few exceptions all of the Maine Arts Commission’s grants require the application to have nonprofit status. However an organization that does not have 501(c)(3) status may apply through another organization that serves as a fiscal agent.

What is the "vendor form" mentioned in the application process?

The vendor form is simply a form for the information the Business Office will need in order to cut a check if the grant is awarded.

Can I start the project before the grant funds are actually released to my organization?

No. The grant funds can only be used for activities that take place within the specified grant period.

How do I learn more?

For more information on these programs, contact Keith Ludden, Community and Traditional Arts Associate 207/287-2713, 877/887-3878 TTY/NexTalk or keith.ludden@maine.gov.