2. What is the average grant amount?
Typical grants range from $1,500 to $3,000. Grants will not exceed $3,000. 501(c)3 status is required to obtain grant amounts beyond $1,500.
3. When can grant funds be used?
Funded activities must take place during the fiscal year of the current grant cycle (i.e. July 1st to June 30th). No extensions will be given. If the grant cannot be completed in this timeframe, the applicant will be required to relinquish unexpended funds. Grant recipients must notify HACC of any changes related to funded activity in writing.
4. How often can we apply for a grant?
Every year.
5. Can we apply for more than one grant at a time?
No.
6. What projects or expenditure DO you fund?
Technical Assistance/Capacity Building Goals, including but not limited to:
- Professional development and organizational capacity initiatives such as: working with arts and culture professionals to develop an organizational business plan, funding strategies, marketing plans or other capacity building initiatives
- Technology advancement such as: website development, systems development for ticketing, graphic design or other organizational needs
- Enhance marketing and communications to residents and visitors through consistent and professional promotions
- Partnerships that support economic and community development efforts
Community Program Goals, including but not limited to:
- Strong community outreach component such as: performances, exhibitions, screenings, readings or festivals
- Program improvements that increase access to the arts and culture for underserved populations
- Enhance local arts and culture community by offering workshops, lectures, demonstrations, master classes or panel discussions
- Musical performance expansion such as, cultural festivals or celebrations
- Youth programming, including out-of-school opportunities
- Displayed art tours in coordination with local businesses, public institutions, galleries, private collections and artists
If you have any questions about whether a potential project or expenditure fits with our grant guidelines, please contact HACC staff.
7. What projects or expenditures DON’T you fund?
- Organizations that do not serve the greater Hillsboro community
- Capital expenditures or building improvements (i.e. construction or renovation of facilities, lighting or sound systems, computers, or furniture)
- Individual artists, unless sponsored by an arts and culture organization
- Staff wages
- Academic tuition
- Debt retirement or operational deficit
- Food or beverages
- Travel expenses
- Lobbying expenses
8. Can individual artists apply for a grant?
No. We do not give grants to individual artists, unless sponsored by an arts and culture organization. In this case, the sponsoring organization should apply for the Community Arts & Culture Grant.
9. I received a grant last year. Do I need to submit a final report before applying for another grant?
Previously funded organizations need to submit their final report before new grant funds will be released. Compliance with final reporting requirements is considered when the applicant’s future grant applications are reviewed. Failure to complete the funded project within the granting period could also affect an applicant’s future grant applications.
Applicants that were funded in the previous fiscal year are required to submit either a Progress Report form or Final Report form (whichever applies to the funded project) with their new grant application. The Progress Report does not take the place of a Final Report. previously funded organizations must submit a Final Report for the previously funded year before any new funds will be released.
Click here to download a copy of the Progress Report or Final Report forms.
10. I did not receive a grant this year. Can I contact the HACC for feedback before applying for next year?
Yes. Feel free to contact HACC staff via email or by telephone at 503-615-3497 to receive feedback on your organization’s previous grant applications.
11. Our organization received a grant last year. The same project is still in need of support. Can we apply for another grant for the same project?
Yes.
12. Our organization does not have 501(c) 3 status. Can we still apply for a grant?
An organization does not have to have 501 (c) 3 status to apply for a Level 1 Community Arts & Culture Grant of $1,500 or less. Review the Grant Eligibility Criteria to ensure that your organization qualifies for this grant.
13. Our organization is in the process of applying for 501(c)3 status. Can we still apply for a grant?
An organization that is in the process of applying for 501(c) can apply for a Level 1 Community Arts & Culture Grant of $1,500 or less. If a status change is imminent, please contact HACC staff to discuss the issue.
14. What is a Taxpayer Identification Number or (TIN)?
The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is an identification number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the administration of tax laws. It is issued by either the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by the IRS. The HACC requires a valid TIN in order to ensure that awards are granted to the appropriate organization.