1. Who is eligible for a grant?
The Community Arts and Culture Grant Program provides financial support for non-profit arts and culture organizations located in Hillsboro. Educational and social service organizations are also eligible to apply for funds for arts and culture related programs. If you are unsure about your organization’s eligibility, please contact HACC staff.
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 building 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:
- Program improvements that increase access to the arts and culture for underserved populations
- Strong community outreach component such as: performances, exhibitions, screenings, readings or festivals
- 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
- Building improvements (including, but not limited to: construction or renovation of facilities, lighting or sound systems, hanging systems, security systems 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 (including gas or mileage reimbursements)
- Lobbying expenses
- Dues for memberships to professional or artistic organizations
8. What will lead to the immediate disqualification of my grant proposal?
- Any inclusion of restricted items in funding requests
- Failure to meet application deadlines
- Request for funding outside of eligibility requirements or offered funding levels
9. 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.
10. I received a grant last year. Do I need to submit a final report before applying for another grant?
Applicants that were funded in the previous fiscal year are required to submit either a Progress Report or Final Report with their new grant application. The submission of a Progress Report does not take the place of submitting a Final Report at the end of the funded grant cycle.
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.
Click here to download a copy of the Progress Report or Final Report forms.
11. Is there a way for HACC staff to check my grant application to make sure that it is eligible?
Yes! Organizations have the opportunity to utilize staff for a Review and Revision process. Applications submitted by the Review and Revise deadline (at least 3 weeks in advance of the final submission date) are eligible to be reviewed by staff and organizations will be notified of any causes for disqualification. Applications submitted after the Review and Revise deadline will not be eligible for this process. To learn more about deadlines for this process, Email HACC staff.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.