ARMSTRONG PARK CULTURAL DISTRICT FOUNDATION Funding Policy

I. Purpose of the Funding Policy

The Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation (the “Foundation”) is committed to supporting arts and cultural programming that enhances the identity, economic vitality, and cultural fabric of Armstrong Park and the surrounding community. The purpose of this Funding Policy is to establish clear guidelines and a structured process for the allocation, management, and evaluation of funds distributed through the Foundation’s grantmaking activities.

This policy ensures that the Foundation’s funding supports high-quality arts and cultural initiatives, encourages accountability and transparency, and maximizes the long-term impact of funded projects within the Armstrong Park Cultural District.

II. Funding Cycle Overview

The Foundation operates on a fiscal year from October 1 through September 30. All funding requests must align with the Foundation’s funding cycle and application deadlines. The funding cycle will follow this structured process:

    • October 1 – November 30

    • Open call for funding applications. Application portal will close at 11:59 PM CST on November 30.

    • December 1 – January 31

    • Independent panel and Foundation staff review and evaluate applications.

    • February 15

    • Successful applicants are notified in writing, and grant agreements are issued.

    • Initial 75% of funds disbursed upon signed agreement.

    • Interim report due to track progress and identify any issues.

    • Final report due detailing project outcomes and financial use of funds. Remaining 25% of funds disbursed upon satisfactory completion of reporting requirements.

III. Funding Criteria

To ensure that the Foundation’s investments lead to meaningful and measurable outcomes, applications will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:

1. Strong Concept

  • The project demonstrates a clear and compelling artistic or cultural vision.

  • The concept aligns with the mission and objectives of the Armstrong Park Cultural District.

  • The project reflects artistic excellence and innovation.

2. Other Forms of Support

  • Evidence of other financial or in-kind support (e.g., sponsorships, venue partnerships, volunteer contributions).

  • A demonstrated plan to leverage Foundation funds to attract additional resources.

3. Strong Plan for Tracking Outcomes

  • Clear, measurable objectives tied to community engagement, artistic success, and economic impact.

  • A defined evaluation framework that includes data collection methods and benchmarks for success.

  • A plan to gather feedback from participants and stakeholders.

4. Sustainability Plan

  • A detailed plan for sustaining the project or its impact beyond the funding period.

  • Clear strategy for securing future funding or community-based support.

  • Evidence of long-term value to the Armstrong Park Cultural District.

IV. Application Guidelines

1. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for funding:

  • Be a nonprofit organization, fiscally sponsored entity, or individual artist operating within the Armstrong Park Cultural District or directly benefiting the district.

  • Provide proof of tax-exempt status (if applicable).

  • Demonstrate a history of artistic or cultural programming.

  • Agree to comply with all reporting and accountability requirements established by the Foundation.

2. Application Requirements

All funding applications must include the following components:

  • Project Summary – A concise overview of the project’s purpose, objectives, and anticipated impact.

  • Budget – A detailed project budget showing all projected expenses and anticipated sources of funding.

  • Timeline – A comprehensive project timeline detailing key milestones and deliverables.

  • Outcome Tracking Plan – A framework for tracking outcomes and measuring success, including methods for collecting data and stakeholder feedback.

  • Sustainability Plan – A strategy for sustaining the project’s impact beyond the grant period.

  • Letters of Support – At least two letters of support from community partners or stakeholders.

V. Review and Evaluation Process

1. Initial Screening

  • Applications will be reviewed by Foundation staff to ensure completeness and compliance with eligibility requirements.

  • Incomplete or non-compliant applications will not proceed to the next phase.

2. Evaluation by Review Panel

An independent panel of arts and cultural professionals, Foundation board members, and community leaders will evaluate each application based on the criteria outlined in Section III. The panel will consider the following factors:

  • Artistic merit and cultural significance.

  • Financial and operational feasibility.

  • Alignment with the Armstrong Park Cultural District’s mission and goals.

  • Potential for long-term impact and sustainability.

3. Scoring Criteria

Applications will be scored using the following weighted rubric:

Applications scoring 75% or higher will be considered for funding. The highest-scoring applications will receive priority consideration.

VI. Funding and Disbursement

1. Grant Agreement

All approved applicants must sign a grant agreement detailing:

  • Scope of work and deliverables.

  • Reporting requirements.

  • Terms and conditions of fund use.

2. Disbursement Schedule

  • 75% of funds disbursed upon receipt of signed agreement.

  • 25% of funds disbursed upon receipt and approval of final project report.

VII. Reporting and Accountability

1. Mid-Project Reporting

  • Grantees must submit an interim report by July 15.

  • The report should include:

    • Progress toward project goals.

    • Budget-to-actual comparison.

    • Challenges encountered and corrective measures taken.

2. Final Reporting

  • Final report due by September 30.

  • The final report should include:

    • Summary of project outcomes.

    • Attendance and participation data.

    • Budget reconciliation and final expense report.

    • Evaluation of project success based on the original objectives.

3. Outcome Tracking and Data Collection

  • The Foundation will collect and analyze project data to assess overall program impact.

  • Data collected will inform future funding priorities and strategic planning.

  • Successful projects will serve as models for future funding and program development.

VIII. Compliance and Oversight

1. Misuse of Funds

  • If funds are misused or not used for their intended purpose, the Foundation reserves the right to:

    • Require repayment of funds.

    • Disqualify the grantee from future funding opportunities.

2. Financial Accountability

  • All grantees are required to maintain accurate financial records and provide access to financial documentation upon request.

  • Failure to comply with financial reporting requirements may result in suspension or termination of funding.

IX. Conflict of Interest

Members of the review panel, Foundation board, or staff must disclose any potential conflicts of interest before reviewing applications. Individuals with conflicts of interest must recuse themselves from discussions and decisions related to the affected applications.

X. Appeals Process

Applicants who are denied funding may request a formal review of the decision within 30 days of the award notification. Appeals must be submitted in writing and should include:

  • Grounds for the appeal.

  • Supporting documentation or evidence.

  • Proposed resolution.

Appeals will be reviewed by a separate panel, and a final decision will be issued within 30 days of the appeal submission.

XI. Amendments and Revisions

The Foundation reserves the right to amend or revise this Funding Policy at any time. Changes will be communicated to stakeholders and posted on the Foundation’s website.

XII. Effective Date

This Funding Policy is effective as of October 1, 2025 and applies to all funding cycles beginning in the fiscal year October 1 – September 30.