maryland touring grant guidelines

Maryland Touring Grant (MTG) FY 2015 Guidelines APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 30, 2014

MARYLAND STATE ARTS COUNCIL

175 W. Ostend Street, Suite E, Baltimore, MD 21230 Voice: 410-767-6555 Fax: 410-333-1062 Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Individuals who do not use conventional print may contact the Maryland State Arts Council to obtain this publication in an alternate format. 410-767-6555 or [email protected]

For individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. TTY: Maryland Relay 1-800-735-2258 or 711

FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 1

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Table of Contents ______________________________________________________________________ GRANT INFORMATION

Requirements for Organizations Receiving Maryland Touring Grants .......................... 3

Maryland Touring Grant Program Overview ................................................................ 4

Applicant Eligibility ...................................................................................................... 4

Application Process ...................................................................................................... 4

Review Process and Award Notification ....................................................................... 6

Reporting Requirement ............................................................................................... 6

APPENDICES

A - Maryland State Arts Council Information................................................................ 7

B - Maryland State Arts Council Overview .................................................................... 8

C - Maryland Touring Grant Sample Application .......................................................... 9

D – MTG Application - Budget Template Sample ....................................................... 15

E - Appeals Process .................................................................................................... 16


Requirements of Organizations Receiving GFO Grants

• Must have been both incorporated in Maryland as not for profit and have received tax exempt status from the U. S. Internal Revenue Service. Units of government, colleges, and universities are also eligible to apply.

• Must comply with Title VI, Section 601, of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which states that no persons, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination related to, the arts.

• Must comply with Title IV, Section 1681, of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Section 6101, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex or age.

• Must comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which states that no otherwise qualified person shall, solely by reason of his or her handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination related to, the arts.

• Must maintain complete and accurate records of all activities connected with the grant.

• Must file a final report, both narrative and financial, within 30 days of the completion of the project. Necessary report forms will be provided by the MSAC in ample time to meet deadlines. Failure to report may jeopardize any future grants being received by the organization and may result in the organization being required to repay grant funds.

• Must give credit to MSAC whenever and wherever credit is being given (e.g., flyers, brochures, posters, radio and television commercials, etc.).

• Must notify the Program Director in writing if a significant change is made in any MSAC-funded grant activity.

Notice: In accordance with Executive Order 01.01.1983.18, the Department of Business and Economic Development advises as follows regarding the collection of personal information: Certain personal information requested by the Department of Business and Economic Development is necessary in determining eligibility for grants. Failure to disclose this information may result in the denial of one or all of these benefits or services. Availability of this information for public inspection is governed by the provisions of the Maryland Public Information Act, State Government Article, Sections 10-611 et seq of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This information will be disclosed to appropriate staff of the Department, or to public officials, for purposes directly connected with administration of the program for which its use is intended. Such information is routinely shared with state, federal, or local government agencies. Applicants have the right to inspect, amend, or correct personal records in accordance with the Maryland Public Information Act.


Maryland Touring Grant (MTG) Program Overview The Maryland Touring Grant is a granting program of the Maryland State Arts Council that provides funding to eligible Maryland-based non-profit organizations to support the presentation of artists listed on the Maryland Performing Artists Touring Roster. The Maryland Performing Artists Touring Roster is a listing of Maryland-based performing artists who have been selected through a peer review process in which they are rated on artistic merit and on a demonstrated history of successful touring engagements. View profiles of artists and ensembles listed on the Roster at www.msac.org. The Maryland Touring Grant and the Maryland Performing Artists Touring Roster work together to promote the artistic collaboration between Maryland artists and Maryland presenters. Applicant Eligibility To be eligible to apply for funding through the Maryland Touring Grant, the applicant organization must:

• be an IRS designated 501(c) (3) or unit of government based in Maryland • be legally incorporated in Maryland, and • have a demonstrated history (three years or more) of successfully presenting performing artists

Application Process Step #1: Select one or more performing artists from the Maryland Performing Artist Touring Roster.

• View the Roster at www.msac.org. • Contact the Roster artist(s) and negotiate the availability of dates, activities, fees and all other

performance details. • Proposed artistic presentations/projects must be open to the public and take place between July 1, 2014

and June 30, 2015.

Step #2: Sign either a letter of intent or a contract with the Roster artist(s). • This should include fees, dates, description of activities, technical needs, applicable travel arrangements

and any additional terms for the engagement. • The letter or contract may include language that states the presentation is dependent on funding through

the Maryland Touring Grant. Step #3: Submit your application for a Maryland Touring Grant in EGrant (http://msac.egrant.net) by 5pm on Wednesday, April 30, 2014.

• The Maryland State Arts Council accepts applications for the Maryland Touring Grant one time per year. • The application deadline for the FY 2015 grant cycle is Wednesday, April 30, 2014.

EGrant (msac.egrant.net) MSAC utilizes the Internet-based eGrant system to accept grant applications. Only successfully submitted eGrant applications will be accepted.

• Applicants are required to complete and submit their applications by electronic means, including the use of an electronic signature by the authorizing official of the organization or arts program.


http://msac.egrant.net/

• DEADLINE: Completed applications must be submitted via eGrant with all required attachments by 5:00 PM on April 30, 2014

• Applicants must click the “Submit My Application” button and eGrant must accept the application by 5:00 PM to meet the deadline. Upon successful submission, applicants will receive an onscreen confirmation message and an email from eGrant with a copy of the application within one hour. Please check spam/junk folders if the messages do not appear in email inboxes within this timeframe.

• Technical support for eGrant is available during regular office hours, 9:30 AM through 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

• MSAC does not accept responsibility for lost, misdirected or late applications. • Applicants must meet all revision deadlines after submission, as specified in writing, or the application will

be considered withdrawn. Additional Required Documents to Attach to eGrant Application In addition to filling in the application form in eGrant, the following documents must be attached to the eGrant application at the time of submission:

• Completed Budget Template (see sample in Appendix D) • List of performing artists presented over the last three years (including dates of performances) • Most recent Letter of Determination from the IRS indicating that your organization is incorporated in

Maryland as nonprofit. Do not send Maryland tax exempt certificate • A signed letter of intent or contract between your organization and the Roster artist(s). Please note: this

document may include language that states the presentation is dependent on funding through the Maryland Touring Grant

Formatting Requirements for Attachments to the eGrant application are formatted to print on an 8 ½ inch by 11 inch page with all margins (i.e., top, bottom, and sides of pages) at least one inch. All attachments must be typed in utilizing the format style already built into the attachment template. Reduced, narrow, or condensed type fonts or line sizes will not be accepted. Funding and Matching Requirements What is funded through the Maryland Touring Grant? Eligible organizations may request up to 50 percent of the artist fee and other cash expenses associated with the public presentation of the Roster artist or ensemble. Organizations may combine multiple Roster artists on a single grant application. The minimum grant request per application is $500 and the maximum grant request per application is $3,500, with no more than one application per fiscal year. Priority will be given to:

• applicants who have no prior history with the proposed performing artist/company or genre • first-time applicants of the Maryland Touring Grant • Programs or events in which the Roster artist is the primary focus of the performance

Support Period The FY 2015 Maryland Touring Grant supports presentations/projects that take place between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. The proposed artistic presentations/projects must be open to the public.


Matching Requirements All Maryland Touring Grants must be matched at least dollar for dollar in cash. Funds from the State of Maryland are not allowed as part of the match. In-kind or donated services may not be used as part of the match. What is NOT funded through the Maryland Touring Grant?

• General operating expenses for the applicant organization • Programs or events in which the Roster artist is not the primary focus of the performance • Programs or events that are not open to the public • Programs or events that are outside of Maryland • Programs or events that are commercial in nature or in which the arts are not the primary focus (e.g.,

sidewalk sales, food festivals, fireworks displays, home-season engagements, etc.) Review Process and Award Notification The review of Maryland Touring Grant applications is based upon the following criteria:

• Artistic merit • Organizational capacity to present performing artists • Quality of proposed project (e.g., project planning and relationship of the proposed project to the

organization’s typical programming) • Financial feasibility of proposed project

Staff Review Applications are reviewed by MSAC staff for completeness and adherence to the Council guidelines for the Maryland Touring Grant. Applicants will be notified whether their application is complete or if additional information or corrections are necessary. The organization must meet all subsequent deadlines as specified in writing or the application will be considered withdrawn. Council Decision The full Council meets in early-June 2014 to review the recommendations of the staff and reach funding decisions. Notification All applicants to the FY 2015 Maryland Touring Grant will receive notification by mail of their grant award or denial by July 1, 2014. Payment Grant agreement forms are prepared and mailed by July 1, 2014 to those that have been awarded funding. The forms must be signed and the organization must meet all reporting requirements (including those of other MSAC grant programs) before Maryland Touring Grant funds are disbursed. Reporting Requirement Organizations that are awarded a FY 2015 Maryland Touring Grant must submit a final report within 30 days of of the completion of the funded project(s) or presentation(s).


Appendix A

Maryland State Arts Council Overview The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is an agency of the State of Maryland, under the authority of the Department of Business and Economic Development, Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts. Since it was established in 1967, the purpose of the Council has been “to create a nurturing climate for the arts in the State” as stated in its founding legislation.

The Council is an appointed body of 17 citizens. Thirteen are named by the Governor to three-year terms, which are renewable once. Two legislators and two private citizens are appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. Councilors serve without salary.

To carry out its mission, MSAC awards grants to not-for-profit, tax-exempt organizations for ongoing arts programming and arts projects. MSAC awards grants to individual artists, and provides technical and advisory assistance to individuals and groups. The Council also carries out programs of its own to enhance the cultural life of the residents of Maryland. MSAC receives its funds in an annual appropriation from the State of Maryland and from grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The Council may also receive contributions from private, non-governmental sources.

Mission Statement and Goals The mission of MSAC is to encourage and invest in the advancement of the arts for the people of our State. The goals of the Council are to support artists and arts organizations in their pursuit of artistic excellence, to ensure the accessibility of the arts to all citizens, and to promote statewide awareness of arts resources and opportunities. MSAC’s programs are aimed at benefiting all Maryland residents regardless of political or religious opinion or affiliation, marital status, race, color, creed, age, national origin, sex or sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or geographic location within the State.

Professional Grants Review Panels To assist the Council in its decision-making, professionals in the arts are appointed to a variety of grants review panels. The function of panels is to evaluate applications from organizations and individuals and to offer policy recommendations to the Council. Each year, more than 100 individuals serve as grants review panelists for the Council’s programs, including Grants for Organizations, Arts in Education, Arts in Communities, Folk and Traditional Arts, Individual Artist Awards, and Community Arts Development. Anyone wishing to serve or to nominate someone to serve should contact the MSAC office for detailed information and nomination forms.

Staff MSAC maintains a professional staff to administer its grants programs and Council-initiated programs. Staff members are available to provide technical assistance to the arts community.

Meetings All Council and Grants Review Panel meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Open Meetings Law set forth in Sections 10-501 through 10-512 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The dates, times, and locations of Council and Grants Review Panel meetings may be obtained by contacting the Council office.


Appendix B

Maryland State Arts Council and Staff MSAC is an agency of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts

Martin O’Malley, Governor Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor Dominick E. Murray, Secretary of Business and Economic Development Bob Walker, Deputy Secretary of Business and Economic Development

Councilors

Barbara Bershon, St. Mary’s County, Chair Carol Trawick, Montgomery County, Vice Chair Lora Bottinelli, Wicomico County, Secretary/Treasurer

Carole Alexander, Anne Arundel County Eric Conway, D.M.A., Baltimore County Nilimma Devi, Montgomery County Carla Du Pree, Howard County Susie Farr, Montgomery County Margaret Footner, Baltimore County Nancy Graf, St. Mary’s County Delegate Melony Ghee Griffith, Prince George's County Senator Richard S. Madaleno, Jr., Montgomery County Shelley Morhaim, Baltimore County Susanna Nemes, Ph.D., Montgomery County Kathy O’Dell, Ph.D., Baltimore County Sandy Oxx, Carroll County Gary Vikan, Baltimore City

Staff Theresa Colvin, Executive Director

Chatara Carroll Lucas Cowen Carla Dunlap Pamela Dunne Joyce Faulkner Amy Grossmann John Harris Kate McMillan Clifford Murphy Okeena Stephenson Christine Stewart


Appendix C

MARYLAND TOURING GRANT - Sample Application FY 2015 – DEADLINE: APRIL 30, 2014 A. GENERAL INFORMATION Organization Name: Mailing Address: City: State: MD Zip Code + Four: County: Federal Tax ID Number: DUNS Number1: Organization Phone – include area code: FAX Number – include area code: Website: Facebook: Twitter: Other Social/Electronic Media site: State Legislative District Number2: Federal Congressional District Number2:

1If you do not already have a DUNS number, you may apply for one at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. 2This information may be found at www.mdelect.net. B. CONTACT INFORMATION

Authorizing Official3 - Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms.: Authorizing Official’s3 Title: Authorizing Official’s3 Phone – include area code and extension: Authorizing Official’s3 E-Mail Address: Executive Director - Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms.: Executive Director’s Title: Executive Director’s Phone – include area code and extension: Executive Director’s E-Mail Address: Grant Contact Person - Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms.: Grant Contact Person’s Title: Grant Contact Person’s Phone – include area code and extension: Grant Contact Person’s E-Mail Address:

3The authorizing official is the individual legally empowered to submit this application.


http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

http://www.mdelect.net/

C. APPLICATION NARRATIVE A PDF will be generated of your application in eGrant. You will be responsible for viewing the PDF generated by eGrant and ensuring there are no more than THREE (3) pages used to answer the narrative questions. If you do not follow this direction, your complete narrative responses may not be read, and not following directions may influence the review of your application. CHARACTER COUNTER: Note that each question has a character counter that allows for 8000 characters to provide ample space. For example, if you want your answer to be 800 characters long, type until the counter says “7200 characters remaining”, if you want your answer to be 1000 characters long, type until the counter says “7000 characters remaining”, etc.

1. What is the mission statement of the organization?

2. Provide a brief history and description of current programs and activities, especially presenting activities. 3. Provide examples of the applicant’s service to the community. 4. Provide a description of the proposed project, not to exceed two pages, detailing:

a) Brief explanation of how the creative goals of this artist/company match the goals of the project, please detail the selection process

b) Brief description of how the artist/company was involved in the planning of this project, as related to preliminary discussions, grant writing, marketing, programming, etc.

c) Brief explanation of how this project diversifies your organization’s normal artistic programming d) How you will accommodate the technical needs of the artist/company e) Provide a schedule of the proposed project, including a public performance and, if applicable, outreach

activity, with specific dates of the engagements f) Brief description of the targeted audience and projected audience number g) Brief explanation of the marketing plan for the project

D. Budget The budget must be submitted utilizing the template provided in the “Budget” section of your eGrant application (See template sample in Appendix D). The completed template must comply with the formatting requirements described in these guidelines and must be attached to your eGrant application at the time of submission. E. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST The following items are a required part of your application. Please attach a Word or PDF version of each of the following items to your eGrant application. Paper versions will not be accepted. All required items noted on the Attachments page in eGrant must be attached to the application at the time of submission.

� Completed budget template � List of artists presented over the last three years (including dates of performances) � Most recent Letter of Determination from the IRS indicating that your organization is incorporated in

Maryland as nonprofit. Do not send Maryland tax exempt certificate � Preliminary contract or letter of agreement between your organization and the performing artist


Applications, INCLUDING ATTACHMENTS, must be successfully submitted via eGrant (msac.egrant.net) before 5:00 PM on April 30, 2014. F. CERTIFICATION □ Checking this box verifies that the applicant agrees to complete and submit this application by electronic means, including the use of an electronic signature. Name Title Date □ Checking this box verifies that the name typed above is authorized to sign this Maryland State Arts Council Grants for Organizations application on behalf of the applicant organization and certifies that all information contained in this report is true and accurate. Checking this box verifies that the applicant agrees to complete and submit this application by electronic means, including the use of an electronic signature.


NATIONAL STANDARD FOR ARTS INFORMATION EXCHANGE FORM

This information is being gathered for the National Endowment for the Arts. Each organization must submit one complete National Standard for Arts Information Exchange form as part of their final report. Organization:

___ ___ ___ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ State Legislative District Number* Federal (U.S.) Congressional District Number*

*Please provide the district numbers for your organization. PLEASE NOTE: The State Legislative District Number may also include a letter (e.g., 34A). A physical address must be used – not a PO Box address. You can use this website - http://mdelect.net/ - to look up your organization’s district numbers. Applicant Status: Check the one category which best describes your organization’s legal status. � 02 Organization Nonprofit � 04 Government Federal � 05 Government State � 06 Government Regional � 07 Government County � 08 Government Municipal � 09 Government Tribal � 99 None of the Above Applicant Discipline: Check the one category which best describes your organization’s main art form. � 01 Dance – do not include mime � 09 Media Art � 02 Music � 10 Literature � 03 Opera/Music Theater � 11 Interdisciplinary � 04 Theater � 12 Folklife/Traditional Arts � 05 Visual Arts � 13 Humanities � 06 Design Arts � 14 Multi-Disciplinary � 07 Crafts � 15 Non-Arts/Non-Humanities – none of the above � 08 Photography – include holography Project Discipline: Check the one category which best describes the funded art form. � 01 Dance – do not include mime � 09 Media Art � 02 Music � 10 Literature � 03 Opera/Music Theater � 11 Interdisciplinary � 04 Theater � 12 Folklife/Traditional Arts � 05 Visual Arts � 13 Humanities � 06 Design Arts � 14 Multi-Disciplinary � 07 Crafts � 15 Non-Arts/Non-Humanities – none of the above � 08 Photography – include holography


http://mdelect.net/

Applicant Institution: Check the one category which best describes your organization. � 03 Performing Group � 27 Library � 04 Performing Group College/University � 28 Historical Society � 05 Performing Group Community � 29 Humanities Council � 06 Performing Group Youth � 30 Foundation � 07 Performing Facility � 31 Corporation � 08 Art Museum � 32 Community Service Organization � 09 Other Museum � 33 Correctional Institution � 10 Gallery/Exhibit Space � 34 Health Care Facility � 11 Cinema � 35 Religious Organization � 12 Independent Press � 36 Seniors’ Center � 13 Literary Magazine � 37 Parks and Recreation � 14 Fair/Festival � 38 Government Executive � 15 Arts Center � 39 Government Judicial � 16 Arts Council/Agency � 40 Government Legislative House � 17 Arts Service Organization � 41 Government Legislative Senate � 18 Union/Professional Association � 42 Media Periodical � 19 School District � 45 Media Radio � 20 Parent Teacher Organization � 46 Media TV � 21 Elementary School � 47 Cultural Series Organization � 22 Middle School � 48 School of the Arts � 23 Secondary School � 49 Arts Camp/Institute � 24 Vocational/Technical School � 50 Social Service Organization � 25 Other School � 51 Child Care Provider � 26 College/University � 99 None of the Above Grantee Race: For organizations, grantees should code themselves based on the predominant group of which their staff or board or membership (not audience) is composed. Organizations should choose the one code that best represents 50 percent or more of their staff or board or membership. � A - Asian � P - Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander � B - Black/African American � W - White � H - Hispanic/Latino � 99 - No single group � N - American Indian/Alaska Native Project Race/Ethnicity: If the majority of the grant activities are intended to involve or act as a clear expression or representation of the cultural traditions of one particular group, or deliver services to a designated population listed below, choose that group’s code from the list. If the grant or activity is not designated to represent or reach any one particular group, chose the terminal code “99.” � A - Asian � P - Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander � B - Black/African American � W - White � H - Hispanic/Latino � 99 - No single group � N - American Indian/Alaska Native


Project Descriptors: Mark which, if any, of the descriptors below comprise a significant portion (50% or more) of the grant’s resources/activities. Mark all that apply. If none apply, or if the below descriptors apply to a small or indeterminate portion of your funding/activities, leave this field blank. � A - Accessibility: Grants or services related to ADA/504 compliance or other activities designed to Increase

access to the arts for persons with disabilities. � I - International: Programs or activities supporting any of the following: grantees visiting other countries,

foreign artists visiting the USA, any cultural exchange program, linkages with artists or institutions in other countries, or establishing/administering international programs in your own agency.

� P - Presenting/Touring: Grants or services resulting in the movement of artists or artworks for

performances, readings, screenings, exhibits, etc., in different geographic areas. Use this code to indicate funds awarded for either the hosting/presenting of works originating outside of the grantee community or for the fees paid to artists or arts organizations that will, themselves, be touring in different areas.

� T - Technology: Grants or services using technology for the creation or dissemination of artworks or the use

of technology for organizational management purposes. � Y - Youth at Risk: Grants or services designed primarily to serve at-risk youth. Include arts-related

intervention programs (for violence, drug-alcohol abuse and crime) as well as other creative programming specifically involving at-risk youth as primary project participants or beneficiaries.

Activity Type: Check the one category which best describes the funded activity/activities. � 01 Acquisition � 20 School Residency � 02 Audience Services � 21 Other Residency � 03 Fellowships � 22 Seminar/Conference � 04 Artwork Creation � 23 Equipment Acquisition � 05 Concert/Performance/Reading � 24 Distribution of Art � 06 Exhibition � 25 Apprenticeship � 07 Facility Construction/Maintenance � 26 Regranting � 08 Fair/Festival � 27 Translation � 09 Identification/Documentation � 28 Writing about Art � 10 Organization Establishment � 29 Professional Development/Training � 11 Operating Support � 30 Student Assessment � 12 Arts Instruction � 31 Curriculum Development/Implementation � 13 Marketing � 32 Stabilization/Endowment/Challenge � 14 Professional Support – Administrative � 33 Building Public Awareness � 15 Professional Support – Artistic � 34 Technical Assistance � 16 Recording/Filming/Taping � 35 Web Site/Internet Development � 17 Publication � 36 Broadcasting � 18 Repair/Restoration/Conservation � 99 None of the Above � 19 Research/Planning


Appendix D The Budget Summary Template is available for download in the Budget section of your eGrant application. You will upload your completed budget summary into your eGrant application.

D. FY 2015 Maryland Touring Grant Application - Budget Summary Template Detail the estimated expenses and income for each Roster artist presentation included in this application. Round numbers to the nearest dollar. Enter ONLY direct costs associated with presenting each Roster

artist/ensemble. MSAC does not allow pro-rated expenses or income.

Total Cash Expenses must equal Total Cash Income for each Roster artist/ensemble presentation.

Organization Name: _______________

Artist #1 Artist #2 Artist #3

Enter Roster Artist/Ensemble Name:

Date of Project/Presentation:

Estim

ated

Cas

h Ex

pens

es

Artist/Ensemble Performance Fee

Travel, Lodging , Per Diem (if not included above)

Technical Personnel

Other Personnel

Marketing/Publicity

Space Rental

Equipment Rental

Other Cash Expenses (please list below) a b c

Total Cash Expenses:

Artist #1 Artist #2 Artist #3

Estim

ated

Cas

h In

com

e

Ticket Sales (performances)

Admissions (other activities)

Other Earned Income (please specify)

a

b

Other Support: Government, Foundation, Corporate

a

b

c

Organization Cash

MSAC GRANT REQUEST

(Min total all: $500/Max total all: $3,500)

Total Cash Income:

In-k

ind

Cont

ribut

ions

Source(s) and amounts of any in-kind contributions (donated goods or services) specifically related to any of these Roster artist/ensemble presentations Artist #1 Artist #2 Artist #3

a

b

c

d

e

Total In-kind Contributions:


Appendix E Appeals Process

MSAC takes great care during the grant review process to ensure fair and equitable distribution of grant monies based on stated criteria. Therefore, dissatisfaction with the denial of an award or with the amount of an award is not sufficient reason for an appeal. However, a grant request may be reconsidered if a procedural impropriety or error has affected its review. Grounds for such reconsideration are:

• A decision based on review criteria other than those stated in these guidelines. • A decision based on material provided to panelists and/or Councilors that was substantially

incorrect, inaccurate, or incomplete despite the applicant having provided the staff with correct, accurate, and complete application information.

Based on the above, if an applicant believes there is legitimate reason for an appeal, the following steps must be taken:

• The applicant must discuss the problem with the program director who handled the application.

• To pursue an appeal, the applicant must write a letter to the MSAC Executive Director within 60 days following receipt of the grant award or denial letter requesting a reconsideration of the Council’s decision and stating the grounds for the request.

• The applicant will receive written notification on the determination of the appeal within 90 days of the receipt of the written request for reconsideration.
