Cultural Education Partnership Grant

Open to free-standing 501(c)3 college/university level arts educational institutions.

Applicants must have an annual cash operating income (excluding in-kind contributions) of at least $1 million per year. If the institution ever fails to meet the $1 million base operating figure, it will have a one-year grace period to again meet the $1 million budget requirement before losing eligibility in this category. Additionally, the institution must maintain the $1 million budget level for a minimum of two consecutive years before another request for a one year grace period may be made.

All applicants are required to have a DUNS number. Information and application instructions can be found at http://bit.ly/1MGD9yp

In order to be eligible for this category, applicants must have received Commission funding for three (3) of the past five (5) years through one of the following grant categories: Arts Access, Arts Project Support, Rural Arts Project Support, Partnership Support, or Major Cultural Institution.

Applicants must be a freestanding academic arts institution which has as its mission training and/or accreditation in one or more arts disciplines. Additionally, the institution must also demonstrate significant community involvement in the application.

Specific eligibility for this grant category will be determined by:

- Full-time and adequately compensated personnel that may include one or more of the following: president, academic dean, teaching staff, and other administrative staff.
- The applicant must have existed as an academic arts institution for a minimum of five (5) years prior to the date of application.
- The institution must be an accredited institution or recognized nationally for the quality of specialized training or academic instruction offered.
- The institution must demonstrate ongoing fiscal responsibility through an audit conducted externally by a certified public accountant for its most recently completed fiscal year. Institutions in this category should use an accrual accounting system. Institutions must submit an audit of their most recently completed fiscal year at the time of application. If a more recent audit is in process, include a letter from the institution’s CPA explaining when it will be completed and available. First time applicants in this category must include an audit of their most recently completed fiscal year at the time of application, no exceptions.
- A demonstrated commitment to compensate (in salaries, wages, fees, and/or benefits) the administrative and academic personnel whose services contribute directly to the institution applying for matching funds.
- The applicant is required to show evidence of significant service to the community because of public dollars awarded by the TAC. Examples of activities serving the community include: providing needed services to underserved populations; neighborhood outreach classes and workshops; concerts, performances, and exhibitions that are of interest to the community in which the institution is located.

First time applicants to this category must contact Tennessee Arts Commission’s Associate Director for grants prior to submitting an application to verify eligibility.

Register and apply online: http://bit.ly/1kFltfY

All 501(c)3 non-profit organizations are now required to submit “Exempt Organizations Select Check” verification from the IRS with every grant application as part of their Supplemental Materials.

Exempt Organizations Select Check: http://1.usa.gov/1MGCU6i