4Culture

Eligible applicants include King County-based:

• Not-for-profit arts organizations
• Public agencies other than K-12 schools or school districts
• In 2011, all recipients are eligible to apply since there is only one cycle of this program being offered

Requirements for Applicant Organizations:

• A legally-constituted and working board of directors
• The ability to demonstrate a record of artistic or cultural accomplishments
• At least a two-year operating history as a legally constituted entity.
• Tax exempt status, preferably 501(c)(3). No contract will be negotiated until after non-profit status has been confirmed. Contact staff if your organization is not a 501(c)(3)
• Ability to maintain net current liabilities at less than thirty percent of general operating expenses
• A safe storage place for any equipment funded with public dollars that is not located in a private residence
• The ability to enter into a contract that requires your organization to provide proof of non-profit status and a W-9 form, complete an ADA status review, have liability insurance that names 4Culture as additional insured, and provide other information as required by King County statutes.

Projects Eligible for Funding:

• Acquisition of equipment
• Installation necessary

Cultural Facility Equipment funding may not be used:

Every award starts with a competitive selection process that involves peer panel review and results in a contract with 4Culture that calls for you to provide services and public benefit to the people of King County.

The process takes about 3 months from the time you submit a proposal to the time we're ready to create a contract that reimburses you for your expenses.

Review Criteria

The Panel Process

• Your application will be reviewed by 4Culture staff and a peer review panel. The panel is made up of arts administrators and community representatives from all over King County who have been through the equipment program, know the local community, and have expertise in one or more aspects of this program.
• Each panelist receives applications in advance for review. The panel then convenes to evaluate every application and make funding recommendations to the 4Culture Arts Advisory Committee.
• Because of their different areas of focus and geographic diversity, it is not likely that every panelist will be familiar with every organization's work. Keep that in mind as you draft your narrative responses.
• A lead panelist is appointed for every application. That person and the staff are the only people who will see any support materials you mail in. Your lead panelist will be prepared with questions and will initiate discussion about your proposal with the panel.

Requirements and appeals

Learn about the legal requirements of award recipients, and about the process for appeal of a 4Culture award here.

• What are the number and size of awards made each cycle? Awards are capped at $20,000. Most awards have ranged from $1,500 to $12,500 over the past 5 years. Generally, around 40% of the projects applying receive some funds.
• Do you make partial awards? Yes. Less than 1/4 of our applicants receive full funding in each cycle; most receive a portion of the funds requested.
• If my organization is collaborating with other organizations to share ownership of equipment, can we submit a joint application?Yes, we encourage creative uses of every single piece of equipment to its fullest potential!
• Will 4Culture staff help me with my application? Yes! Give us a call, send an email, or attend a free workshop. We are happy to answer questions and give pointers. We want to help you submit the best-possible application. Debra Twersky is your primary contact for the Cultural Facilities program. You can contact Debra Twersky at (206) 205-8558.
• If my equipment project has been funded once through the Arts Facilities program can I get a second award? Generally, arts equipment projects are discreet purchases that can be accomplished in one year. If you do have a major equipment purchase (theater seats, multiple phases of lighting instruments, you may apply and get funds more than once, as long as you can demonstrate that your project is moving forward and meeting your goals and timeline.
• If I don't currently have secure storage in a business/public location, or I need to apply under the umbrella of another organization could I still be eligible? Call Deb Twersky to talk about your project if you have questions about our storage requirements or do not have your own 501(c)(3) status.
• What if my equipment project is an emergency and cannot wait until the next regular cycle? Because our funds are limited, we do not accept applications for emergency equipment needs. Call Deb Twersky if you have questions about your project.

Note: Once you have started the process of applying online, you can hit "save" after completing the required fields in each section, log out, and your application will remain saved as a draft. You can then return to your application any time before the deadline to continue working or to make changes by logging in with the username and password you created. Once you hit "submit," you will still be able to see your application, but you will not be able to make any more changes. For technical questions about the online application system, contact staff member Deb Twersky by email or at 206 296.8605.

This funding opportunity is currently closed. We will reopen the application for this opportunity at least 6 weeks before the next deadline.

START YOUR APPLICATION