ArtsWave is looking for Hamilton County arts and culture organizations impacted by COVID-19 so they can give them some money.
Per a press release, "The arts in the Cincinnati region have an economic impact of $300 million annually and employ 10,000+ people. Losses of $40 million in revenue are counted since March as the state banned mass gatherings to stop the spread of the coronavirus."
To help remedy that, the arts nonprofit has $3.5 million from the CARES Act via the Hamilton County Commissioners to dole out to organizations in need.
The deadline to apply is Oct. 23 at artswave.org/apply-for-funding.
“Arts organizations typically derive between half and two-thirds of their annual operating budgets from earned income sources like ticket sales, sponsorships and contracts,” says Alecia Kintner, ArtsWave president and CEO. “The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for arts organizations that, like any other industry, have fixed costs and valuable employees. Relief from Hamilton County CARES Act funding will make a difference in the ability of the Cincinnati region’s arts and culture landscape to remain vibrant and viable.”
The grants will go to help cover the costs of business disruption and to help mitigate expenses for reopening and adapting to digital programming. Grants are capped at $100,000 and will be based on the operating revenue from the previous fiscal year.
Based on the website application portal, arts and culture organizations must meet the following to be eligible for a grant:
- Its principal place of business and location(s) where services where operations occur is in Hamilton County.
- Has been in operation and provided arts and cultural programming since at least January 2019.
- Organized as a non-profit entity under the laws of the State of Ohio and recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service.
- Registered with State of Ohio Attorney General’s Office www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Services-for-Charities/Charitable-Registration
- Primary mission is to provide arts and cultural programming that is open and accessible to the general public.
- Has a DUNS number prior to being awarded grant funding. A DUNS number can be requested here: https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do
- Is currently in compliance with all state laws and treasury regulations, including those applicable to its status as an organization recognized as a tax exempt entity under I.R.C. 501(c)(3) and a non-profit organization under Ohio law.
- Has the ability to demonstrate and document that from March 1, 2020 to December 30, 2020, it has incurred costs or will incur costs due to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19.
- Will not use Hamilton County CARES funding in place of or instead of local, state, federal, or other government funds already designated or used for that expense or activity.
- Has prior experience in successfully managing federal, state or local financial assistance and/or grant funding.
