FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACTS

Applications for 2020 Tacoma Creates Funding Now Available

-- Comprehensive Organizational Support Applications Due February 28, 2020,
Impact Funding Applications Due March 18, 2020--

Tacoma Creates is now accepting funding applications in two categories: Comprehensive Organizational Support and Impact Funding. 

Funding will be determined through a competitive application process and is intended to help eligible non-profit arts, culture, heritage and science organizations expand equitable access to public programs, increase opportunities in neighborhoods throughout Tacoma, expand educational options for youth, and build sustainability for continued services.

Tacoma Creates is particularly interested in proposals for after-school classes for the 2020-2021 school year as part of the Expanded Learning Opportunity program, a coordinated effort at a number of Tacoma Public Schools elementary and middle schools. Education programming for youth – and, in particular, underserved youth, is a central part of Tacoma Creates, and will be supported through both funding categories.

“This is an invitation to partner with us as we all work together in support of Tacoma’s vision for vibrant, equitable and inclusive cultural programs,” said Tacoma Arts Administrator Amy McBride in the City of Tacoma’s Office of Arts & Cultural Vitality. “It is a powerful opportunity for our community to evolve and flourish, and we are excited to see how this strengthens the culture of our diverse city.”

Comprehensive Organizational Support Funding 

Organizations that apply in this category may request up to 15 percent of their total annual budget, based on actual income in their most recently completed fiscal year, up to a maximum of $400,000 per calendar year. Applicants in this category must provide a wide range of ongoing cultural programs.  Applications for Comprehensive Organizational Support must be submitted online by 11:59 PM on February 28, 2020. 

To be eligible, organizations applying in this category must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in the city of Tacoma, whose primary purpose is to advance and/or preserve arts, culture, heritage and/or science. They must also have a two-year history of providing public programs in Tacoma.

Impact Funding

Organizations that apply in this category may request a minimum of $3,000, and up to $50,000 per year for a single program or multiple programs. Applications for Impact Funding must be submitted online by 11:59 PM on March 18, 2020. 

To be eligible, organizations applying in this category must be located in the city of Tacoma, have a primary purpose to advance and/or preserve arts, culture, heritage and/or science, and must provide public programs in Tacoma; they may be a non-profit organization or have a fiscal sponsor. There are additional eligibility categories for active Business District Associations and Neighborhood Councils recognized by the City of Tacoma, Affiliate Cultural Organizations within a larger non-profit, and organizations that are based in Pierce County but whose work primarily happens in Tacoma. 

Please refer to cityoftacoma.org/tacomacreates for complete eligibility information. 

Free Workshops and Webinar on How to Apply 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a free workshop or webinar explaining how the application process works and how to develop a strong application. 

Impact Funding Application Workshops:

• February 6, 2020, 12:30 – 2 PM at Fern Hill Library (765 South 84th St.) 
  Nearest bus routes are 1, 45, 48, 202; free parking available
  
  
• February 13, 2020, 5:30 – 7 PM at Tacoma Municipal Building (747 Market St., Room 243)
  Nearest bus routes are 1, 11, 13, 16; paid street parking available
  
  
• February 15, 2020, 10 – 11:30 AM at Centro Latino (1208 South 10th St.)
  Nearest bus stops are 28, 57; free parking available
  
  
• February 18, 2020, 5 – 6:30 PM at Moore Library (215 South 56th St.)
  Nearest bus stops are 1, 56; free parking available
  
  

Comprehensive Organizational Support Application Workshop:

February 6, 2020, 5 – 6:30 PM at Tacoma Municipal Building (747 Market St., Room 243)
Nearest bus routes are 1, 11, 13, 16; paid street parking available

Webinar: 

The webinar will be on February 13, 2020, 10 – 11 AM; please see the Application Support section at cityoftacoma.org/tacomacreates for access instructions.

Funding will be determined through a competitive application process. The number of contracts awarded, and the funding amount for each contract, will be based on the availability of funds and review of each application by a review panel based on the evaluation criteria detailed in Tacoma Creates’ established guidelines. The contract funding period runs June 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021.

Detailed eligibility criteria, program and application guidelines, and access to the online application form are available at cityoftacoma.org/tacomacreates. Questions about Tacoma Creates funding programs may be directed to ljaret@cityoftacoma.org or nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org. Requests to receive this information in alternate formats may be directed to cgines@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5174.

More information about Tacoma Creates is available at cityoftacoma.org/tacomacreates.

###