Purpose & Objectives
The Community Arts Funding Program is administered by the Saint John Community Arts Board on behalf of the City of Saint John. The Program provides financial support in two categories:
- Project/Activity Funding - Arts-related projects, activities, events or initiatives (including a series of activities or events) that are primarily participatory, actively engage the public, are educational in nature, or that develop the arts in the community
- Arts Festival Funding – Preparation and presentation of one-day or multi- day arts festivals, major arts events, or arts celebrations.
Program grants will normally range between $500 and $3,500 (or between 10% and 40% of the total project/festival budget).
Eligibility
Any non-profit organization whose primary purpose is the presentation, promotion, or education of the visual, performing, literary, media, or material arts in Saint John, and that wishes to undertake arts-related projects or activities of benefit to the community, is eligible to apply. An organization that has previously received Program funding and that has not complied with funding requirements (e.g.: failed to submit a post-event report to the Board) will be deemed ineligible.
The following are examples of applicants and/or projects/activities that are ineligible for funding:
- Building or equipment purchase, lease, renovation or repair;
- Funding that is primarily for the benefit of an individual;
- For-profit organizations;
- Organizations that fund other projects/festivals;
- Retroactive funding (without prior approval of the Board);
- Deficits or debts;
- Free or discounted tickets;
- Fundraising events;
- Fellowships, scholarships, or bursaries;
- Contributions to an endowment fund;
- Conferences or professional development; and
- Non-specific operating expenses.
Application Requirements & Evaluation
During evaluation of applications, preference will be given to organizations that are based in Saint John and to projects and/or activities:
- that are consistent with the objectives of the City’s Arts and Culture Policy;
- that are consistent with the priorities of Saint John City Council;
- with significant community involvement;
- that have not received other material funding from the City of Saint John and have not received funding under this Program within the last 12 months;
- that have also sought and/or obtained other sources of funding (e.g. matching funds); and
- that will benefit the creative arts, the arts community and the community at large.
The applicant must also demonstrate organizational capacity and good management practices, including programming, finances, and human resources. Other practices will also be taken into account - such as: event attendance; audience development; community and business support; cultural diversity; funding; human resources; partnerships; public accessibility; and strategic planning.