The mission statement will provide an overview of the agency goals and foundation of purpose. The mission statement should not be longer than 2-3 sentences.

Program Overview: This funding opportunity seeks programs that embody the highest level of artistry and artistic vibrancy; and programs that foster cultural participation to build strong communities. a. Describe your event. b. Please describe how your event helps to build or enhance the community and/or its downtown area. c. If this is an annual program, please tell us how this year will be different from previous years (for example, new repertoire, new use of social media, etc.).

A substantial program fosters the proactive engagement of essential artistic and technical personnel. Please use weblinks whenever possible. Please provide the following information: a. Names of essential artistic and technical personnel b. An abbreviated bio for each person listed c. Additional relevant information for each person listed, i.e., web page address, IMDB link, etc. d. Indicate if this artist(s) is or has recently performed in your region or if this is an artist(s) presenting a rare or underrepresented art form. e. Discuss how your program incorporates, encourages, amplifies, and celebrates the diversity of Suffolk County.

Collaborations strengthen a program. They are a genuine partnership between or among organizations working together for a common goal relating to the program. Collaboration involves mutual decision making regarding significant aspects of the program, from beginning to end. Collaborators work actively together and there should be evidence of active engagement between or among organizations. They are typically cross sectoral in nature, though this is not a requirement. Examples of collaborators would be alliances among nonprofit, business, and government, such as an arts organization, library, youth organization, etc. Collaborations are not commercial relationships where another hires an organization or individual. It does not involve an exchange of funds, though collaborators may benefit financially through the program. Hiring an artist is not collaboration. Although collaborative partners are an asset, it is not necessary for a successful art program. a. Please describe your collaborators and partners and the nature of the engagement, if any. b. How does the collaborator(s) improve the quality of the program. c. Provide examples of how the collaborator has (or will have) mutual decision making on significant aspects of the program.

A good marketing plan can help you reach your target audience, boost your supporter base and increase your program's participation rate. A marketing plan helps you set clear, realistic, and measurable objectives for your program. a. Tell us about your target audience, for example; age, income, education and occupation. b. Describe the marketing and promotional plan. c. Describe what clear, realistic, and measurable objectives are expected from the program. d. Indicate an anticipated number of attendees.

Suffolk County is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or discriminated against under its projects, programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin (including Limited English Proficiency), gender, disability or age, as provided in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. To learn more about the Suffolk County non-discrimination policy please click here: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/ElectedOfficials/CountyExecutive/OfficeofMulticulturalAffairsandCommunityEngagement/NonDiscrimination Policy. The County of Suffolk’s Office of Film and Cultural Affairs is committed to making the arts accessible to all the citizens of Suffolk County. a. Please describe how your program will encourage accessibility to all. b. Is the site ADA compliant? c. Explain how the program will or may provide accessibility accommodations (for example: large print programs, sign language interpreters, etc.). d. Explain how your program may serve Suffolk's communities.

A successful program will bolster the visitor base of Suffolk County’s downtown centers by promoting a positive downtown image and increasing the visibility of local arts and culture through engaging cultural events and innovative public art programs. Please note the definition of Downtown on page 13. Suffolk County Retail downtowns can be found in Exhibit A, page 14. a. Describe how this program supports the mission to revitalize Suffolk County’s downtowns.

Administrative Competency is the skill, knowledge, qualification, capacity, or authority to manage or direct the affairs of an organization. a. Explain how the leaders of your organization have the skills required for an accountable, reliable, professional, and high performing organization. b. Provide evidence that your organization has successfully completed this or similar grant funded programs, including compliance with applicable reporting and administrative requirements. c. Describe the role of your Board of Directors in providing governance, oversight, and support for the organization and the proposed program. Please attach bios of your key board and staff members.

Provide a clear financial explanation of how your organization proposes to fund the program, including realistic revenue sources and fundraising strategies. Describe the organization’s experience and capacity to develop, manage, and monitor program budgets. Describe how your Board makes financial decisions. Fiscal competency will be evaluated based on the financial information provided in the application, including the organizational budget, applicable IRS Form 990 or other required financial documentation, and the proposed program budget. a. Describe the financial controls, budgeting practices, and oversight your organization uses to ensure responsible management of funds and successful completion of the proposed program.

Your ability to engage the local community can demonstrate community support and interest and articulate how they benefit from the proposed program. a. Describe community benefits achieved by the program. b. Discuss community support that exists for the program and opportunities for community engagement.

A strong program reflects and celebrates the diversity of Suffolk County by presenting a broad range of artists, art forms, and cultural experiences. Programs may strengthen their community impact by engaging new audiences, expanding access to arts and cultural programming, or presenting programs in underserved communities. Programs should promote affordable and accessible arts and cultural experiences and must be open to the public. a. Scoring for this section will be automatically applied based on the program location (street address) and the Distressed Communities scoring scale identified on page 7 and Exhibit B. Any activities that missing or incomplete addresses will be scored 0 (zero) points.

The proposed program budget must demonstrate how the applicant will leverage Suffolk County funding with revenue from additional sources. Additional funding demonstrates the organization’s ability to secure financial support from constituents, sponsors, earned income, fundraising activities, grants, and other sources. Applicants must identify funding that has been secured or is reasonably projected for the proposed program. In kind contributions should not be included as matching revenue but may be identified in Question 4: Fiscal Competency. a. Scoring for this section will be automatically applied according to the Matching Revenue Funds scoring scale on page 9 in the Guidelines. b. Applicants are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all financial information submitted. Budget calculations will not be independently verified by staff prior to review by the CAB panel. Applicants should carefully review all figures before submitting the application. In the application form Project Revenue includes: a. Earned Income: Admissions/Box Office; Membership Dues; Tuition, Workshop Fees, etc.; Parking; other (Please describe). Include ticket prices in the comment line. b. Unearned income: Individual contributions; Corporate/Business Contributions; Government Grants (not Suffolk County); Foundation Grants; Fundraising Events; Other (Please Describe). c. Project Personnel: Administrative; Artist Fees; Technical; Other. d. Outside Professional Services: Lines are for Administrative; Artistic; Technical; Space Rental; Equipment Rental; Technology Improvements; Travel/Transportation; Advertising/Promotion; Remaining Operating Expenses and Insurance. Suffolk County does not pay for insurance. In the Project Expenses portion of the budget, please use the last column to explain which lines you are seeking funding to support and for how much money. a. Scoring for this section will be automatically applied based on the defined scale for matching revenue funds located on page 9 in the Guidelines. b. Please note that staff is not responsible to check numbers before the application goes to the CAB panel. Please proof your application accordingly as errors may result in rejection.

Complete this information for the entire organization, not only for the program for which you are applying. Include the amount of the request for this application. This is required by Suffolk County.

Organization must provide proof of 501(c)3 tax-exempt status OR secure a fiscal sponsor that meets the regulations of a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization from the U.S. Treasury Department under Section 501(c)3 of the US Internal Revenue Code. Organizations must include: 1) IRS determination letter confirming tax-exempt status, or the fiscal sponsor’s IRS determination letter, as applicable. 2) Completed Form W-9. 3) Required supporting materials (no more than 2 samples). 4) AND One of the following: i. IRS 990 Form, within the last four years (1 copy), OR ii. Audit, OR iii. IRS 990 Postcard submission AND an Organizational Budget.

The score from this is determined by the location of your program address. Not the home address of the organization. Please be detailed. Applicants must write down the location street address with town and zip code for each program activity. Street addresses with town and zip code must be listed for each activity, even if it is a recurring event. Any activities that missing or incomplete addresses will be scored 0 (zero) points. Applicants may upload a single document with the Program Schedule and Venue Information, instead of using the text block below. Please list: a. Venue Address, this should be the street address with town and zip code. b. Event Name. c. Day & Date of Event d. Time of Event