Chicago Community Trust SMART Growth Grant Program

Chicago Community Trust SMART Growth Grant Program

Eligibility:
- Potential grantees should be deeply rooted in and reflective of a community, target population, or art form that is underrepresented in the cultural spectrum of the Chicago region.
- Applicant organizations MUST also meet the following criteria:
-Be an Illinois nonprofit with a federal 501( c )3 tax-exempt designation;
-Be incorporated as an arts and culture organization (not a social service agency, college/university, etc. with an affiliated arts/cultural program);
-Be located in and primarily serve Cook County;
-Have an annual operating budget that is less than $1 million in its most recently audited fiscal year;
-Have at least one paid management staff person;
-Have a functioning, volunteer Board of Directors;
-Have not been a prior SMART Growth grantee.

Purpose:
The Trust believes that the strength of our region’s cultural vitality is rooted in the diversity of community-based arts and cultural organizations that create affordable and accessible arts opportunities for all residents. SMART Growth is a 4-year capacity-building program designed to help these organizations develop from sound management practices that effectively support their art and ensure their resilience through economic shifts, staff transitions, and evolving markets.


Timeline:
Nov. 1, 2010 -Application deadline

Jan. 31, 2011 -30 organizations are selected to participate in the SMART Growth Program

Feb. – Aug. 2011 -The 30 selected organizations participate in the smARTscope assessment to identify management areas that are strong and those that are lagging (conducted by the Arts & Business Council of Chicago)

Sept. 2011 -Year 1 grant proposals are due, indicating how you will address the lagging areas, what outcomes you will achieve in Year 1, and how you will measure your progress. Requests may be from $20,000-$50,000 per year.

January 2012 -Year 1 grants are approved for the 30 selected organizations

Sept. 2012 -Year 2 grant proposals are due, summarizing your progress to date and setting outcomes and measures for Year 2

January 2013 - Year 2 grants are approved for the same 30 organizations (unless performance does not justify a renewal)

Sept. 2013 - Year 3 grant proposals are due, summarizing progress to date and outlining Year 3 outcomes and measures

January 2014 - Year 3 grants are approved for the same organizations (unless performance does not justify a renewal)

How to Apply:
In order to be considered for the 2011 SMART Growth Program at the Chicago Community Trust, your organization should submit the information listed below ELECTRONICALLY (via e-mail) no later than November 1, 2010.

1. Your organizational profile report, generated by the Illinois Cultural Data Project, including the optional demographic information. Go to www.ilculturaldata.org.
2. A list of your organization’s Board of Directors
3. A one-page narrative (in Word – not a PDF) that addresses the following:
Describe how your arts/cultural organization is deeply rooted in and reflective of a community, target population, or art form that is underrepresented in the cultural spectrum of the Chicago region.
4. Any optional information you would like to provide, such as a list of events, programs, awards, or other materials that are available via e-mail or hyperlink.

Submit to: smartgrowth@cct.org

Deadline: Monday, November 1, 2010

Questions: arts@cct.org or (312) 565-2311