McCain Next Steps Grant for Arts Organizations

The Lydia McCain Fund was established in 1995 as the first unrestricted contribution to the Erie Arts Endowment. Lydia McBrier McCain was an active member of the Erie community and staunchly served and supported arts and civic organizations and practicing artists in Erie County. A painter and jewelry maker herself, Lydia’s commitment to the arts ensured that both artists and arts organizations with a strong vision had the chance to reach their full potential.

An organization’s history is often measured by milestones. A milestone can be defined as an action or event marking a significant change or stage in an organization’s development. As an organization achieves one strategic goal, it should be thinking about its next action steps and the outcomes being pursued.

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To continue the legacy of Lydia McCain, Erie Arts & Culture provides financial support to arts organizations that are prepared to take a next step as it relates to its mission, operations, or programs. The Lydia McCain Next Steps Grant for Arts Organizations is designed to support arts organizations pursue strategies that help ensure their future success and impact in Erie County.

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Eligible next steps include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Mission:
  • Strategic planning;
  • Board development and engagement;
  • Creating a case for support;
  • Other (applicants requesting an alternative form of Mission-based next steps should consult with an EAC staff member prior to pursuing their application to ensure eligibility)
• Operations:
  • Revising policies, procedures, and protocols through the lens of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility;
  • Organizational restructuring and recruiting;
  • Accessing capacity-building consulting services;
  • Other (applicants requesting an alternative form of Operations-based next steps should consult with an EAC staff member prior to pursuing their application to ensure eligibility)
• Programs:
  • Assessing and evolving existing programmatic offerings;
  • Identifying and activating new relationships in the Erie region;
  • Implementing new initiatives that address community needs and gaps in existing programs/services;
  • Other (applicants requesting an alternative form of Programs-based next steps should consult with an EAC staff member prior to pursuing their application to ensure eligibility)

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Grant Awards

This grant provides awards in the amount of $5,000. This cycle, funds are available to support four Lydia McCain Next Steps Grants for Arts Organizations.

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Timeline

• Application Opens: January 1, 2024
• Application Closes: March 15, 2024
• Grantees announced and funds disbursed: May 31, 2024
• Grant activity period: June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025
  • Beginning in 2024, administration of this program will begin in January, with a grant activity period of May-April.

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Eligible Use of Grant Funds:

Grant funding may cover eligible operational or programmatic costs incurred during the grant activity period.

• Salary support, full or partial, for one or more staff positions
• Fees/stipends for artists and/or contractual personnel
• Facilities costs such as rent and utilities
• Indirect costs (e.g., independent contractor or 1099 personnel fees)
• Marketing and promotion costs

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Ineligible Uses of Grant Funds:

• Activities that have a religious purpose
• Commercial (for-profit) enterprises or activities, including concessions, food, clothing, artwork, or other items for resale; this includes online or virtual sales/shops
• Capital improvements or land acquisition
• Establishing an operating reserve
• Hospitality, food, or beverages, including alcoholic beverages
• Lobbying, including activities intended to influence the outcome of elections or influence government officials regarding pending legislation, either directly or through specific lobbying appeals to the public
• Mortgage interest, fines and penalties, bad debt costs, or deficit reduction
• Reimbursements for expenses incurred outside of the grant activity period.
• Rental costs for home office workspace owned by individuals or entities affiliated with the applicant organization
• Vehicle purchases
• Visa costs paid to the US government
• Voter registration drives and related activities

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Applicants Must:

• Be a 501(c)3 non-profit or grassroots organization whose primary mission centers around the arts. Applicants that do not have 501(c)3 tax-exempt status are strongly encouraged to apply using a 501(c)3 as a fiscal agent, as grant awards are considered taxable income.
• Be registered with a primary location in Erie County, PA.

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Applicants Must Not:

• Be a recipient of a Lydia McCain Next Steps Grant for Arts Organizations within the past three years.
• Have any overdue grant reports from past funding cycles administered by Erie Arts & Culture.
• Discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, marital status, gender or gender identity.

Questions?

Please contact Casey Corritore, Program Officer of Capacity Building: [email protected].