Entry Track

Overview

This annual grant opportunity supports Idaho's emerging arts organizations that provide public programs in the arts. These programs represent the highest standards of excellence, engage the public, encourage community access, education and participation in the arts and follow best practices in business management and administration. Entry Track grants are intended to prepare organizations for transition to Public Programs in the Arts.

Eligibility

• Nonprofit, IRS tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization; or a unit of local, county, tribal, or state government, including schools and school districts
• Nonprofit organizations must have a valid 501(c)(3) Determination Letter with an effective date at least three years prior to the grant application deadline date
• Minimum of a three-year program history as of the application deadline date
• Must compensate professional artists and administrators
• Nonprofit organizations' primary purpose must be the production, presentation, or support of the arts (this restriction does not apply to government entities, schools, or school districts)
• University applicants eligible for one Entry Track grant application per year, if the institution does not already receive a Public Programs in the Arts grant
• Final reports for past Commission grants must be submitted and approved
• Must obtain and provide a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued by sam.gov

How to Apply

Apply online at grants.arts.idaho.gov. If you are a first-time applicant you will need to create a user account and be approved before you can apply. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., Mountain Time, on the deadline date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Panel recommendations must be approved by the board of Commissioners. Annual grants are approved in the May Commission meeting. Applicants are notified in June. Funds become available in July.

Courtesy Review

Request a courtesy review at least three weeks prior to the application deadline. Staff will review your application and offer suggestions for improvement. This process does not guarantee funding, but may strengthen the proposal. To request a courtesy review, email the relevant program director or call the office.

Work Samples

Work samples may include up to ten images; up to five pieces of audio or video not to exceed ten minutes in total duration; or up to 20 pages of literature or playwright/screenwriter work (if excerpted from a larger work, applicants may also include a one-paragraph synopsis).

What Cannot Be Funded

• Establishment of or contributions to an endowment
• Fundraising projects that do not raise funds for the arts
• Prizes, scholarships, or free tickets
• Projects or programs to generate or attract audiences
• Offsetting of debt, payment of fines, penalties, or legal fees
• Activities that are primarily promotional or created for mass distribution
• Self-published books
• Student exhibitions, anthologies, publications, or performances (unless documenting an arts education grant)
• Costs associated with any degree or professional certification
• Projects or activities already completed or beginning before the eligible start date
• Documentation of projects except for arts education activities
• Projects primarily recreational, vocational, or religious
• Activities restricted to an organization's membership
• Consecutive attendance at annual activities routinely within an arts organization's budget
• Pageants, festivals, or celebrations unrelated to arts, ethnic, or cultural activities
• Journalism
• Historical or academic documentary film and electronic media arts that do NOT demonstrate significant artistic emphasis
• Scholarly or academic works in history, languages, archeology, and political science
• Lobbying expenses or political activities
• Hospitality expenses such as food, drink, alcohol, flowers, etc.
• Capital expenses for an individual
• Writing intended for youth