National Endowment for the Arts - Challenge America Fast-Track

Purpose: The Challenge America Fast-Track category offers support primarily to small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations -- those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Age alone (e.g., youth, seniors) does not qualify a group as underserved; at least one of the underserved characteristics noted above also must be present. Grants are available for professional arts programming and for projects that emphasize the potential of the arts in community development.  Challenge America Fast-Track grants:
• Extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations.
• Are limited to the specific types of projects outlined below.
• Receive an expedited application review. Organizations are notified whether they have been recommended for a grant approximately six months after they apply; projects may start shortly thereafter.

Partnerships can be valuable to the success of these projects. While not required, applicants are encouraged to consider partnerships among organizations, both in and outside of the arts, as appropriate to their project.

Eligibility: In addition to the "We Do Not Fund" section for all Grants for Arts Projects applicants, funding under the Challenge America Fast-Track category is not available for:
• Activities that occur over an extended period (e.g., projects that span a full season, long-term residencies, most large-scale projects).
• Competitions other than design competitions.
• Projects that involve curriculum-based instruction in the arts.
• Subgranting or regranting.
• The same organization (parent or component) for more than three consecutive years, even if for different projects.

Amount available per project: $10,000 (requires 100% match)

Deadline for HISD Intent to Submit form: Two weeks before funding agency due date

Deadline for Applications to Funding Agency: May 23, 2013

An Intent to Submit form must be completed and sent to the Office of Community Development in order to apply for any grant for Humble ISD. Please contact Adrianne Holmes at the Office of Community Development at 281-641-8141 for more information.

Link to opportunity:   http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/GAP14/Challenge.html

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