Performing Art Grants Program Guidelines

apply for consideration

Thank you for your interest!Napa Valley Presents inspires, celebrates, and supports the performing arts as an essential element of Napa Valley’s iconic food, wine and cultural experience.Please follow the steps below and read all information before submitting your application.**Note: This is the FIRST step of the process. **
Once Letters of Intent (LOI) are reviewed, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full grant application.You may also download this information to view or print here.

part 1

OVERVIEW

Napa Valley Presents Performing Arts Grants are awarded to individuals, organizations, and activities that create, present, and connect people with performing arts and that support and further the mission of Napa Valley Presents.Applicants must either be located and primarily offering programming in Napa County, or if located outside of Napa County, the programming or project for which the applicant is seeking funding must be provided in Napa County.Napa Valley Presents defines “Performing Arts” as: music, dance, drama, and spoken words. We recognize that performing arts tends to include a wide range of specialisms, including acting, dance, voice, physical theatre, music theatre, sound, and digital arts. Performing arts relies on the basic elements of time, space, body and presence of the artist, and the relation between the creator and the public. We celebrate the diversity of performing arts and the array of possibilities.Applicants that meet the eligibility criteria may request funding for either general support or for special projects that strategically advance their organization, artists, or art form. Support may be requested for special artistic initiatives, artistic collaborations, or commissions involving artists working in the disciplines of performing arts. Napa Valley Presents strives to make grants that advance a diverse array of artistic disciplines, aesthetic sensibilities, and forms of cultural expression. We welcome grant requests that support working artists and place particular emphasis on funding organizations that represent and engage emerging artists and communities.

part 2

ELIGIBILITY

Napa Valley Presents accepts applications from all types of performing arts entities including but not limited to incorporated nonprofits, companies, and individuals. We will consider funding projects where a fiscal sponsor or agent is utilized.

Applicants must:

  • Either be located and primarily offering programming in Napa County, or if located outside of Napa County, the programming or project for which the applicant is seeking funding must be provided in Napa County.

  • Engage in the production and presentation of performing arts, as defined by Napa Valley Presents as music, dance, drama, and spoken words.

  • Possess expertise and/or experience working with a particular performing art form, cultural practice, or under-represented community.

The following are not eligible:

  • Multiple requests from one organization, entity, or individual

  • Requests for support of fundraising events

  • Requests to cover operating deficits

  • Charities operated by service clubs

  • Activities that are normally the responsibility of government (Napa Valley Presents will, in selective cases, partner with government in supporting special projects)

  • Activities to propagate a religious faith or that are restricted to one religion or denomination; support of political candidates; memorials

  • Conferences; group travel; honoraria for distinguished guests—except in initiatives of Napa Valley Presents in all three cases

  • Organizations or projects whose fundamental purpose or primary benefit falls within the social services, health, or community development fields, and where performing arts is secondary or accessory

part 3

REVIEW CRITERIA

The Napa Valley Presents Board of Directors remain open to ideas and opportunities and will exercise flexibility when warranted.

Considerations in assessing Performing Arts Grant requests may include:

  • Record or history of artistic accomplishment in Napa County and/or primary location.

  • Artistic plans and projects for the coming year, and contributions to the local performing arts community and the Napa Valley at large

  • Representation and engagement of emerging artists and/or marginalized communities (people of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, immigrants, and/or under-resourced populations) in a meaningful way

  • Project viability and sustainability; either a one-time project or ongoing

  • Financial need and other funding matched, raised or generated to support the project.

  • Potential impact of the project on the performing arts discipline or cultural practice involved

  • Effective use of resources; seeks to collaborate and share resources when appropriate

part 4

letter of intent

DUE NOVEMBER 1
Potential applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by November 1
(You will upload your LOI as a PDF within the application)

LOI Requirements:

  • Maximum 1000-word count (approximately two pages)

  • Single-spaced

  • 12 pt font size

  • Standard margins of one inch on all sides

  • Submitted in PDF format

  • Include a description of the project for which funding is sought and its potential impact

  • Include the timeframe for the activity

  • Include the approximate number of people who will be served

  • Include a list of any other funding that has been secured for the project

  • Provide a brief description of the organization, its mission, location, key programs, annual budget size, and the artists and communities it engages.

part 5

APPLICATON

**Note: This is the FIRST step of the process. **
Once Letters of Intent (LOI) are reviewed, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full grant application.After submitting this initial form, you will be notified on or around November 21st if you are invited to apply for a grant.

SUCCESS!

THANK YOU!

Remember: This is the FIRST step of the process.
Applicants that are accepted will then be invited to participate in the full grant process.

KEY DATES

  • Potential applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by November 1, 2022.

  • Grant application invitations will be sent by November 21, 2022.

  • If invited to submit, full grant submission applications are due January 30, 2023

  • Grant recipients notified by March 1, 2023

  • Grant awarded by March 30, 2023

  • Grants are awarded for a one-year grant period. Projects awarded funding in March 2023 must be completed by March 31, 2024