Calgary Arts Development has an online grant application. Our 2009 Operating Grant application intake saw the launch of this system. Having digital applications to our programs means that our staff can more easly help applicants applying to our programs. With the permission of the applicant, we can access specific content of an applicant's application at the touch of a button. We are also being more environmentally friendly.

We are do our best to correct any gliches and keep track of frequently asked questions, posted below. If you have any questions, suggestions or comments on how we can better assist you in the grant writing process, please do not hesitate to contact us 403-264-5330. We are happy to help.

- The Community Investment Team

***

1) As a new applicant, how do I apply for a Calgary Arts Development Operating Grant?
If you have not received an operating grant from Calgary Arts Development in a previous year, you must first submit an Eligibility Inquiry Form.

Once you have submitted your request you will be contacted by a Calgary Arts Development staff member with the results. Interested applicants should first review the eligibility criteria on this page.

2) As a returning operating grant applicant, how do I apply for a Calgary Arts Development Operating Grant?
If you have not received this information via email or mail, please email Lauren Simms or phone her at 403-264-5330. All eligible and returning clients must receive a link to the online application directly from a CADA staff person.

3) How do I know which application or interim report to apply for?
If you are a new applicant, you will be notified by Calgary Arts Development staff after you have completed your Eligibility Inquiry Form. If you have previously received an operating grant from Calgary Arts Development and are confused as to which application you are eligible for please email Lauren Simms or phone her at 403-264-5330.  

4) How much should I request?
There is no formula and no limit to what an organization can ask for.  The Operating Grant program is competitive and investment is limited, as such, Calgary Arts Development may provide you with an operating grant lower than your requested amount.  Historical granting amounts are published here and can serve as a reference for you in determining your request amount.  

5) What is my log-in and password for the online granting system?
If you are a new applicant, you must create your own account the first year you are using the system. Please make note of your user name (which is your email) and password, so you can access your account each year. There is a built-in password recovery if needed.

6) Once I register and access the online application, do I need to complete my online application all at once?
Once you have registered, you can log on and off as much as you like between now and the deadline for your application. At the bottom of your online application page there are two buttons. One says "Save As Draft" and the other says "Submit Application". Make sure to click "Save As Draft" if you are still working on your application, and "Submit Application" only when you are ready to submit your application. We also recommend you save all your documents to your computer just in case of internet malfunctions between uploads.

7) Our organization is a start-up with only a short history, will the assessment panel take this into consideration?
New organizations must have one full year of operations completed before applying to the Operating Grant Program. Assessors will consider your status as an emerging organization, looking at your past year's activities along with your planned activities when making a grant recommendation. Though reference letters are not a requirement, you may wish to augment your application with up to two reference letters from established peer artists or arts organizations as part of your support materials. As a new applicant, be sure to read the eligibility requirements and submit an eligibility form. 

8) What if I need to complete more than one application because I am writing grants on behalf of more than one organization?
You will need a different email address for each organization you register onto our online application. This is because your User ID and your email address are the same. If this poses a problem for you, you should get in touch with Lauren Simms at 403-264-5330 before you begin your application.

9) Can my organization apply to more than one operating grant program if we have more than one type of activity? For example, my organizations operates year round programming and a festival once a year.
You can only apply to one Operating Grant Program. All of your arts activities will be taken into account regardless of which grant application you are completing. You should be applying to the stream that best applies to your primary purpose. For example, "The festival operating grant is open to organizations who's primary purpose is the presentation of a stand-alone arts festival." If you are still unsure, then give us a call at 403-264-5330.

10) When will I learn the results of my application?
The grant application deadline is Monday, Febraury 22, 2010. All organizations that submit an application to the Operating Grant Program will find out the results of their application by mail in late May 2010.

At any time, if you have questions, give us a call at 403-264-5330. For general granting questions, you can email grants@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.