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CHALLENGE AMERICA FAST-TRACK |
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These application guidelines provide all of the information that you need to submit an application. We urge you to read these instructions in their entirety before you begin the application process. If you wish to print a copy, see "Printing Tips. "You also may want to keep these instructions open in a window in your computer as they contain helpful links to information that you will need as you complete your application. In addition to these instructions, you should periodically check the Grants.gov blog or the Grants.gov homepage for tips, updates, and alerts.
The application deadline for the Challenge America Fast-Track category is May 26, 2011. The Grants.gov system must receive your validated and accepted application no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on the deadline date. If you are unable to submit your application electronically, you may request a waiver. A waiver will be granted for the following reasons only:
Your waiver request must be in writing and must be received (not postmarked) at the Arts Endowment at least three weeks before the application deadline. Click here for more information on waivers. 
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A complete application consists of:
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NOTE: All asterisked (*) items and yellow fields on this form are required and must be completed before you will be able to submit the form. Do not type in all capital letters when completing the form. Enter information directly into the form. Do not copy from an old application package or another document and paste into the form.
1. Name of Federal Agency: Pre-populated.
2. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: Pre-populated.
3. Date Received: This will be filled automatically with the date that you submit your application; leave blank.
4. Funding Opportunity Number: Pre-populated.
5. Applicant Information:
a. Legal Name: The name provided here must be the applicant's legal name as it appears in the current IRS 501(c)(3) status letter or in the official document that identifies the organization as a unit of state or local government, or as a federally recognized tribal community or tribe. (Do not use your organization's popular name, if different.)
If you are a parent organization that is applying on behalf of an eligible component, do not list the name of the component here. You will be asked for that information later.
b. Address:
Use Street 1 for your street address or post office box number, whichever is used for your U.S. Postal Service mailing address. Street 2 is not a required field and should be used only when a Suite or Room Number or other similar information is a necessary part of your address. Do not use Street 2 to give a second address for your organization.
In the Zip/Postal Code box, organizations in the United States should enter the full 9-digit zip code that was assigned by the U.S. Postal Service. If you do not know your full zip code, you may look it up at www.usps.com/zip4/.
d. Type of Applicant: Select the item that best characterizes your organization from the menu in the first drop down box. Additional choices are optional.
e. Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN): Enter the 9-digit number that was assigned by the Internal Revenue Service; do not use a Social Security Number.
f. Organizational DUNS: All organizational applicants for federal funds must have a DUNS number, which is recognized as the universal standard for identifying organizations worldwide. The number that you enter here must agree with the number (either 9 or 13 digits) that you used with the CCR (Central Contractor Registration) as part of the Grants.gov registration. Otherwise, your application will not be validated by Grants.gov and will be rejected.
g. Congressional District: : Enter the number of the Congressional District where the applicant organization is located. Use the following format: 2 character State Abbreviation-3 character District Number. For example, if your organization is located in the 5th Congressional District of California, enter "CA-005." If your state has a single At-Large Representative or your territory has a single Delegate, enter your 2 character state/territory abbreviation and "-000." If you need help determining your district, go to www.house.gov and use the "Find Your Representative" tool.
6. Project Information:
a. Project Title: Provide a brief descriptive title for your proposed project.
b. Project Description: In two or three brief sentences, clearly describe your specific project, not your organization. Begin the first sentence with "To support" and include the name of the project. Follow this with up to two more sentences that describe the type of project, the target population that will be served, and where the project will take place. For examples, see Recent Grants.
c. Proposed Project Start Date/End Date: Enter the beginning and ending dates for your requested period of support, i.e., the span of time necessary to plan, execute, and close out your proposed project. The Arts Endowment's support of a project may start on January 1, 2012, or any time thereafter. While a period of support of up to two years is allowed, we anticipate that most Challenge America Fast-Track projects -- including planning and closeout time -- will be substantially shorter.
7. Project Director:
Provide the requested information for the Project Director. Select a Prefix (e.g., Ms., Mr.) even though this is not a required field.
Provide contact information, including an e-mail address, that will be valid through the announcement date for your category.
8. Primary Contact/Grant Administrator:
Provide the requested information for the individual who should be contacted on all matters involving this application and the administration of any grant that may be awarded. For colleges and universities, this person is often a Sponsored Research, Sponsored Programs, or Contracts and Grants Officer. Select a Prefix even though this is not a required field.
In some organizations, particularly smaller ones, this individual may be the same as the Project Director. If this is the case, you may check the "Same as Project Director" box and not repeat information that you have already provided in Item 7. (If the Primary Contact/Grant Administrator is the same as the Authorizing Official, please complete all items under both 8 and 9 even though there will be some repetition.)
9. Authorized Representative:
Enter the requested information for the AOR (Authorized Organization Representative) who will be submitting this application to Grants.gov. Select a Prefix even though this is not a required field. The AOR must have the legal authority to obligate your organization. By clicking the "I Agree" box at the top of Item 9, this individual will be certifying compliance with relevant federal requirements on your organization's behalf. (These requirements can be found in the "Assurance of Compliance" section of these guidelines.) The "Signature of Authorized Representative" and "Date Signed" boxes will be populated by Grants.gov upon submission of the application.
NOTE: All asterisked (*) items and yellow fields on this form are required and must be completed before you will be able to submit the form. Do not type in all capital letters when completing the form. Enter information directly into the form. Do not copy from an old application package or another document and paste into the form.
This form collects information about the primary site, as well as additional sites, where project activity will take place. In most -- but not all -- cases, the primary site will be the address of the applicant organization. If a portion of the project will be performed at any other site(s), identify the site location(s) in the additional block(s) provided. Use up to 29 additional blocks as required (one for each site). Your responses will not be a factor in the review of your application.
For the Organization Name:
Enter the name of the organization where the activity will take place. This may be the applicant organization or another organization. The remaining fields in a block (e.g., DUNS number) are associated with the organization where the activity will take place.
For the Project/Performance Site Congressional District:
Use the following format: 2 character State Abbreviation-3 character District Number. For example, if the organization is located in the 5th Congressional District of California, enter "CA-005." If the project directly impacts all districts in a state, enter "all" for the district number. For example: "MD-all" for all Congressional districts in Maryland. If nationwide (all districts in all states), enter "US-all." If the state has a single At-Large Representative or the territory has a single Delegate, enter your 2 character state/territory abbreviation and "-000." If the project is outside the U.S., enter "00-000." If you need help determining a district, go to www.house.gov and use the "Find Your Representative" tool.
NOTE: All asterisked (*) items and yellow fields on this form are required and must be completed before you will be able to submit the form. Do not type in all capital letters when completing the form. Enter information directly into the form. Do not copy from an old application package or another document and paste into the form.
See the instructions below for the following items (other instructions are provided on the form itself).
Part 1. Applicant
For this application, the applicant is serving as: If you are a parent organization that is applying on behalf of an eligible separate component, choose the "Parent of a Component" box from the drop-down menu and enter the name of the component in the space provided. Otherwise, choose "Not Applicable." (Consortium applications are not eligible under Challenge America.) Refer to "Application Limits" for definitions.
Part 2. Project
Project Field/Discipline: Choose the one discipline that is most relevant to your project. This selection will aid the Arts Endowment's application review. If you have questions, contact the Challenge America staff.
Choose your field/discipline carefully. In limited cases, Arts Endowment staff may transfer an application to a field/discipline other than the one that was selected by the applicant to ensure appropriate panel review.
The "Attachments Form" is not a form in the conventional sense. Rather, it is a place to attach documents that you have completed and saved elsewhere on your computer.
Several important points:
Attachment 4 is a fillable form; you will find a link to it. This form can be filled in, saved to your computer, and attached without the need for special software or conversion to PDF..
Attachments 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 are documents (e.g., narratives, lists) that you will develop in accordance with the instructions provided. These items must be submitted as PDF (portable document format) files.
These non-form documents can be created using any word processing software. When you have completed the document, save it to your computer and convert it to PDF before attaching. If you don't already have software to convert files to PDF, there are many low-cost and free software packages that can do this. To learn more, go to PDF Conversion Programs.
Please make sure to convert your documents into PDF format in line with the guidance above. Do not create PDFs of your electronic documents by scanning. In the past, some applicants have printed their electronic documents and then scanned them, saving the scan in PDF format. PDFs created this way are much larger, and of lower quality, than PDFs created by the methods we recommend. Do not embed non-printable media files (video and/or sound) in your PDF documents. Please do not enable any document security settings or password-protect any PDF file you submit to us.
No attachment should be more than 2 MB.
For non-form documents, label pages clearly with the name of the item (e.g., Organizational Background) and your organization's legal name. Leave a margin of at least one inch at the top, bottom, and sides of all pages. Do not reduce type below 12 point font size. Do not type in all capital letters. Within each attachment, number pages sequentially; place numbers on the bottom right hand corner of each page. Excess pages will be removed and not be reviewed.
When you open the Grants.gov Attachments Form, you will find 15 attachment buttons. By clicking on a button, you will be able to choose the PDF file from your computer that you wish to attach. Please attach the proper file to the proper button as listed below.
ATTACHMENT 1: ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND STATEMENT
To this button, attach a one-page Organizational Background statement. The file name should indicate the name of your organization or a recognizable acronym followed by "OrgBackground.pdf." Submit no more than one page. Excess pages will be removed and not be reviewed.
This statement should cover the points below; use the following headings and letters to organize your response. If you are a parent organization that is applying on behalf of a component, this information should refer to the component.
Date organization was incorporated. If not applicable, omit.
Mission/purpose of your organization: Briefly summarize the mission and purpose of your organization. For organizations whose work extends beyond the cultural sphere (e.g., universities, human service agencies), summarize your mission as it pertains to your public cultural programs or services.
Organization overview: Address the following:
An overview of your organization's activities.
Some specific examples of previous activities that demonstrate your organization's ability to carry out the project for which you are requesting support.
The size and general demographics (e.g., ethnicity, income, age) of the community/region/audience that you serve. If you are a membership organization, indicate the number of individuals or organizations that you serve.
A description of any special efforts that your organization is making to reach a broad segment of the community.
ATTACHMENT 2: DETAILS OF THE PROJECT NARRATIVE
To this button, attach your Details of the Project narrative. The file name should indicate the name of your organization or a recognizable acronym followed by "DetailsofProject.pdf."
Your narrative may be up to two pages. Organize your response a), b), c), etc., and use the boldfaced language below as headings for each item. For example, "a) Major project activities. The ABC Performing Arts Center plans to..."
The information that you provide will be reviewed in accordance with the "Review Criteria" for the Challenge America Fast-Track category. Your narrative should address each of these "Review Criteria" and include information on the following, as relevant to your project. Ensure that your descriptions are consistent with the information that you provide on the NEA Organization & Project Profile form.
Major project activities. Be as specific as possible about the activities that will take place during the project period. Include information on the location(s) of the proposed activity and any special resources that will be used. If relevant, discuss any partners participating in the project..
Describe how the project will benefit underserved populations that have limited access to the arts due to geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Include any major challenges that the community currently faces. How will the target population or community be included in the planning for and implementation of the project? If relevant, have you worked with this target population or community in the past?
Outcome(s) and Measurements. Select one of the two outcomes below as most relevant to your project. Discuss how your project directly addresses this primary outcome.
You may also address a secondary NEA outcome (Creation, Engagement, Learning, or Livability) and/or any additional outcomes of your own that you have established for the project.
Detail the performance measurements that you will use to provide evidence that the primary NEA outcome was achieved. Refer to the Challenge America Fast-Track category description for information on the evidence that is required for each outcome.
Schedule of key project planning and implementation dates.
Describe the process and criteria for the selection of artists, participating organizations, consultants, resource staff, or other personnel. If your project is to present a guest artist, indicate if the artist has a past working relationship with your organization.
ATTACHMENT
3 : BIOGRAPHIES
OF KEY PROJECT PERSONNEL
To this button, attach brief, current biographies of key project personnel. The file name should indicate the name of your organization or a recognizable acronym followed by "Bios.pdf." Submit no more than two pages; group several bios on each page. Excess pages will be removed and not be reviewed.
Describe the qualifications of the artists (including ensembles, designers, technicians, consultants, or others) and other essential staff who will carry out the project. Provide information that will help reviewers assess the artistic or technical expertise that is available to implement the project. Briefly note any awards or recognition that participating artists may have received. Full resumes will not be accepted.
ATTACHMENT
4: PROJECT
BUDGET FORM, PAGES 1 and 2
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD [FORM]
[INSTRUCTIONS]
To this button, attach the Project Budget form, Pages 1 and 2. The file name should indicate the name of your organization or a recognizable acronym followed by "ProjectBudget.pdf."
ATTACHMENT 5: PROGRAMMATIC ACTIVITIES
To this button, attach a representative list of your Programmatic Activities for the past three seasons. The file name should indicate the name of your organization or a recognizable acronym followed by "ProgActivities.pdf." Submit no more than three pages. Excess pages will be removed and not be reviewed.
Submit a selective representative list, in chronological order, of your organization's programming or activities for the following years: 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11. For organizations that schedule activities according to a single calendar year, use programming for 2008, 2009, and 2010.
This list should demonstrate eligibility (i.e., your organization's three-year history of programming) and the artistic excellence and merit of your organization. Where available, include arts or cultural programming that has a relationship to the project for which you are requesting support (e.g., show examples of previous festival programming if your project is for a festival). For most applicants, this list should show selected artists/projects/exhibitions/works that your organization has or will have presented/produced/exhibited/performed. Use the bullets below as a guide to possible column headings for your list; adjust them as appropriate for your organization
Example:
A performing arts group might fill out its representative list as
follows:
Year |
Activity/ |
Key |
Location |
Dates/# |
Attendance/ |
Fees |
2009-10 |
Festival A/Festival Director |
John Smith, Jane Doe |
Civic Theater |
Jan 27-31, 2010/ |
850/71% |
$$ |
2010-11 |
Performance B/Director |
Richard Jones, |
Civic Theater |
April 17-21, 2011/7 perfs. |
1,050/88% |
$$ |
ATTACHMENT 6: NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT AND/OR THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT COMPLIANCE
For projects that may be impacted by the National Environmental Policy Act and/or the National Historic Preservation Act (e.g., certain types of Livability projects), to this button attach documentation that the project is in compliance.
ATTACHMENT
7: WORK SAMPLE INDEX
To this button, attach your Work Sample Index. This index should provide information, as detailed below, on the work sample that you will be submitting directly to the Arts Endowment (see "Prepare and submit material to be mailed directly to the Arts Endowment"). The file name should indicate the name of your organization or a recognizable acronym followed by "WorkSampleIndex.pdf."
Provide:
The format of your sample [e.g., Web site, DVD-R, DVD-ROM, CD (with audio, video, or digital images), print material].
If the work sample is a set of images on a CD, follow the instructions in the paragraph below. For other types of work samples, indicate:
For digital images on CDs, include a numbered list of the individual images. Be sure that the numbers on your list correspond to the numbers on each image. Provide the following information, as applicable, about each image:
Do not embed digital images in your Work Sample Index. Digital images must be submitted on CD.
Leave all remaining Attachment buttons blank.
Follow the detailed instructions under “Submit your electronic application” above.
In addition to the material that you submit through Grants.gov, you must mail the following items to the Arts Endowment. Your application package will not be considered complete without these items.
An identifier so that we can match your mailed material with your electronic application. This may be a copy of the Submission Confirmation or validation e-mail from Grants.gov that includes your Grants.gov Tracking Number (preferred) or your organizations' legal name as it appears on your electronic application (not your popular name). Be sure that this is the first item in your mailed material.
Wherever possible, this should be a sample of work by the primary artist(s) for the project. For projects that involve guest artists, you must submit an example of work by the proposed artist(s). For projects that focus on program enhancements, public relations material, unified marketing initiatives, etc., the work sample should reflect the work of the individual(s) responsible for the development/design or the quality of the arts event or resources, as appropriate.
Your four copies must be in only one of the formats listed below:
For multidisciplinary projects, submit samples in two art forms.
Audio and VHS video cassettes are not accepted.
Instructions for Submission
Audio CDs should have each selection on a separate track. Place the selections in priority order.
Digital images on CD
Submit a CD (in MS Windows readable format) that contains up to 12 electronic images in JPEG. Do not submit TIFFs, individual PDFs, Word or Access files, or any other non-JPEG formats. Image size should be consistent; suggested size is 800 pixels x 600 pixels. Each image file should not exceed 2 MB. Number each image. Do not embed digital images in your Work Sample Index. Digital images must be submitted on CD
PowerPoint or PDF on CD
Up to 12 images may be presented in a PowerPoint or PDF file on a CD in MS Windows readable format. Submit images only, with no text.
Multimedia presentations on CD, DVD-R, or DVD-ROM are limited to three minutes in length and must be in one of the following formats: QuickTime (.mov), Real Player (.rm), Windows Media Player (.wmv), or .mpeg. CDs must be in MS Windows readable format. Do not submit .m4v files, the format used by iTunes.
Web sites
List the URLs for the pages to be shown including the navigation path(s). Use caution in submitting a Web site as your only work sample(s) in case the Web site is not available during review. Instead, you may wish to submit HTML or digital video files on a CD-ROM as your Web site work sample.
Preview your samples before submitting them to ensure that there are no technical problems that might interfere with the panel's review of your work. Panelists generally spend no more than three to five minutes on the work sample(s) for each application.
Clearly label each sample (and where relevant its container) with the name of your organization and the corresponding letter from your Work Sample Index.
Please be aware that the entire sample (not just the selected segment) is considered a part of the application package and may be reviewed. The Arts Endowment may copy or digitally convert work samples to facilitate panel review. By submitting a work sample, you are giving the Arts Endowment permission for reproduction and dissemination for this purpose.
Work samples will not be returned.
The National Endowment for the Arts continues to experience delays and damage to support material (e.g., CDs, DVDs) in the delivery of First-Class and Priority mail through the United States Postal Service (USPS). We recommend that you use a commercial delivery service.
We strongly recommend that you maintain on file proof of your on-time submission. Without proper documentation, the Arts Endowment will not accept application material that is delayed or lost in transit.
Label your package as noted below. All mailed material must be postmarked (or show other proof of mailing) no later than May 27, 2011. Send your package to:
CHALLENGE AMERICA FAST-TRACK
Room 722
National Endowment for the Arts
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20506-0001
Include on your package a complete return address that includes your organization's legal name as it appears on your electronic application (not your popular name). If the delivery service that you use requires a telephone number for the recipient on the label, use 202-682-5702.
National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal
agency
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20506
Register or Renew/Verify Registration with Grants.gov
