$200,000 in Arts Capital Grants available, applications due Dec. 3

Danielle Gehr, Ames Tribune
·2 min read

Those hoping to invest in the Ames art scene have until December to apply for new capital grants, a program to which Ames allocated $200,000.

Ames is looking for projects that would "create, renovate or improve a space for arts or artists," whether a performance, studio or exhibition space or classroom, according to the city's website.

Individuals, nonprofit organizations and business entities are all eligible to apply. Qualifying applications will need to demonstrate an ability to complete the project successfully and meet grant requirements. Projects being considered must be completed before June 30, 2023.

The grant requires the project be located in Ames, include matching funds of at least 25% from the recipient — not including in-kind contributions — and be prepared to begin on the project upon receiving the grant.

How many people the project could impact will be considered when selecting grant recipients.

There is no limit to how much a single project could receive, aside from exceeding the $200,000 allocated.

Activities ineligible for funding include, according to the city's website:

  • operating expenses

  • consumable supplies

  • personnel costs

  • supplementing an endowment or reserve fund

  • repayment of debt or expenses already incurred

  • activities that restrict participation on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, physical disability, or mental disability, or activities that require the purchase of a private membership

  • project proposals not submitted on required forms or not received by published deadlines, or not taking place within the specified grant period.

To qualify, applications must be received by 6 p.m. on Dec. 3. Applications will be reviewed by members of the Ames Public Art Commission and the Ames Commission on the Arts.

For more information and to find the application, go to www.cityofames.org/PAC. Those with questions regarding the program can call Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips at 515-239-5101.

Danielle Gehr is a politics and government reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached by email at dgehr@gannett.com, phone at (515) 663-6925 or on Twitter at @Dani_Gehr.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames Arts Capital Grants applications due Dec. 3