Maryland Touring Grant (MTG) FY 2015 Guidelines APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 30, 2014 MARYLAND STATE ARTS COUNCIL 175 W. Ostend Street, Suite E, Baltimore, MD 21230 Voice: 410-767-6555 Fax: 410-333-1062 Email: msac@msac.org Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Individuals who do not use conventional print may contact the Maryland State Arts Council to obtain this publication in an alternate format. 410-767-6555 or msac@msac.org For individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. TTY: Maryland Relay 1-800-735-2258 or 711
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 1
Table of Contents
______________________________________________________________________ GRANT INFORMATION Requirements for Organizations Receiving Maryland Touring Grants ..........................3 Maryland Touring Grant Program Overview ................................................................ 4 Applicant Eligibility ...................................................................................................... 4 Application Process ...................................................................................................... 4 Review Process and Award Notification ....................................................................... 6 Reporting Requirement ............................................................................................... 6
APPENDICES A - Maryland State Arts Council Information................................................................ 7 B - Maryland State Arts Council Overview.................................................................... 8 C - Maryland Touring Grant Sample Application .......................................................... 9 D – MTG Application - Budget Template Sample ....................................................... 15 E - Appeals Process .................................................................................................... 16
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 2
Requirements of Organizations Receiving GFO Grants •
Must have been both incorporated in Maryland as not for profit and have received tax exempt status from the U. S. Internal Revenue Service. Units of government, colleges, and universities are also eligible to apply.
•
Must comply with Title VI, Section 601, of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which states that no persons, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination related to, the arts.
•
Must comply with Title IV, Section 1681, of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Section 6101, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex or age.
•
Must comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which states that no otherwise qualified person shall, solely by reason of his or her handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination related to, the arts.
•
Must maintain complete and accurate records of all activities connected with the grant.
•
Must file a final report, both narrative and financial, within 30 days of the completion of the project. Necessary report forms will be provided by the MSAC in ample time to meet deadlines. Failure to report may jeopardize any future grants being received by the organization and may result in the organization being required to repay grant funds.
•
Must give credit to MSAC whenever and wherever credit is being given (e.g., flyers, brochures, posters, radio and television commercials, etc.).
•
Must notify the Program Director in writing if a significant change is made in any MSAC-funded grant activity.
Notice: In accordance with Executive Order 01.01.1983.18, the Department of Business and Economic Development advises as follows regarding the collection of personal information: Certain personal information requested by the Department of Business and Economic Development is necessary in determining eligibility for grants. Failure to disclose this information may result in the denial of one or all of these benefits or services. Availability of this information for public inspection is governed by the provisions of the Maryland Public Information Act, State Government Article, Sections 10-611 et seq of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This information will be disclosed to appropriate staff of the Department, or to public officials, for purposes directly connected with administration of the program for which its use is intended. Such information is routinely shared with state, federal, or local government agencies. Applicants have the right to inspect, amend, or correct personal records in accordance with the Maryland Public Information Act.
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 3
Maryland Touring Grant (MTG) Program Overview The Maryland Touring Grant is a granting program of the Maryland State Arts Council that provides funding to eligible Maryland-based non-profit organizations to support the presentation of artists listed on the Maryland Performing Artists Touring Roster. The Maryland Performing Artists Touring Roster is a listing of Maryland-based performing artists who have been selected through a peer review process in which they are rated on artistic merit and on a demonstrated history of successful touring engagements. View profiles of artists and ensembles listed on the Roster at www.msac.org. The Maryland Touring Grant and the Maryland Performing Artists Touring Roster work together to promote the artistic collaboration between Maryland artists and Maryland presenters.
Applicant Eligibility To be eligible to apply for funding through the Maryland Touring Grant, the applicant organization must: • • •
be an IRS designated 501(c) (3) or unit of government based in Maryland be legally incorporated in Maryland, and have a demonstrated history (three years or more) of successfully presenting performing artists
Application Process Step #1: Select one or more performing artists from the Maryland Performing Artist Touring Roster. • View the Roster at www.msac.org. • Contact the Roster artist(s) and negotiate the availability of dates, activities, fees and all other performance details. • Proposed artistic presentations/projects must be open to the public and take place between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. Step #2: Sign either a letter of intent or a contract with the Roster artist(s). • This should include fees, dates, description of activities, technical needs, applicable travel arrangements and any additional terms for the engagement. • The letter or contract may include language that states the presentation is dependent on funding through the Maryland Touring Grant. Step #3: Submit your application for a Maryland Touring Grant in EGrant (http://msac.egrant.net) by 5pm on Wednesday, April 30, 2014. • The Maryland State Arts Council accepts applications for the Maryland Touring Grant one time per year. • The application deadline for the FY 2015 grant cycle is Wednesday, April 30, 2014. EGrant (msac.egrant.net) MSAC utilizes the Internet-based eGrant system to accept grant applications. Only successfully submitted eGrant applications will be accepted. • Applicants are required to complete and submit their applications by electronic means, including the use of an electronic signature by the authorizing official of the organization or arts program. FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 4
• •
• • •
DEADLINE: Completed applications must be submitted via eGrant with all required attachments by 5:00 PM on April 30, 2014 Applicants must click the “Submit My Application” button and eGrant must accept the application by 5:00 PM to meet the deadline. Upon successful submission, applicants will receive an onscreen confirmation message and an email from eGrant with a copy of the application within one hour. Please check spam/junk folders if the messages do not appear in email inboxes within this timeframe. Technical support for eGrant is available during regular office hours, 9:30 AM through 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. MSAC does not accept responsibility for lost, misdirected or late applications. Applicants must meet all revision deadlines after submission, as specified in writing, or the application will be considered withdrawn.
Additional Required Documents to Attach to eGrant Application In addition to filling in the application form in eGrant, the following documents must be attached to the eGrant application at the time of submission: • Completed Budget Template (see sample in Appendix D) • List of performing artists presented over the last three years (including dates of performances) • Most recent Letter of Determination from the IRS indicating that your organization is incorporated in Maryland as nonprofit. Do not send Maryland tax exempt certificate • A signed letter of intent or contract between your organization and the Roster artist(s). Please note: this document may include language that states the presentation is dependent on funding through the Maryland Touring Grant Formatting Requirements for Attachments to the eGrant application are formatted to print on an 8 ½ inch by 11 inch page with all margins (i.e., top, bottom, and sides of pages) at least one inch. All attachments must be typed in utilizing the format style already built into the attachment template. Reduced, narrow, or condensed type fonts or line sizes will not be accepted.
Funding and Matching Requirements What is funded through the Maryland Touring Grant? Eligible organizations may request up to 50 percent of the artist fee and other cash expenses associated with the public presentation of the Roster artist or ensemble. Organizations may combine multiple Roster artists on a single grant application. The minimum grant request per application is $500 and the maximum grant request per application is $3,500, with no more than one application per fiscal year. Priority will be given to: • applicants who have no prior history with the proposed performing artist/company or genre • first-time applicants of the Maryland Touring Grant • Programs or events in which the Roster artist is the primary focus of the performance Support Period The FY 2015 Maryland Touring Grant supports presentations/projects that take place between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. The proposed artistic presentations/projects must be open to the public. FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 5
Matching Requirements All Maryland Touring Grants must be matched at least dollar for dollar in cash. Funds from the State of Maryland are not allowed as part of the match. In-kind or donated services may not be used as part of the match. What is NOT funded through the Maryland Touring Grant? • General operating expenses for the applicant organization • Programs or events in which the Roster artist is not the primary focus of the performance • Programs or events that are not open to the public • Programs or events that are outside of Maryland • Programs or events that are commercial in nature or in which the arts are not the primary focus (e.g., sidewalk sales, food festivals, fireworks displays, home-season engagements, etc.)
Review Process and Award Notification The review of Maryland Touring Grant applications is based upon the following criteria: • • • •
Artistic merit Organizational capacity to present performing artists Quality of proposed project (e.g., project planning and relationship of the proposed project to the organization’s typical programming) Financial feasibility of proposed project
Staff Review Applications are reviewed by MSAC staff for completeness and adherence to the Council guidelines for the Maryland Touring Grant. Applicants will be notified whether their application is complete or if additional information or corrections are necessary. The organization must meet all subsequent deadlines as specified in writing or the application will be considered withdrawn. Council Decision The full Council meets in early-June 2014 to review the recommendations of the staff and reach funding decisions. Notification All applicants to the FY 2015 Maryland Touring Grant will receive notification by mail of their grant award or denial by July 1, 2014. Payment Grant agreement forms are prepared and mailed by July 1, 2014 to those that have been awarded funding. The forms must be signed and the organization must meet all reporting requirements (including those of other MSAC grant programs) before Maryland Touring Grant funds are disbursed.
Reporting Requirement Organizations that are awarded a FY 2015 Maryland Touring Grant must submit a final report within 30 days of of the completion of the funded project(s) or presentation(s).
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 6
Appendix A Maryland State Arts Council Overview The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is an agency of the State of Maryland, under the authority of the Department of Business and Economic Development, Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts. Since it was established in 1967, the purpose of the Council has been “to create a nurturing climate for the arts in the State” as stated in its founding legislation. The Council is an appointed body of 17 citizens. Thirteen are named by the Governor to threeyear terms, which are renewable once. Two legislators and two private citizens are appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. Councilors serve without salary. To carry out its mission, MSAC awards grants to not-for-profit, tax-exempt organizations for ongoing arts programming and arts projects. MSAC awards grants to individual artists, and provides technical and advisory assistance to individuals and groups. The Council also carries out programs of its own to enhance the cultural life of the residents of Maryland. MSAC receives its funds in an annual appropriation from the State of Maryland and from grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The Council may also receive contributions from private, nongovernmental sources. Mission Statement and Goals The mission of MSAC is to encourage and invest in the advancement of the arts for the people of our State. The goals of the Council are to support artists and arts organizations in their pursuit of artistic excellence, to ensure the accessibility of the arts to all citizens, and to promote statewide awareness of arts resources and opportunities. MSAC’s programs are aimed at benefiting all Maryland residents regardless of political or religious opinion or affiliation, marital status, race, color, creed, age, national origin, sex or sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or geographic location within the State. Professional Grants Review Panels To assist the Council in its decision-making, professionals in the arts are appointed to a variety of grants review panels. The function of panels is to evaluate applications from organizations and individuals and to offer policy recommendations to the Council. Each year, more than 100 individuals serve as grants review panelists for the Council’s programs, including Grants for Organizations, Arts in Education, Arts in Communities, Folk and Traditional Arts, Individual Artist Awards, and Community Arts Development. Anyone wishing to serve or to nominate someone to serve should contact the MSAC office for detailed information and nomination forms. Staff MSAC maintains a professional staff to administer its grants programs and Council-initiated programs. Staff members are available to provide technical assistance to the arts community. Meetings All Council and Grants Review Panel meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Open Meetings Law set forth in Sections 10-501 through 10-512 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The dates, times, and locations of Council and Grants Review Panel meetings may be obtained by contacting the Council office.
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 7
Appendix B Maryland State Arts Council and Staff MSAC is an agency of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts Martin O’Malley, Governor Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor Dominick E. Murray, Secretary of Business and Economic Development Bob Walker, Deputy Secretary of Business and Economic Development Councilors Barbara Bershon, St. Mary’s County, Chair Carol Trawick, Montgomery County, Vice Chair Lora Bottinelli, Wicomico County, Secretary/Treasurer Carole Alexander, Anne Arundel County Eric Conway, D.M.A., Baltimore County Nilimma Devi, Montgomery County Carla Du Pree, Howard County Susie Farr, Montgomery County Margaret Footner, Baltimore County Nancy Graf, St. Mary’s County Delegate Melony Ghee Griffith, Prince George's County Senator Richard S. Madaleno, Jr., Montgomery County Shelley Morhaim, Baltimore County Susanna Nemes, Ph.D., Montgomery County Kathy O’Dell, Ph.D., Baltimore County Sandy Oxx, Carroll County Gary Vikan, Baltimore City Staff Theresa Colvin, Executive Director Chatara Carroll Lucas Cowen Carla Dunlap Pamela Dunne Joyce Faulkner Amy Grossmann John Harris Kate McMillan Clifford Murphy Okeena Stephenson Christine Stewart
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 8
Appendix C
MARYLAND TOURING GRANT - Sample Application FY 2015 – DEADLINE: APRIL 30, 2014 A. GENERAL INFORMATION Organization Name: Mailing Address: City: State: MD Zip Code + Four: County: Federal Tax ID Number: DUNS Number1: Organization Phone – include area code: FAX Number – include area code: Website: Facebook: Twitter: Other Social/Electronic Media site: State Legislative District Number2: Federal Congressional District Number2: 1 If you do not already have a DUNS number, you may apply for one at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. 2 This information may be found at www.mdelect.net. B. CONTACT INFORMATION Authorizing Official3 - Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms.: Authorizing Official’s3 Title: Authorizing Official’s3 Phone – include area code and extension: Authorizing Official’s3 E-Mail Address: Executive Director - Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms.: Executive Director’s Title: Executive Director’s Phone – include area code and extension: Executive Director’s E-Mail Address: Grant Contact Person - Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms.: Grant Contact Person’s Title: Grant Contact Person’s Phone – include area code and extension: Grant Contact Person’s E-Mail Address: 3 The authorizing official is the individual legally empowered to submit this application.
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 9
C. APPLICATION NARRATIVE A PDF will be generated of your application in eGrant. You will be responsible for viewing the PDF generated by eGrant and ensuring there are no more than THREE (3) pages used to answer the narrative questions. If you do not follow this direction, your complete narrative responses may not be read, and not following directions may influence the review of your application. CHARACTER COUNTER: Note that each question has a character counter that allows for 8000 characters to provide ample space. For example, if you want your answer to be 800 characters long, type until the counter says “7200 characters remaining”, if you want your answer to be 1000 characters long, type until the counter says “7000 characters remaining”, etc. 1. What is the mission statement of the organization? 2. Provide a brief history and description of current programs and activities, especially presenting activities. 3. Provide examples of the applicant’s service to the community. 4. Provide a description of the proposed project, not to exceed two pages, detailing: a) Brief explanation of how the creative goals of this artist/company match the goals of the project, please detail the selection process b) Brief description of how the artist/company was involved in the planning of this project, as related to preliminary discussions, grant writing, marketing, programming, etc. c) Brief explanation of how this project diversifies your organization’s normal artistic programming d) How you will accommodate the technical needs of the artist/company e) Provide a schedule of the proposed project, including a public performance and, if applicable, outreach activity, with specific dates of the engagements f) Brief description of the targeted audience and projected audience number g) Brief explanation of the marketing plan for the project D. Budget The budget must be submitted utilizing the template provided in the “Budget” section of your eGrant application (See template sample in Appendix D). The completed template must comply with the formatting requirements described in these guidelines and must be attached to your eGrant application at the time of submission. E. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST The following items are a required part of your application. Please attach a Word or PDF version of each of the following items to your eGrant application. Paper versions will not be accepted. All required items noted on the Attachments page in eGrant must be attached to the application at the time of submission. Completed budget template List of artists presented over the last three years (including dates of performances) Most recent Letter of Determination from the IRS indicating that your organization is incorporated in Maryland as nonprofit. Do not send Maryland tax exempt certificate Preliminary contract or letter of agreement between your organization and the performing artist
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 10
Applications, INCLUDING ATTACHMENTS, must be successfully submitted via eGrant (msac.egrant.net) before 5:00 PM on April 30, 2014. F. CERTIFICATION â–Ą Checking this box verifies that the applicant agrees to complete and submit this application by electronic means, including the use of an electronic signature. Name Title Date â–Ą Checking this box verifies that the name typed above is authorized to sign this Maryland State Arts Council Grants for Organizations application on behalf of the applicant organization and certifies that all information contained in this report is true and accurate. Checking this box verifies that the applicant agrees to complete and submit this application by electronic means, including the use of an electronic signature.
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 11
NATIONAL STANDARD FOR ARTS INFORMATION EXCHANGE FORM This information is being gathered for the National Endowment for the Arts. Each organization must submit one complete National Standard for Arts Information Exchange form as part of their final report. Organization: ___ ___ ___ State Legislative District Number*
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Federal (U.S.) Congressional District Number*
*Please provide the district numbers for your organization. PLEASE NOTE: The State Legislative District Number may also include a letter (e.g., 34A). A physical address must be used – not a PO Box address. You can use this website - http://mdelect.net/ - to look up your organization’s district numbers. Applicant Status: Check the one category which best describes your organization’s legal status. 02 Organization Nonprofit 06 Government Regional 09 Government Tribal
04 Government Federal 07 Government County 99 None of the Above
05 Government State 08 Government Municipal
Applicant Discipline: Check the one category which best describes your organization’s main art form. 01 Dance – do not include mime 02 Music 03 Opera/Music Theater 04 Theater 05 Visual Arts 06 Design Arts 07 Crafts 08 Photography – include holography
09 Media Art 10 Literature 11 Interdisciplinary 12 Folklife/Traditional Arts 13 Humanities 14 Multi-Disciplinary 15 Non-Arts/Non-Humanities – none of the above
Project Discipline: Check the one category which best describes the funded art form. 01 Dance – do not include mime 02 Music 03 Opera/Music Theater 04 Theater 05 Visual Arts 06 Design Arts 07 Crafts 08 Photography – include holography
09 Media Art 10 Literature 11 Interdisciplinary 12 Folklife/Traditional Arts 13 Humanities 14 Multi-Disciplinary 15 Non-Arts/Non-Humanities – none of the above
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 12
Applicant Institution: Check the one category which best describes your organization. 03 Performing Group 04 Performing Group College/University 05 Performing Group Community 06 Performing Group Youth 07 Performing Facility 08 Art Museum 09 Other Museum 10 Gallery/Exhibit Space 11 Cinema 12 Independent Press 13 Literary Magazine 14 Fair/Festival 15 Arts Center 16 Arts Council/Agency 17 Arts Service Organization 18 Union/Professional Association 19 School District 20 Parent Teacher Organization 21 Elementary School 22 Middle School 23 Secondary School 24 Vocational/Technical School 25 Other School 26 College/University
27 Library 28 Historical Society 29 Humanities Council 30 Foundation 31 Corporation 32 Community Service Organization 33 Correctional Institution 34 Health Care Facility 35 Religious Organization 36 Seniors’ Center 37 Parks and Recreation 38 Government Executive 39 Government Judicial 40 Government Legislative House 41 Government Legislative Senate 42 Media Periodical 45 Media Radio 46 Media TV 47 Cultural Series Organization 48 School of the Arts 49 Arts Camp/Institute 50 Social Service Organization 51 Child Care Provider 99 None of the Above
Grantee Race: For organizations, grantees should code themselves based on the predominant group of which their staff or board or membership (not audience) is composed. Organizations should choose the one code that best represents 50 percent or more of their staff or board or membership. A - Asian B - Black/African American H - Hispanic/Latino N - American Indian/Alaska Native
P - Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander W - White 99 - No single group
Project Race/Ethnicity: If the majority of the grant activities are intended to involve or act as a clear expression or representation of the cultural traditions of one particular group, or deliver services to a designated population listed below, choose that group’s code from the list. If the grant or activity is not designated to represent or reach any one particular group, chose the terminal code “99.” A - Asian B - Black/African American H - Hispanic/Latino N - American Indian/Alaska Native
P - Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander W - White 99 - No single group
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 13
Project Descriptors: Mark which, if any, of the descriptors below comprise a significant portion (50% or more) of the grant’s resources/activities. Mark all that apply. If none apply, or if the below descriptors apply to a small or indeterminate portion of your funding/activities, leave this field blank. A - Accessibility: Grants or services related to ADA/504 compliance or other activities designed to Increase access to the arts for persons with disabilities. I - International: Programs or activities supporting any of the following: grantees visiting other countries, foreign artists visiting the USA, any cultural exchange program, linkages with artists or institutions in other countries, or establishing/administering international programs in your own agency. P - Presenting/Touring: Grants or services resulting in the movement of artists or artworks for performances, readings, screenings, exhibits, etc., in different geographic areas. Use this code to indicate funds awarded for either the hosting/presenting of works originating outside of the grantee community or for the fees paid to artists or arts organizations that will, themselves, be touring in different areas. T - Technology: Grants or services using technology for the creation or dissemination of artworks or the use of technology for organizational management purposes. Y - Youth at Risk: Grants or services designed primarily to serve at-risk youth. Include arts-related intervention programs (for violence, drug-alcohol abuse and crime) as well as other creative programming specifically involving at-risk youth as primary project participants or beneficiaries. Activity Type: Check the one category which best describes the funded activity/activities. 01 Acquisition 02 Audience Services 03 Fellowships 04 Artwork Creation 05 Concert/Performance/Reading 06 Exhibition 07 Facility Construction/Maintenance 08 Fair/Festival 09 Identification/Documentation 10 Organization Establishment 11 Operating Support 12 Arts Instruction 13 Marketing 14 Professional Support – Administrative 15 Professional Support – Artistic 16 Recording/Filming/Taping 17 Publication 18 Repair/Restoration/Conservation 19 Research/Planning
20 School Residency 21 Other Residency 22 Seminar/Conference 23 Equipment Acquisition 24 Distribution of Art 25 Apprenticeship 26 Regranting 27 Translation 28 Writing about Art 29 Professional Development/Training 30 Student Assessment 31 Curriculum Development/Implementation 32 Stabilization/Endowment/Challenge 33 Building Public Awareness 34 Technical Assistance 35 Web Site/Internet Development 36 Broadcasting 99 None of the Above
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 14
Appendix D
The Budget Summary Template is available for download in the Budget section of your eGrant application. You will upload your completed budget summary into your eGrant application. D. FY 2015 Maryland Touring Grant Application - Budget Summary Template Detail the estimated expenses and income for each Roster artist presentation included in this application. Round numbers to the nearest dollar. Enter ONLY direct costs associated with presenting each Roster artist/ensemble. MSAC does not allow pro-rated expenses or income. Total Cash Expenses must equal Total Cash Income for each Roster artist/ensemble presentation. Organization Name: _______________ Artist #1
Artist #2
Artist #3
Artist #1
Artist #2
Artist #3
Artist #1
Artist #2
Artist #3
Enter Roster Artist/Ensemble Name: Date of Project/Presentation: Artist/Ensemble Performance Fee Estimated Cash Expenses
Travel, Lodging , Per Diem (if not included above) Technical Personnel Other Personnel Marketing/Publicity Space Rental Equipment Rental Other Cash Expenses (please list below) a b c Total Cash Expenses: Ticket Sales (performances) Admissions (other activities) Estimated Cash Income
Other Earned Income (please specify) a b Other Support: Government, Foundation, Corporate a b c Organization Cash MSAC GRANT REQUEST
In-kind Contributions
(Min total all: $500/Max total all: $3,500) Total Cash Income: Source(s) and amounts of any in-kind contributions (donated goods or services) specifically related to any of these Roster artist/ensemble presentations a b c d e Total In-kind Contributions:
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 15
Appendix E Appeals Process MSAC takes great care during the grant review process to ensure fair and equitable distribution of grant monies based on stated criteria. Therefore, dissatisfaction with the denial of an award or with the amount of an award is not sufficient reason for an appeal. However, a grant request may be reconsidered if a procedural impropriety or error has affected its review. Grounds for such reconsideration are: • A decision based on review criteria other than those stated in these guidelines. • A decision based on material provided to panelists and/or Councilors that was substantially incorrect, inaccurate, or incomplete despite the applicant having provided the staff with correct, accurate, and complete application information. Based on the above, if an applicant believes there is legitimate reason for an appeal, the following steps must be taken: • The applicant must discuss the problem with the program director who handled the application. • To pursue an appeal, the applicant must write a letter to the MSAC Executive Director within 60 days following receipt of the grant award or denial letter requesting a reconsideration of the Council’s decision and stating the grounds for the request. • The applicant will receive written notification on the determination of the appeal within 90 days of the receipt of the written request for reconsideration.
FY 2015 MTG Guidelines - 16