Introducing a Fast-Track Grant for Organizations: The Chamber and Tourism Membership Grant
Introducing the Arts Commission’s newest program, under the umbrella of Fast-Track Grants: the Chamber and Tourism Membership Grants for Organizations (CTM).
Arizona nonprofit arts and culture organizations can now apply to the Arizona Commission on the Arts for assistance to become members in/with business or tourism industry chambers/bureaus/associations in their communities. The Chamber and Tourism Membership Grants for Organizations are available for up to $500 for 1- or 2- year memberships. No match is required for CTM grants. The first deadline for application is Friday, August 24, 2012.
Some of the many potential membership benefits for arts and culture organizations include; marketing opportunities, professional development, assistance with public affairs, another connection to the community, and increased exposure.
Grantees of the Arts Commission share the benefits of their organization’s membership with chambers of commerce or convention and visitors bureaus in their community, below.
“Our membership in the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce has played a vital role in the health of our organization. We co-op advertise together and our marketing and public relations pieces overlap. The Chamber plays plays a huge rule in promoting our programs and keeping us connected to our business community.”
Cathy Weiss, Executive Director of the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, Wickenburg, Arizona
“Dancing in the Streets Arizona values the connections that the Tucson Chamber of Commerce has provided our organization. Business owners and other individuals had an opportunity to learn about the value of arts organizations to the community at large.”
Soleste Lupu and Joseph Rodgers Co- Founders/Artistic Directors Dancing in the Streets, Tucson, Arizona
“Being a part of the CVB and chambers of commerce has directly resulted in significant benefits for the Children’s Museum. The leaders of these organizations have their ears on the ground for unique opportunities that advance the goals of their membership and clients, while strengthening the Museum and it’s role as a community resource.”
Deborah Gilpin, CEO, The Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona
The fast-track grant category replaces the previously named Quick-Turnaround Grant Category. The Professional Development Grant for Individuals (PDG) remains the same. More information about the Chamber and Tourism Membership grant, below.
CHAMBER AND TOURISM MEMBERSHIP GRANTS FOR ORGANIZATIONS (CTM) are designed to assist Arizona nonprofit arts and culture organizations with funding support for memberships in/with business or tourism industry chambers/bureaus/associations in their communities.
Applicants must make a compelling case as to which area of focus (business or tourism) would be most valuable to their organizations’ work and ability to positively impact their community. Applicants must also identify 2 measurable outcomes their organization aims to accomplish as a result of this initiative.
CTM grants may be used to fund up to 2 years of membership-based participation in a business or tourism industry chamber, bureau or association. (CTM grants may be used to fund the continuance of existing or lapsed organizational memberships in/with business or tourism industry chambers/bureaus/associations provided the CTM grant request successfully meets all published guidelines and criteria.)
Organizations which receive CTM support are required to follow-up on the learning and opportunities associated with the membership; serve as active participants in the membership group; develop useful partnerships; contribute to the dialogue between arts/culture, business and tourism; and make a good faith effort to accomplish the results outlined in their CTM application.
Some examples of relevant chambers/bureaus/associations include (but are not limited to): Sedona Chamber of Commerce, Asian Chamber of Commerce (Phoenix), Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Arizona American Indian Tourism Association, and Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
Additional information about Arizona chambers of commerce can be found at http://www.azchamber.com/index.cfm. For information about membership-based convention and visitors bureaus or other tourism associations, please inquire with your local city government.
CTM applications will be accepted by mail prior to each of the following deadlines: Friday, August 24, 2012 for activities or opportunities which begin between July 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012; and Friday, January 25, 2013 for activities or opportunities which begin between January 1, 2013 and June 30, 2013.
CTM applications are reviewed semiannually and are based on a fiscal year calendar (July 1 through June 30 of the following year). Proposed activities must take place within the timeframe of the current fiscal year.
