Strategic Initiatives Guidelines
Small and mid-sized organizations are essential to the performing arts ecology. They are the primary incubators for the creation of new works. They play a vital role in the development and employment of artists, administrators, and production staff. They are the creators and animators of many public performance spaces, and their energy brings renewal and excitement to communities.
Years of cuts to operating budgets have been hard on these organizations. They are being challenged to respond to a difficult and rapidly changing environment, but they have few resources with which to pursue innovative strategies for change and development.
Our work is grounded in the belief that change happens when we share hopeful visions of the future, work and learn collectively, think broadly in pursuit of comprehensive solutions, and take a meaningful role in the decisions that affect our lives. Through the Strategic Initiatives program we provide an opportunity for experimentation, innovation, organizational change, and learning. In this program, we are particularly interested in:
- nurturing new ideas and practice – exploring and developing innovative approaches to tackling tough problems and seizing opportunities
- fostering integrated thinking – encouraging rigorous and thoughtful analysis, and creating opportunities for dialogue and collaborative learning, to build knowledge and inform action
This is not an operating funding program. Nor is it a project funding program, as this is traditionally understood. With our support, organizations have an opportunity, over a three-year period, to implement a strategic course of action which would not be possible under normal budgetary circumstances. It is our hope that successfully implemented plans will make organizations stronger, more resilient, productive, and effective in the execution of their creative mandates.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Professional theatre, dance, music, and opera organizations in Toronto, which have been in operation for at least three years, have charitable status, and have operating budgets under $3 million, are eligible to apply. The Foundation encourages applications for cooperative initiatives which involve more than one eligible organization.
What are the Funding Parameters?
Each successful applicant will be supported over a three-year period. Grants will be calculated on the basis of an organization's most recent audited financial statements, as follows:
An organization with operating revenues of $400,000 or less will receive $20,000 per year, for a total grant over the three-year period of $60,000.
An organization with operating revenues of more than $400,000 must first calculate its average operating revenue based on the last three years of audited financial statements. Organizations are eligible to apply for as much as 15% of this average operating revenue. For example, a company with average revenues over the last three years of $1 million may apply for as much as $150,000 ($50,000 per year over the three-year granting period).
This program will not contribute to the implementation of capital or endowment fundraising campaigns.
What is the Application Process?
The Foundation will review applications for the Strategic Initiatives program twice anuually, once in the winter and once in the summer. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Performing Arts Director in advance to discuss their proposals. Applying to this program is a two-step process.
Step One - Letters of Interest
An organization must first submit a letter of interest to the Foundation. This letter should briefly outline the nature of the application the organization wishes to submit, and why. The letter should not exceed three pages.
The Metcalf application cover page (PDF) must be attached to this letter.
Please provide one paper copy of the letter (printed double-sided) and sumbit an electronic version in Word to mjones@metcalffoundation.com. The Metalf cover page need not be submitted electronically.
Foundation staff will review the letters of interest, identifying compelling and appropriate proposals for further consideration.
Step Two - Full Application
Based on the letters of interest, the Foundation will invite organizations to submit full applications. THIS IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF FUNDING.
Applications must not exceed eight pages, containing:
- a concise history of the company, with brief bios of key individuals.
- a summary of the current artistic and financial position of the company
- the challenges the company faces, or the opportunities it sees, that are relevant to the proposed strategic initiative
- the strategic course of action the company proposes to take
- a description of the changes that are expected to occur, and what difference will be made as a result of a successful initiative
- what the company hopes to learn over the three-year period
- what measures and process the company will use to evaluate progress toward its goals
- how the company will prepare for the termination of funding at the end of the granting period
In addition, applicants must attach:
- the most recent audited statement
- a list of the Board of Directors of the company
- a completed Metcalf Foundation budget form (Excel)
A seperate letter of introduction my be included. Additional printed material, such as annual reports or newsletters, may also be attached as background information.
Please provide one paper copy of the proposal, budget, and Board list (all printed double-sided) and sumbit an electronic version in Word or Excel to mjones@metcalffoundation.com. The audited statements and any introductory letter or printed material (if included) are to be submitted only in paper copy; they need not be submitted electronically.
Please note that we are unable to consider incomplete applications for funding.
How Will an Application be Assessed?
Applications will be reviewed by the Foundation's Board and staff, assisted by an advisory panel from the arts community. Reviewers will take into account the company's history and track-record. They will look for evidence of a rigorous strategic review: a thorough and realistic assessment of the current situation, a compelling vision for the company's future, and a clear description of a well-considered strategic course of action. This course of action should reflect the fact that the Foundation's investment will be short-term.
Reviewers will want to understand what the organization is trying to achieve, and why it is important. We want to know why the company feels the initiative is timely, appropriate, and likely to succeed. We want to understand how this investment will make a tangible difference to the development and vitality of the organization.
We believe these initiatives provide an important opportunity for learning, for grantees as well as the Foundation. Therefore, in our review we will also consider the degree to which the applicant thoughtfully addresses the question of internal evaluation.
Funding decisions will be made by the Board of the Foundation, and such decisions are final. In 2008 the Foundation will support applicants whose initiatives will be completed by December 31, 2011.
How Will We Learn From Our Work?
Successful applicants will provide annual reports to the Foundation. We also meet with grantees every year, so we can jointly monitor the progress and results of each strategic initiative. A group meeting of all successful applicants will also be arranged so their experience and insight can be shared with each other and with the Foundation. You can read more about the Foundation’s approach to evaluation in the How We Learn section of our website.
The Foundation reserves the right to review its ongoing commitments if circumstances arise in the participating companies which indicate the initiative is unlikely to be realized. These circumstances could include failure to undertake activities or to meet goals as described in the proposal, the departure of the artistic or management leadership, or severe financial difficulties.
Deadlines
Please see Deadlines.
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