Creative Community Catalyst Grants

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who is eligible to apply?
Only 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Organizations must be in good standing and physically located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with services or programming that benefit the U.P. public. Certain border-region organizations may be considered if a significant portion of the project directly serves the Upper Peninsula.

Can a fiscal sponsor apply on behalf of an unincorporated group or individual artist?
At this time, only eligible nonprofit organizations may apply directly. Projects led by individuals or informal groups would need to be submitted through an eligible nonprofit applicant willing to serve as the lead organization.

Do organizations need to be registered with SAM.gov?
Applicants must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI), but an active SAM.gov registration is not required. The UEI must be publicly viewable.

What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects include arts and cultural activities that are open to the public and demonstrate meaningful community impact. Examples include performances, exhibitions, festivals, creative placemaking, public art, heritage initiatives, educational programs, publications, media projects, and other community-focused arts and culture efforts.

What does “arts and culture” mean?
We intentionally define arts and culture broadly. Applicants are encouraged to make the case for how their project fits within this framework and benefits the public.

What types of projects are not eligible?
Projects that are primarily commercial, private, or not open to the public are not eligible. General operating support, fundraising events, scholarships, startup business expenses, vehicle purchases, real estate acquisition, and unrelated administrative expenses are also not eligible.

Can we charge admission?
Yes. Projects must be open to the public, meaning anyone can participate or benefit from the project regardless of demographic. However, projects do not need to be free for participants or attendees.

How much funding can we request?
Organizations may request up to $4,000 per project.

Is there a required match?
Yes. This grant requires a 25% cost share match. For example, a $4,000 grant request requires $1,000 in matching support.

Can volunteer time count toward the match?
Yes. Volunteer labor, donated goods, and other in-kind contributions may be counted if they are directly related to the project and properly documented using fair market value.

Can we apply if our project has already started?
Projects must occur during the grant period of performance. Expenses incurred before the official start date are generally not eligible.

What is the grant period?
Funded projects must take place between October 1, 2026 and September 30, 2027, and all grant funds must be fully spent by the end of that period.

Can we apply for funding for an annual event we already produce?
Yes. Existing programs are eligible if the grant supports a specific project or edition of that program occurring during the funding period. However, preference will be given to projects that generate new and exciting outcomes, so new initiatives within existing projects or entirely new projects are more likely to receive funding.

Can multiple organizations collaborate on one project?
Yes, collaborative projects are encouraged. However, only one organization may serve as the official applicant for a given project.

Can we submit more than one application?
Organizations may submit multiple applications for different projects, but each individual project may only receive one award through this program.

How competitive is the program?
Funding is competitive and based on review criteria including community impact, public visibility, project feasibility, artistic merit, and documentation/storytelling potential.

What makes a strong application?
Strong applications clearly explain:

• Why the project matters
• Who will benefit
• How the public will engage
• Why funding is needed
• How success will be measured
• Why the project team is qualified to deliver it

Do we need confirmed funding from other sources before applying?
No. Other funding may be prospective, pending, or in-kind. Applicants should describe their broader funding plan.

Can grant funds pay staff salaries or artist fees?
Yes. Reasonable salaries, stipends, artistic fees, production costs, and project-specific administrative expenses are eligible.

Can grant funds be used for equipment?
Yes, if the equipment is directly necessary for the funded project.

Can capital improvements or building renovations be funded?
Possibly, but projects involving physical changes to historic buildings or the environment may require additional review and documentation.

Do projects need to be ADA accessible?
Yes. Funded projects must comply with accessibility requirements and applicable federal nondiscrimination laws.

What supporting materials can we include?
Applicants may upload optional supporting materials such as:

• Photos
• PDFs
• Planning documents
• Letters of support
• Video links
• Work samples
• Artist bios

Will incomplete applications be reviewed?
Incomplete applications may be deemed ineligible, so applicants should ensure all required information and certifications are submitted before the deadline.

Can we revise an application after submission?
Applicants should assume submissions are final unless the Alliance contacts them to request clarification.

When does the application open?
The application portal opens July 1, 2026.

When is the deadline?
Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

When will funding decisions be announced?
Applicants will be notified after the review process is complete. Timing will depend on application volume and review scheduling.

How are applications reviewed?
Applications are reviewed using published scoring criteria focused on:

• Community impact
• Visibility/public engagement
• Project administration and documentation
• Feasibility and funding need
• Artistic excellence

What happens if we receive funding?
Awardees will be required to:

• Sign a grant agreement
• Comply with federal grant requirements
• Maintain financial documentation
• Complete final reporting

Do funded projects need to credit the grant program?
Yes. Awardees will be expected to acknowledge the funding source in promotional and public-facing materials.

Who should we contact with questions?
Questions about eligibility or the application process may be directed to the Alliance before the deadline by contacting Executive Director Philip Rice at philip@upacalliance.com