FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Below you’ll find Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to Tacoma Creates funding opportunities. If you have a question that is not addressed, please feel free to reach out to staff at tacomacreates@cityoftacoma.org. Q: My organization offers an arts/culture/heritage/science program and/or event, does this make my organization eligible for Tacoma Creates funding? A: Not necessarily. Your organization's primary purpose must be to advance and/or preserve arts, culture, heritage and/or science, with a mission statement that reflects this purpose. You can find Tacoma Creates’ definitions of arts, culture, heritage, and science organizations by going to the [Definitions][1] page. [1]: /definitions Q: Can my organization apply in both the Comprehensive Organizational Support and Impact Funding categories? A: No, your organization may only apply in one category. Q: Should my organization apply for Comprehensive Organizational Support or Impact Funding? A: The difference between the two categories has to do with the specific organizational eligibility requirements, the level and range of work expected, and the amount of funding that organizations can request. Generally speaking, the Comprehensive Organizational Support category has stricter eligibility criteria and broader expectations for multi-faceted, ongoing work, along with higher funding levels. Impact Funding may support organizations that have a more limited focus in their programming, or have once-a-year events, such as an annual festival. Visit this page for more information. Another thing to consider is your organization's budget size. Generally, if your annual budget is $300,000 or less, we advise organizations to look into Impact Funding. Q: Are the deadlines for the funding applications flexible? A: No, these deadlines are firm, and the application form will close after the deadline has passed. There are no exceptions made on application deadlines. Q: If we are a recipient of Tacoma Creates funds, do we receive all of the money up front? A: No. If your organization is funded, you will receive a Contract for Services from the City of Tacoma, which is different from a grant. The contract will outline specific service deliverables (basically, the cultural programs that you propose to provide) that your organization will need to complete before receiving payment. Payment of the funding contract will be broken into multiple payment phases, spread out over the term of the contract. Organizations will receive final payment after services have been provided. Recipients of funding contracts should be prepared to cover the costs of their programming in the meantime. Q: Can Tacoma Creates funds be used for paying staff, contractors, artists, etc.? A: Yes! Tacoma Creates values the work of staff and cultural providers, and we want individuals working on Tacoma Creates-funded efforts to receive appropriate compensation. Q: Can Tacoma Creates funds be used for paying for things like supplies, or insurance, or rent? A: Yes! Any general business costs related to producing Tacoma Creates-funded programming are allowable expenses. Tacoma Creates funds may support facilities and equipment rentals, permits, marketing expenses, and appropriate percentages of general overhead costs. And, Tacoma Creates funds may also support costs tied to future programming: “capacity-building” things such as purchasing equipment and expanding or providing training for staff or contractors. One of the primary funding goals of Tacoma Creates is to support the sustainability of cultural sector organizations in Tacoma. Q: Are there any kinds of expenses that Tacoma Creates funds cannot support? A: Yes. The following expenses cannot be covered with Tacoma Creates funds: Programming that occurs outside of Tacoma city limits
 Work that is commercial in nature 
 Charitable fundraisers, even those which include or benefit the cultural sector Debt service or endowment building Events or activities that promote a specific political agenda or religious practice Education programs exclusively for students at a private Pre-K-12 school, or at a college or university * Payment to anyone who is a current member of the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board or a City of Tacoma employee