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Strategies for Success
Basic Level

Description

Basic Level addresses organizational development for ALANAH (African American, Latino, Asian, Asian American, Native American or Hispanic) organizations seeking assistance in the development of a formal board structure, more consistent arts programming, and establishment of 501(c)(3) IRS status. The PCA awards up to $2,500 in non-matching funds for consultants (as assigned by agreement/ consent of the PCA), and up to $4,500 in non-matching funds for programming expenditures for a maximum total of $7,000. Eligible expenses include: staff development materials (fiscal management systems, publications, workshops); conference costs (fees, lodging and transportation not to exceed $500); artists’ fees; equipment/facility rental (not to exceed $500); printing; and other needs as determined by the assigned consultants.

 

Eligibility

  • Must be deeply rooted in and reflective of one or more ALANAH communities.
  • Must have at least two years of active arts and cultural programming.
  • Unincorporated ensembles, artists’ cooperatives, organizations in need of restructuring or social service, community and non-arts organizations interested in cultivating professionally staffed arts programs.
  • Applicants must have an established board or community support group.
  • Applicants must have an EIN number. Unincorporated groups must apply to the PCA through a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that acts as a fiscal sponsor.
  • Generally, applicants' annual budget may not exceed $24,000.

 

Requirements

  • After two years of receiving Strategies for Success funding, applicant must provide proof of determination, such as a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization or a pending application.
  • Participating organizations should discuss with their board of directors the impact that a consultant will have on the growth of the organization and plan accordingly. Participating organizations must have their organizational development consultant complete and submit a progress report on an annual basis.
  • All Basic level participating organizations must participate in at least three virtual and/or in-person organizational development activities/workshops.
  • Participating organizations should identify at least one representative who will attend an annual orientation meeting with the Preserving Diverse Cultures Division Program Director.

 

Funding Restrictions

PCA funds cannot be used for the following:
  • Capital expenditures, including equipment costing $500 or more per item;
  • Activities for which academic credit is given;
  • Activities that have already been completed;
  • Activities that have a religious purpose;
  • Performances and exhibitions not available to the general public;
  • Cash prizes and awards;
  • Benefit activities;
  • Hospitality expenses, i.e., receptions, parties, gallery openings;
  • Payments to lobbyists;
  • Competitions.
 

Advisory Panel Review Process

Advisory panels convene every year to review applications and to make recommendations to the Council for support. The advisory panel will apply the following weighted criteria to an applicant’s past and current performance to determine a recommended award amount.
 

Application Review criteria

Quality of Artistic Product/Process/Service  - 35 points
Access to the Arts  - 35 points
Management  - 30 points
 

How to Apply

PCA ELECTRONIC SINGLE APPLICATION (ESA)

The PCA is making its grants programs more accessible to you through the Electronic Single Application (ESA), a web-based system for use by PCA applicants. Once you register, the system takes you through the application process for the grant program of your choice and allows you to submit all components online. All applications to the PCA, as well as Grant Award Agreements (GAA) and Final Reports are submitted through ESA.

Note: Proceed to #4 if you already have a Commonwealth Vendor Number.

  1. Thoroughly review the PDC Program Guidelines.
  2. Create a DUNS Number (see page 17 in the PDC Guidelines for instructions).
  3. Register and create a Commonwealth Vendor Number (see page 19 in the PDC Guidelines for instructions).
  4. Data collection - The PCA Financial & Activity Report is used to collect your financial and selected non-financial information for the last two years. This form is available for download in the Electronic Single Application (ESA) and must be completed with the most up-to-date information possible. When finished you will need to upload it as an ATTACHMENT in ESA.  
  5. Apply online using the Electronic Single Application (ESA), accessible via https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us. You must first register to create an account. 

PREPARING TO USE ESA

  • Before preparing an application, thoroughly review the program guidelines, including the eligibility requirements. The guidelines outline eligibility, program objectives and evaluation criteria.
  • Check your browser compatibility. The ESA works with Internet Explorer and Google Chrome. It is recommended that you use the latest version of these browsers.
  • Be prepared to complete and submit your application, in its entirety, by the deadline.

HELP WITH ESA

If you need help accessing or are experiencing technical issues within ESA, contact the Customer Service Center: 1-800-379-7448 or
ra-dcedcs@pa.gov.

If you have questions about Preserving Diverse Cultures grant programs, including eligibility, application narrative, and required support materials, please contact Dana Payne, Program Director, at 717-525-5544 or danpayne@pa.gov.