NEA Big Read Application Questions
You will not be able to save and return to the application form – use this document to prepare your application responses offline before copying and pasting them into the online application form. Please note: only applications submitted online at will be accepted. This form is only for your preparation and will not be accepted as an application.
The online application form does not accept italics, underline, bold, bullets or other formatting. The length of each response cannot be more than the indicated character limit (which includes spaces). Please limit the number of paragraph breaks in your responses as well.
How did you learn about this grant opportunity? (250 characters, including spaces)
Applicant information
Has your organization received an NEA Big Read grant before? Choose an item.
Applicant Organization name:
Which legal entity should receive the grant? This should be the name on your 501(c)(3) letter from the IRS. Please make sure you use this name throughout your application.
Organization telephone:
Organization website:
Organization Type: Choose an item.
My organization is a(n)…Choose an item.
Employer Identification Number (EIN):
DUNS Number:
Is your organization registered with SAM.gov?
☐I certify that my organization is registered with SAM.gov.
Street address:
Do NOT use a P.O. Box
City:
State:
Zip+4:
Look up your ZIP+4
Mailing address (if different from street address):
City:
State:
Zip+4:
Look up your ZIP+4
Upload proof of federal tax exemption which consists of either: A scanned PDF of your organization’s federal tax exempt ruling letter under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or a scanned PDF of documentation indicating that your organization is a division of state, local, or tribal government. State sales tax exemption certificates and copies of ordinances or bylaws are not qualified documents.
Has your organization received an NEA Big Read grant before?Choose an item.
Contact information
Enter the name and contact information for the staff member(s) who will be responsible for managing the NEA Big Read program at your organization.
The Programming Contact is the person who will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of your program and will receive most of the communication from Arts Midwest.
The Grant Contact(if different from the Programming Contact) is the person who should sign the Grant Agreement, receive grant payments, and handle the financial management of the grant.
Programming Contact's first name:
Programming Contact's last name:
Programming Contact's title:
Programming Contact's email:
Programming Contact's phone:
Grant Contact's first name:
Grant Contact's last name:
Grant Contact's title:
Grant Contact's email:
Grant Contact's phone:
Program Information
Grant request amount:
Programming start date:
Dates must fall between September 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.
Programming end date:
Ideally, your NEA Big Read will last approximately one month.
Anticipated total number of participants:
Please provide your best estimate of attendees to your proposed programming (e.g. 2500)
Please describe your community where programming will take place. This context will help establish the setting for your project. This description could includedetails about your community's demographics, culture, history, geography, political makeup, and economic conditions and characteristics, and trends that may be affecting your community, etc.(1,000 character limit narrative including spaces, use paragraph breaks sparingly):
Please state your intended outcome(s) or goal(s) for your project and how you intend to accomplish them (1,000character limit narrative including spaces, use paragraph breaks sparingly).
Selection criteria: Quality of diverse and imaginative programming
The review panel will review the rationale for choosing the title, programming plans, and proposed number of events to determine the quality of diverse and creative literary programming that: shows a clear connection between the NEA Big Read title and the target audience(s); meets the programming requirements; and engages a wide range of community members with the writing, content, and themes of the selected book.
Reading Selection: Choose an item.
Explain your rationale for choosing this title(1,000 character limit, use paragraph breaks sparingly):
Describe your programming plans in detail
- Provide details on the types of activities, target audiences for those activities, locations, and intended dates.
b. Explain how your activities will engage audiences with your selected book.
You must outline your plans to meet the programming requirements outlined in the guidelines and application instructions including:
- A kick-off event to launch the program.
- A minimum of 10 discussions on the selected book.
- At least one keynote session on the selected book and its themes, either with the author or another appropriate speaker. If you are considering an author visit as part of your programming, please be aware that honoraria and availability vary by individual. Other considerations for a keynote could include a panel discussion or a presentation by someone associated with the book or author.
- A minimum of two special events involving other forms of artistic programming designed to engage participants with the selected book (e.g., art exhibits/contests, films, musical performances, theatrical readings, and creative writing activities related to the themes of the book, etc.).
Note: Event types may be combined (e.g., a kick-off event can include a keynote session and a discussion of the book or poet).
Detailed programming description (4,000 character limit, use paragraph breaks sparingly):
Proposed total number of book discussions (must be at least 10):
Proposed total number of events (including book discussions):
Selection criteria: Relevance and depth of involvement with community partner organizations
The review panel will review the partnerships description, letters of support, and proposed number of partner organizations to determine therelevance and depth of involvement with community partner organizations that will broaden community participation beyond the applicant's primary constituent base and enrich programming.
- Describe your partnerships with libraries (as applicable) and community organizations.
- Explain the role each partner will play in your program, the activities each partner will undertake with your organization, and whether these partnerships are confirmed or pending.
- Explain how your partnerships will allow you to reach your intended audience(s) and strengthen or build new communities around the NEA Big Read activities.
Note: Applicant organizations that are not a library must partner with a library.
Partnerships description (4,000 character limit narrative including spaces, use paragraph breaks sparingly):
Letters of support
Upload two, one-page letters of support. Each letter should address the roles and responsibilities of the partner organization in relation to the project. These letters may be addressed to “NEA Big Read review panel.”
Library applicants: One letter must be from a key partner.
All other applicants: One letter must be from your library partner.
Letters must be on organization letterhead and submitted in PDF format.
Proposed total number of partner organizations:
Total number of all libraries, museums, schools, and businesses pending and confirmed. Please enter a whole number.
Selection criteria: Comprehensive promotion of the NEA Big Read
The review panel will review the promotional description to determine the applicant's comprehensive promotion of the NEA Big Read through digital and print channels as well as other public relations/marketing efforts; distribution of digital guides and promotional materials; and publicity through partnerships with local radio, print, TV, and media outlets as applicable.
- Describe how you will promote your programming. Discuss any proposed or existing partnerships with specific media outlets.
- Explain how your program will utilize the digital guides found on neabigread.org and copies of your reading selection.
Promotional description (2,000 character limit narrative including spaces; use paragraph breaks sparingly):
Selection criteria: Capacity to manage and implement the proposed NEA Big Read programming
The review panel will review the following components to determine the applicant's capacity to manage and implement the proposed NEA Big Read programming including organization capacity, the provision of appropriate personnel, reasonable budget plan, and evidence of the required 1 to 1 match.
Organization Description
Describe your organization's history, programming, and achievements.(2,000 character limit, use paragraph breaks sparingly):
Describe your organization's experience with presenting community-wide programming that demonstrates an ability to conduct a successful NEA Big Read.(2,000 character limit, use paragraph breaks sparingly):
Organizer Biographies
Outline the key staff and/or volunteers who will plan and implement the programming, including their titles, anticipated roles and responsibilities in your proposed programs, and experience or capacity for managing an NEA Big Read. Include partner organizations' staff as applicable.(4,000 character limit, use paragraph breaks sparingly):
Organization annual expenses
Previous fiscal year organization expenses:
Please enter whole numbers. Do not include commas, dollar signs, or decimals.
Current budgeted fiscal year organization expenses:
Please enter whole numbers. Do not include commas, dollar signs, or decimals.
Budget
Required template:Microsoft Excel budget form (Download)
Include all anticipated expenses necessary to fully implement the program plans proposed, including planning, programming, and reporting. Be sure to represent your 1 to 1 cost share/match for the program. Compare your budget against the details provided in the narrative responses to ensure there are no inconsistencies. Use the proposal budget instructions to assist your work.Arts Midwest staff is happy to review your budget for technical accuracy before you upload it below. Just send it in an email to
Note: Your budget must be completed and submitted using the provided form above. Other formats will NOT be accepted.
Since the NEA Big Read award derives from federal funds, the following items are unallowable and cannot appear in your budget:
- Hospitality items (Refreshments/concessions/meals/alcohol)
- Awards (Gifts/prizes/scholarships)
- Fundraising expenses
- Contingencies (reserves for future unanticipated costs)
- Fines/legal fees/bad debts
- Goods and services for personal use