Q. Can information be added to the application after it closes?
A. No, all information must be included in the initial application upon submittal.
Q. When does the application close?
A. The application closes promptly at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024. No further applications or application materials will be accepted after this deadline. You must click the “submit” button by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024. Please note, there are required fields. If any information is missing, you will not be able to “submit” the application.
Q. How long does it take to register on the VCCF portal?
A. Once your information is submitted, it takes 24 – 48 hours to process your registration and receive access to the application. If you are not already registered in VCCF, please do so immediately to make sure you can apply for the grant. Registrations submitted after the morning of Wednesday, March 20, 2024, may not be approved in time to submit a grant application.
Q. I clicked submit at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, but it didn’t accept my submission, can you please consider the unsubmitted application?
A. No, only completed and submitted applications by the deadline will be considered for funding.
Q. Can I submit a paper application?
A. No, all applications must be submitted online through the VCCF Portal.
Q. How is the Individual Artist application different than the Arts Organization application?
A. The Individual Artist Grant application follows a similar process but it is a separate and unique application. More information on the individual artist grant is available at: Ventura County Arts and Culture Investment Fund Grant | Ventura County Arts Council (vcartscouncil.org)
Q. Must an organization be based in Ventura County to qualify for the grant?
A. Yes, an organization must be based in and serve communities in Ventura County.
Q. Does the entire 990 form need to be submitted for each year?
A. Yes, scan and submit the entire 990 in the appropriate section.
Q. How much weight is given to the initial questions including areas of the community an organization serves?
A. The first series of questions (Questions 1 – 19) on the application will be used to determine overall eligibility and gather reporting information. Although these are required questions, they will not be scored.
Q. Can the grant awarded be at an amount lower than what is requested in the application?
A. Yes, depending on the number of applications and the amount of award granted could be less than what is asked for in the application. The final grant awards will be determined based on number of applications received, available funding, and the overall application score.
Q. Can an arts or cultural Organization with less than three years of operating history apply for this grant?
A. No, the applicant organization must have been in operation/established on or before March 22, 2021, to be eligible for this grant.
Q. Can someone apply in Tier 3 under their name as an individual artist, and apply in Tier 1 or Tier 2 on behalf of an arts organization?
A. Yes, so long as each application represents a distinct entity or individual and is under separate Tax ID’s and/or Social Security numbers. For instance, an artist who also works as an executive director for an arts and cultural organization can apply on behalf of the organization, so long as the organization meets all other eligibility criteria. This artist can also apply to support their own individual work as an artist, but this work must be entirely separate from the work at the organization.
Q. My organization is a nonprofit and has arts and cultural programs but does not have an arts and culture specific purpose or mission. Can we still apply?
A. No. An organization’s primary mission must be directly related to art and culture, such as promoting, preserving, and enriching the cultural and artistic aspects of Ventura County’s local community.
Q. Does the applicant need to be based in Ventura County?
A. Yes, the applicant must be based in Ventura County and must have a principal address located in Ventura County on their application. Individual artists must reside in Ventura County and submit verification on their application.
Q. I am currently showing delinquent, revoked, or not registered with the California Attorney General (AG) Registry of Charitable Trusts. Can I still apply?
A. Yes, you can apply. Please know funding is not guaranteed. If your organization is deemed eligible and selected for funding, additional steps must be followed within specific deadlines (to be determined). Please contact TTagawa@VCCF.org with specific information about your delinquency for assistance in viewing your registration status with the AG.
Q. My organization submits e-postcard tax returns (Form 990-N) because my gross receipts are less than $50,000 a year. What can I submit instead of my 990/990EZ?
A. The organization’s submitted Form 990-N are sufficient. Alternatively, applicants can submit their annual filings with the California Secretary of State that show income and expenses.
Q. What types of files can I upload for the video and references:
A. For videos, applicants can submit most standard video formats, including .MP4, .MOV, and .AVL. Alternatively, you can submit a .pdf or .doc document with a clickable link to YouTube, Vimeo, or other standard video hosting service. Links that are password protected, require downloading, or require any form of account creation or registration may not get reviewed.
Most standard file types are accepted, including DOC/DOCX, XLS/XLSX, JPEG/JPG, PNG, TXT, PPT/PPTX, CSV, MP4/MOV.
Q: Can I upload a document with links to a video instead of uploading the video directly?
A. Yes, so long as the reviewer can easily access and view the video directly from the link on the page on standard video hosting service like YouTube or Vimeo. Links that are password protected, require downloading, or require any form of account creation or registration may not get reviewed.
Q. Can I see the application without registering for the VCCF Portal?
A. No, to see/review the application, you must register for the VCCF Portal
