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2010
ORBI Grant Application The on-line application form for the 2010 ORBI annual grant program is now available. Click here to download the form using Adobe Acrobat Reader. The application form includes all of the grant program guidelines and criteria. You will not be able to save your completed application on your computer unless you have the complete Adobe Acrobat program. For the narrative sections of the application, you should create a draft in your word processing program and copy and paste your final text into the grant application form. When your application is complete, print it out. The application form includes complete program guidelines and instructions. The 2010 application deadline is Monday, February 1, 2010. You can download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader by clicking here  .Back to top of page New Accessibility Mini-Grant Application Now Available On April 1, 2008, the Ohio River Border Initiative will begin accepting applications for its new Accessibility Mini-Grant program. The grant program is open to arts organizations and other organizations that present arts programs in the counties that touch the West Virginia/Ohio border. The program is intended to allow organizations to jump start or try out accessibility innovation and is not intended to provide support for existing projects. Grants of up to $1000 will be awarded for new projects for: • Minor physical plant improvements such as hand rails, ramps, door alterations • Sign and visibility improvements for people with vision limitations • Assistive devices for hearing or visually impaired people • Signers and other assistive service providers • Accessibility improvements for Web sites to improve use by the visually impaired • Direct outreach activities to people with disabilities in the applicant's community Applicants must be designated tax exempt charitable organizations by the IRS and must be arts organizations or other community organizations that offer arts programming. Applicants must also be based in any of the following counties: in West Virginia - Wayne, Cabell, Mason, Jackson, Wood, Pleasants, Tyler, Wetzel, Marshall, Ohio, Brooke, Hancock; in Ohio - Lawrence, Gallia, Meigs, Athens, Washington, Monroe, Belmont, Jefferson, Columbiana. For complete guidelines and an on-line application click here. If you have questions, contact the ORBI Project Director at 304-655-8255. You can download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader by clicking here .
*denotes first time grantee Here are some observations and comments from the Project Director on the 2009 applications: Observation: The number of applications
was back down in line with our past experience. Comment: While we kept the available budgeted funds the same as in 2008, the reduced number of applications meant that the grant panel was able to fully fund the best projects and applications. In general, the quality of applications remained very high, but numbers were down. This year's panel was relieved that they could give the best projects the full amount that was applied for. This was particularly important, because many organizations have seen reductions in funding from other sources this year.Observation: Several groups this year received funding reductions or no funding because they did not document clearly "active participation" by artists, organizations or communities on both sides of the Ohio/West Virginia border. Comment: ORBI's programs are different from most other funding sources. ORBI was created by the West Virginia and Ohio arts agencies specifically to encourage and support cross-border projects. Be careful choosing what projects you apply to ORBI for. If you have never applied to ORBI before, and would consider doing it in the future, start now documenting your connections on the other side of the Ohio River. The more evidence you can show to support your project's cross-border connections, the better chance you will have in ORBI's grant process.Observation: Five of this year's grantees were new applicants last year. Comment: As noted above, projects with clear cross-state connections are strong competitors in the ORBI grant process. Organizations that create those programs, and improve them from year to year, will generally be funded if they apply in later years. Several of these successful grantees had failed to receive funding in previous years. With ORBI, persistence pays of, both in finding the right project and in improving the quality of your application. Don't be discouraged if you fail to receive funding with your first application.Observation: Take the time to fully develop a project for an ORBI application. Comment:
One unsuccessful applicant this year applied for a project that looked
very interesting to the grant panel. There were lots of "active
involvement" elements to the project involving a fiber artist doing
classes on weaving from the sheep to the finished product.
However, the application included only the outline of the project
proposal. Evidence of the practical aspects of how the program
would actually be carried out were largely missing from the
application. ORBI grant panelists need to see that applicants
have planned every step in the project's execution from start
(fundraising and marketing) to finish (a clear evaluation plan).
In addiiton to specific plans, the panelists need to see clear evidence
that all the partners in the project are committed and will be there to
support the project when their support is needed. This particular
project would have benefitted from two or three months of phone calls
and meetings to gather information and secure other sources of
support. If you are considering applying to ORBI, take the time
to develop your project fully. You may have an idea for a
suitable ORBI project, but rather than rushing to fill out an
application, take the time to plan and document your support and
partners, even it if means waiting another year.
Back to top of page
The Artist Fast
Track program grants are designed to help artists increase access to
audiences and venues, develop new skills and insights, or investigate
new artistic ideas and approaches. The program is limited to
artists and craftspeople who live in Ohio's Appalachian counties or the
counties that touch the West Virginia/Ohio border. You can apply
for up to
$500. There is no requirement that the applicant match the grant
amount. There is no set deadline, except that applicants must
submit an application more than 60 days before the start date of the
applicant's project. Fast Track grants
may be used to fund:
To get a final report
form that you can print and return when your project is completed,
click on the following links:
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