PROJECT GRANT INFORMATION
Annual Application Deadline November 1, 2021
Continuous Intake - Project Grants $500 and Less
SASKATCHEWAN ORCHESTRAL ASSOCIATION MISSION:
Our mission is to support, foster and represent string and orchestral activities through advocacy, resource sharing and providing opportunities for learning and growth.
The Saskatchewan Orchestral Association Project Grants Program supports:
Special or yearly projects that further SOA objectives and which are undertaken either by SOA group members or SOA member organizations. Funding priorities are youth, education, diversity, quality & impact, and levels of participation.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
SOA Project Grants Program Allocation Process
SOA Project Grants are allocated by the SOA board of directors based on funds available through the SOA budget and the results of its adjudication process.
Arms-length adjudication process
Grant applications will be reviewed by independent assessors who are professionals in the orchestral field. These individuals provide assessments to the SOA board of directors based on the adjudication criteria outlined below.
- The annual deadline for Project Grants is November 1, 2021.
- Applications of $500 or less can be submitted throughout the year, including the annual deadline. Please note that funding for grant applications submitted throughout the year is limited.
- Project Grant allocations are determined by the amount of funding available and the number of applications.
- The demand for Project Grants funding may exceed available resources. The Saskatchewan Orchestral Association may not be able to provide grants to all recommended applicants or in the amount.
- Organizations may apply for more than one Project Grant at the main deadline or throughout the year. A separate Project Grant Application Form must be completed for each project request.
Eligible Applicants are current members of the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association as per one of the following definitions:
SOA Group Member: Organizations who hold one SOA Membership on behalf of their organization.
SOA Member Organization: Organizations in which all participants hold an SOA Membership.
Applicants are encouraged to carry liability insurance. The SOA assumes no liability for losses incurred at SOA funded programs.
Ineligible Applications:
- Activities or programs that take place before the deadline date. Funding is not retroactive and will not be considered if the project has been completed.
- Applicants who have any unsubmitted reports for previous grants received from the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association.
- Applications delivered or postmarked after the deadline.
- Applications that are incomplete, illegible, or unsigned.
ADJUDICATION CRITERIA
Project Grant applications are reviewed by independent assessors who are professionals in the orchestral field with appropriate knowledge and experience. These independent assessors provide ratings to the SOA Board of Directors based on the adjudication criteria outlined below. Adjudicators may not be familiar with your program.
*NOTE: Applicants are expected to consider carefully and directly address the adjudication criteria when developing their applications.
Applications are rated by the independent assessors on the following criteria:
Educational Value
- Value of the proposed project to participants – short and long-term benefits
- Appropriateness of experience to the participants at their age or stage of development
- If paid musicians are included in your budget, consider how they enhance the learning of the participants
- The SOA prefers to fund activities that actively engage participants as opposed to passive listening experiences
- The SOA also prefers to fund activities that actively engage musicians
Program Quality Considerations
- How participants/musicians are learning and if they are enjoying the process
- Curriculum or methods used
Community Impact
- The longevity of the program
- The proposed project aligns with the mission and objectives of the SOA, demonstrates outreach and diversity, and is open to SOA members outside of the applicant’s organization
Diversity
- Region (Is the program located in a rural, northern, remote community?)
- Participants
- Inclusivity
- Repertoire (Indigenous composers, SK and Canadian composers, contemporary, et al)
Planning
- The applicant demonstrates evidence of comprehensive planning – application is complete with a reasonable, balanced budget
- The applicant demonstrates that the proposed project is realistic, cost effective and achievable given the time and budget plans and that it has the ability to carry out the project as planned
- The applicant demonstrates financial necessity and identifies the possible consequences to the proposals outcome if requested funding is not received
PAYMENT CYCLE AND REPORTS
Approved Project Grant amounts are paid in two equal instalments. The first half of the grant is paid prior to the beginning of the project. Final payment is sent after a completed final report has been received by the SOA.
If changes of scale, scope or focus are made after the initial application has been approved, any disbursed funds must be returned, and a new application must be filed. A change of date does not require a new application, but the SOA Executive Director must be informed so that funds can be distributed in a timely manner.
Project Grant recipients are required to submit a final report, including financial statements, due no later than 90 days following the end of the project as indicated by the project dates on the application form. Final report forms are available on the SOA website. No further funding will be available to the group until the final report and required information are received by the SOA.
RECOGNIZING YOUR FUNDER
The SOA Project Grants Program is supported by funding from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation through SaskCulture.
Recipients of the grant program are required to acknowledge the support of SaskCulture, Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation and the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association on concert programs, newsletters, publications and wherever else appropriate as outlined in the Project Grant Application Form.
Receipt of final grant payment is dependent on fulfilling this requirement.
Please retain promotional materials throughout the year and submit them with your final report. Submitted information will be used in SOA reports including the Annual Report, web/social media and public relations materials.
*Click image to download logo zip file*
Confidentiality of Information
By becoming a member and providing your contact information, including your email address, you are consenting to SOA sending you electronic communications which may include updates and newsletters as well as related communications about SOA meetings and events. You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting ed@saskorchestras.com with “unsubscribe” in the subject line.
The SOA collects and uses the personal information provided to correspond with you about grants and membership and to send you information about the orchestral community. It does not share personal information outside of the Association. Unless notified otherwise, the SOA shares contents of program reports, promotional materials and other submitted media in SOA reports, public relations materials and web/social media.