Ever wonder where those tourist tax dollars go?
Some of the revenues directly fund Sarasota County arts organizations to offer high quality programming that continues to attract tourists to our area. The Sarasota County Arts Council administers approximately $1.2 million each year in Tourist Development Cultural/Arts (TDC/A) Grants.
Guidelines and applications for the 2010-2011 TDC/A grant cycle are now available online:
TDC/A grant guidelines
TDC/A grant application
Grants are available to organizations with recognized ability to produce, present and promote cultural and arts activities that appeal to tourists. Qualifying organizations must also:
- have a completed one full year of operation prior to application deadline,
- be Sarasota County-based,
- make the project accessible to the public and to disabled persons,
- demonstrate that the project has artistic merit,
- be exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code,
- and match the dollar amount requested on a dollar-for-dollar basis, showing revenue specifically contributed for the program (25% of match may be in-kind for smaller organizations).
Funds will not be granted for capital or operating support, cash reserve, attendance at conferences and seminars, endowment, travel/entertainment expenses, fellowships/scholarships, fundraising, individuals, loans, multi-year pledges, administrative costs not related to the project, space rentals not related to the project, or touring outside of Sarasota County. Funds requested for real property, reduction of existing deficits, payroll taxes, pension or fringe benefits, utilities, complimentary tickets, audition expenses, or general organizational marketing programs and/or expenses will also be excluded.
If you are a new applicant for the 2010-2011 grants cycle, please contact Fern Tavalin at Ftavalin@sarasotaarts.org
