Metro Arts staff said July 24 that the department has opened FY26 grant applications and is conducting in-person applicant support and outreach while recruiting compensated grant panelists.
Grants staff member Ashley (surname in personnel file) told the commission the application period opened as scheduled, and staff are offering applicant help each Monday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at rotating library branches and drop-in support Fridays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the farmer’s market. Staff also hold daily office-hour slots by appointment for one-on-one support, she said.
“We launched the grants on the day that we told you that we would,” Ashley said, noting that staff have already met first-time applicants at the help sessions. She described the outreach plan as a mix of social media, direct email to existing lists, community contacts and partnerships with council members to reach constituents.
Staff announced a two-week window to recruit paid grant panelists: July 28 through Aug. 13. Panelists will review operating and Thrive grant applications, and the panelist opportunity will be open through Submittable, the staff said. The grants application deadline is Friday, Aug. 15 at 11:59 p.m., Ashley said. Staff plan to bring recommended allocations to the September commission meeting and to issue funding by the end of the calendar year.
Commissioners discussed using grantees and past recipients as part of outreach and asked staff to create media kits and involve grantees in storytelling. Public information manager Darius Perotti, the commission’s new hire, was introduced and staff said he will help amplify grants outreach on radio and social platforms.
Staff also noted they are completing FY25 closeouts and will bring any closeout feedback to the grants committee for review. The commission encouraged additional outreach, including press contacts and appearances at community events, to increase participation from first-time applicants and underrepresented groups.