FY28 Folklife Artist Grant Guidelines

Substantive Changes Summary: FY27 vs FY28 FLA Guidelines

Clarifications:

• Allowable and Non-Allowable Costs: Most allowable and non-allowable costs have not changed, but they will now be clearly listed. Please see the new policy on documentary film in the Changes section for one exception.
• Review Criteria: Review criteria are still focused on eligibility, completeness, artistic excellence, artistic merit, and relevance to cultural community. However, specific bullet points explaining these requirements will now be clearly listed.
• Application Materials: Application materials have not changed, but a more detailed narrative/support material checklist is included.

Changes:

• Application Cycles & Timeline: In FY27, the application was open on a rolling basis, and the time period of support was the fiscal year (July-June). In FY28, FLA will now be on a six-month cycle. Cycle A will open May 1, 2027, and support projects July 1–Dec. 31, 2027. Cycle B will open Nov. 1, 2027, and support projects Jan. 1–June 30, 2028. A Cycle C application open date and appropriate time period of support will be announced if additional funding becomes available.
• Removal of Named Staff Contacts: FY28 replaces direct staff contacts with a centralized Contact Us form.
• Documentary Film: Due to changes in the FY28 General Grant and Award Policies on documentary film, a restriction on using FY28 funding for this grant program will be added.

Grant Snapshot

APPLICATION OPEN:

• Cycle A: May 1, 2027, at 8 a.m. PT
• Cycle B: Nov. 1, 2027, at 8 a.m. PT
• Cycle C: TBD, if funds become available

APPLICATION DEADLINE: At least 30 days before the proposed project (while funds are available)

TIME PERIOD OF SUPPORT:

• Cycle A: Project activities from July 1 – Dec. 31, 2027
• Cycle B: Project activities from Jan. 1 – June 30, 2028
• Cycle C: TBD, if funds become available

ELIGIBILITY: Individual, Nevada resident, 21 years or older, non-student

GRANT AMOUNT: Up to $3,000*

REQUIRED MATCH: No match required

CONTACT: If you have any questions, please fill out this Contact Us form and select “Folklife” program area.

How the Program Works

The Fiscal Year 2028 (FY28) Folklife Artist Grant (FLA) supports traditional arts projects by folk artists and culture bearers. Eligible projects focus on the transmission of folk arts or traditions that are practiced, valued, and shared within culturally specific communities in Nevada. Projects may be learning-focused, such as apprenticeships, mentorships, group learning activities, and cultural reclamation; or presentation-focused, such as exhibitions, performances, readings, concerts, and festivals focused on folk and traditional arts practices.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements must be met at the time of application.

Individuals:

• Must be a current Nevada resident and have been in residence for at least one year prior to the date of the grant application
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent resident status
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must not be enrolled as degree-seeking student in a field related to the type of grant for which they are applying
• Artists working in groups must file one joint application with one individual as the primary applicant
• Must speak with Folklife Program staff before applying to ensure that their project is eligible for folk and traditional art funding
• Must be a member of the community whose arts are being presented and demonstrate a deep knowledge of the artistic practices and associated cultural traditions that will be taught

Allowable Costs and Restrictions

Funds may be used for:

• Artist fees (applicant, collaborating, presenting, teaching, and production)
• Facility costs
• Marketing/promotion
• Materials/supplies
• Permanent equipment (not to exceed $500)
• Production costs/materials
• Registration fees
• Travel (accommodations and transportation only)

Funds may NOT be used for:

• Creating or screening documentary film
• Expenses outside the grant period
• Food, drink, or per diem
• Travel outside of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico

For a full list of non-allowable expenses, see the Funding Restrictions in the current Grant and Award Policies. Grant funds may be disbursed as an advance payment upon receipt of the signed terms and conditions or as reimbursement.

Review Process/Criteria

Nevada Arts Council staff will review applications for eligibility, completeness, and adherence to artistic excellence and artist merit. Applications that meet all eligibility and project requirements are awarded in the order in which they are received while funds remain available. A record of the review process is maintained for all applications. The application must demonstrate artistic excellence and artistic merit that includes the following:

• Demonstrate the artistic excellence of participating folk artists and proposed project, in alignment with community standards of excellence
• Demonstrate relevance of the project to the cultural community
• Demonstrate clear goals and objectives, in line with community standards and traditions
• Demonstrate the ways in which the proposed art form is a part of the community’s traditional heritage

Programming & Reporting Requirements

All grant funded projects/activities must be completed within the grant period of performance. Documentation of the use of grant funds must be provided in the Final Report and must align with proposed expense categories. To stay in compliance and remain eligible for future Nevada Arts Council grants, grantees must submit the Final Report by the deadline stated in the award packet.

How to Apply

1. Contact Folklife Specialist staff before applying to ensure that the project is eligible: [email protected] or 702-486-3739.
2. Review the current Grant and Award Policies for additional information about the requirements associated with Nevada Arts Council Grants. Grant terms and conditions are subject to changing state and federal regulations during the grant period of performance. The Nevada Arts Council will post and inform awardees of any changes if/as soon as they are available.
3. Complete the application online.

Resources

Before filling out this application, gather the following narratives and support materials to make the process easier:

• Unexpired ID and proof of residency
• Narrative questions, such as:
  • Project details, goals, objectives
  • Applicant traditional arts practiced, cultural community
  • Apprenticeship, group class, or community event details
• Budget information, such as:
  • Proposed use of grant expenses
  • Full project budget
• Additional support material, such as:
  • Artistic work samples
  • Two letters of community support

Folklife and Grant specialists are available to coach applicants through the process and help to identify resources and solutions for challenges, including technical issues with the online grants management system, encountered in preparing the application.

Review additional resources for applicants.

If you need translation or language assistance, please contact the Grants Program at [email protected]

*Requested and awarded grant award amount is subject to change based upon available funding, review criteria, and Nevada Arts Council Board approval.