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second grant program is a smaller project funding program. These grants are to support specific <br />projects of nonprofit organizations that may or may not be focused solely on artistic and cultural <br />projects but incorporate a strong arts and culture program and history. A fifty percent or more <br />match by the requesting organizations is required for all grants. <br />As an example, Playhouse Square is the recipient of an operating grant to support all their <br />activities. The Jennings Center for Older Adults received a project grant for distance art <br />education for seniors who are homebound or reside in care facilities. Video and internet was <br />employed for the seniors to experience a tour of a museum or a music lesson. The map on the <br />website shows locations of organizations funded through this program but it is not up to date. <br />As a county-wide grant funder the agency is seeking to open the funding opportunities to all <br />municipalities and nonprofit arts and cultural organizations as possible. Mr. Kepperley asked if <br />grants were available to the City on behalf of the Commission for the Olmsted Festival of the <br />Arts. Mr. Weinberg said although there is a very small sum of money available for <br />municipalities, the grants are primarily awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The <br />legislation that created the agency prevents them from using tax money to fund other public <br />agencies. Because Kiwanis and Olmsted Historical Society both have a history of organizing the <br />arts festival, either one of those organizations would be eligible to apply for a project grant. <br />There is no limit to the grant applications that may be submitted; however, there is a finite <br />number of dollars available. Dover Players would also be eligible. A Black History Month <br />event at the Library hosted by the Cultural Arts Commission would fall under the limited funds <br />available to municipalities. Fundraiser event costs are not eligible nor are capital projects or <br />church events or projects if they are of a religious nature. <br />Mr. Schumann recommended Mr. Weinberg contact the Northeast Ohio Inter Museum Council <br />concerning the available grant funding. The Olmsted Historical Society is a member of this <br />Council. Mr. Weinberg encouraged those present to forward to him a list of area organizations <br />that are eligible and would benefit from these grants. Potential loca1501(c)(3) organizations and <br />ways to proceed were discussed. It was agreed the North Olmsted Community Council may be <br />willing to communicate and coordinate this opportunity to local groups. <br />The Intent to Apply period begins in April 2011. Organizations intending to apply are asked to <br />register on the website and then access the guidelines. The staff will confirm the organizations' <br />eligibility and will then invite them to submit an application. This round of applications is for <br />2012; the grants for 2011 have been awarded. Mr. Kepperley said he had reviewed the <br />application in the past and felt the process was cumbersome. Mr. Weinberg agreed that although <br />the information required is considerable in order to be good stewards of public monies, the <br />guidelines continue to be revised and streamlined. <br />2011 Easter Egg Hunt <br />Mr. Cora reported the North Olmsted Recreation Center will be organizing an Easter event on <br />Saturday, Apri123 for the community including an Easter egg hunt. Mr. Kepperley offered an <br />Easter Bunny costume for use.