Background

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), a part of the American Rescue Plan, delivers $350 billion to state, local and Tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency. The program ensures that governments have the resources needed to support families and businesses, maintain vital public services and build equitable recovery. The City of Ann Arbor, per resolution #R-22-096, allocated $500,000 in pandemic relief for artist and and arts organization grants. On May 16 2022, City Council amended the resolution #R-22-146 to include up to $200,000 in allocation funding for arts-based trauma programs. On March 6 2023, per #R-23-064 City Council broadened the scope of the $200,000 allocation to include arts and creative programming and/or services that support youth, BIPOC and other marginalized populations. These programs will address impacts of psychological trauma and promote a culture of healing, safety and empowerment. Part of the March 6 2023 resolution approved a sub-recipient agreement enabling Creative Washtenaw to design, administer and oversee a grant program for artists and arts organizations on behalf of the City of Ann Arbor. We are most pleased to accept this charge!

The City of Ann Arbor Arts + Creative Industries ARPA Allocation

The $500,000 allocation provides COVID relief and recovery aid or support for new projects or services. Creative Washtenaw will oversee the distribution of the following:

• $280,000 - aid in the recovery and sustainability of Ann Arbor’s artists, creative workers, organizations and businesses. 8/30/23 UPDATE - These funds are expected to be fully expended by Aug. 31, 2023. The WAIT LIST is closed.
• $180,000 – for arts and creative initiatives that support or provide services to youth, BIPOC and other marginalized populations. These funds are soon to be fully expended by September 30, 2023. Applications are still being accepted.
•   $40,000 -  project management fee for Creative Washtenaw to administer these funds.

Note: The City of Ann Arbor reserves the right to adjust the distribution, purposes and grant allocation amounts upon review of the number of applicants and amounts requested.

General timeline (subject to change)

• March 2023 - City Council approves agreement with CW to develop grant program for local artists, creative workers, organizations and businesses using ARPA funds.
• June 2023 – Call for Grant Applications and Review Panelists
  • June 5 - official announcement
  • June 12, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Information session for grant and reviewer applicants
  • June 5 - 22 – Reviewer application open *Reviewer Application is now closed*
  • June 13, 12:00 p.m. – Grant application opens
    • Rolling application – first applied → first approved → first funded → until funds run out or August 31, 2023, whichever is first.
• Aug. 31, 2023 – Grant applications close.
• December 2024 – All grant dollars should be expended, all final reports closed.

A Commitment to Equitable Grant Distribution

Review Panel to Oversee Grant Distribution
Panel Applications Accepted June 13 - June 22, 2023

To ensure that the grant program is authentic to needs, values, culture, diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion and justice of Ann Arbor and its residents, Creative Washtenaw will seat and facilitate an Ann Arbor Arts + Creative ARPA panel of residents.  Creative Washtenaw is required to follow federal ARPA guidelines and the City of Ann Arbor's sub-granting criteria and review proposals and distribute funds accordingly.  

The grant panel: five to seven residents with three to five appointed and two citizens at large selected.

• Grant applicants may not serve on the review panel.
• Residency - applicants must meet the same residency requirements as grant applicants. *Not sure you live within the City of Ann Arbor? Use this dynamic map to look up your address to confirm your ward.*
• Panelists must have access to a computer and internet – panel reviews sessions are virtual.
• Selected panelists must agree to the following:
  • Agree to review and score all applications according to the criteria stated.
    • The rolling application process may result in bi-weekly application reviews sessions beginning June 29 through Aug. 31, 2023.
    • Attend and participate in panel review sessions as scheduled.