Who are the Friends of the Arts?

Friends of the Arts, Inc. is a not-for profit organization whose purpose is to promote and encourage a greater understanding of the arts in Dubois County, Indiana. The board is comprised of community volunteers who have demonstrated their commitment to the arts over the years.

What does Friends of the Arts, Inc. do?

The primary functions of the organization are fundraising and grant making. Friends of the Arts, Inc. does not administer programs of its own design, such as exhibits and concerts. Funds raised by this committee are used to make grants that support performing, literary and visual artists, or organizations dedicated to the promotion of the arts in the county.

The following goals are the basis of the grants program:

1. to help insure that a broad spectrum of high-quality arts activities are available to all citizens of Dubois County, Indiana regardless of race, religion, income, age, sex or disability;
2. to promote increased awareness and support of the arts from both the private and public sectors;
3. to encourage and promote the growth and appreciation of the arts through education of individuals of all ages and artistic abilities;
4. to assist arts organizations to become financially sound and effectively managed;
5. to foster an environment that makes Dubois County a beneficial and desirable place for individual artists to work and live; and
6. to encourage and facilitate networks and partnerships among individual artists, arts organizations, art disciplines, government agencies and educational institutions.

Friends of the Arts, Inc. provides a way for persons and businesses to give money or other property to the arts for specified purposes and provides a way to make a bequest to the arts. The organization also manages a modest endowment to ensure long-term financial stability.

Why are the arts important?

Friends of the Arts, Inc. recognizes that the arts significantly contribute to the quality of life of our community. Many people, especially children, need the opportunities that the arts provide to develop skills, communicate ideas and explore their situation in life. The arts are also good for the economy. Besides creating jobs, the presence of an active arts community helps area corporations and other businesses attract and maintain a quality work force. The arts also have a special role to play in improving the quality of education, both in the schools and in the community at large.

How can I contact Friends of the Arts, Inc.?

Friends of the Arts, Inc. welcomes your suggestions, questions, comments, criticism and especially your help! You may contact us at:

Friends of the Arts, Inc.
951 College Avenue
Jasper, IN 47546

or by calling (812) 482-3070.

How can I apply for a grant from Friends of the Arts, Inc.?

To apply, first contact Friends of the Arts, Inc.'s Consultant by telephone and discuss your idea. Then develop your proposal being careful to address each question on the application form as well as the suggestions of the consultant. You must match every dollar received with at least one dollar of your own funds, though the match may be a combination of cash and in-kind support. The organization or sponsor must also have at least made application to the IRS for tax-exempt status. Friends of the Arts, Inc. reserves the right to audit the prior year's grant to ensure fiscal accountability. You must maintain complete financial records, including documentation of in-kind contributions, for three years.

Complete applications are due Thursday, April 9, 2009, by 4:30 pm. Projects must take place during Fiscal Year 2010 July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010. Applicants will be notified of the time and place of the funding review meeting, which the applicants must attend. Questions and help with the process are available from:

Kit Miracle, Consultant
Friends of the Arts, Inc.
951 College Avenue
Jasper, IN 47546

Friends of the Arts, Inc. reserves the right to reject late or incomplete applications.