This grant opportunity involves two of my favorite things - the Arts and Organizational Development. I love the arts because I have a history as both an actress and an arts fundraiser and program manager. I respect organizational development because the work of the Improve Group is so immersed in assessment and improvement of businesses and their programs. So you can see why I am happy to tell you what this next funder has to offer.

This week’s pick: The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) is interested in strengthening the management and resources of nonprofit arts groups who have annualized operating expenses of less than $300,000. To achieve this goal, MRAC is accepting applicantions for both Organizaitonal Development and Capital grants.

A partial list of what the grants will fund includes:

• Board governance
• Strategic issues
• Resource development (fundraising)
• Information systems
• Financial planning or management
• Volunteer management
• Communications/public relations
• Audience development/marketing
• Access for people with disabilities
• Community needs assessment
• Purchase of equipment such as musical instruments, lighting board or sound equipment
• Purchase of computer hardware and software
• Purchase and installation of telephone system
• Facility improvements to increase accessibility
• Facility improvements to performance or office space

Arts groups must be located within the seven county metro area to be eligible. For the best results, MRAC urges potential applicants to discuss the nature of their proposals with them before submitting a proposal. As an additional assistance, MRAC is hosting two workshops with information on their guidelines along with help on effective grant writing. The sessions will be held on:

1. Saturday, Oct. 6: 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Metropolitan Regional Arts Council
2. Wednesday, Oct. 10: 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. Metropolitan Regional Arts Council

To get started on your application process, visit the MRAC website. Deadline for submittal is Monday, November 5, 2007.