The Wisconsin Arts Board’s Creation and Presentation Program (CPP) provides multi-year grants to support the operations and artistic programming of established nonprofit arts organizations throughout Wisconsin. These grants are intended to enhance the cultural life of the state by supporting organizations that demonstrate strong management, high artistic quality, and have a significant local, regional, or statewide impact. The CPP particularly aligns with the Arts Board’s goals related to community development and arts education. The program is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations, as well as eligible arts programs run by tribal governments and universities, which may apply under their respective nonprofit statuses.
The grant operates on a four-year cycle, where applicants submit a Full Year application once during their designated year, with Interim Year applications required in the remaining three years. The Full Year application is more comprehensive and takes into account the organization's size and capacity, aiming to reduce the workload by focusing on accountability while still maintaining a rigorous assessment process. Interim Year applications serve as a lighter “check-in” to monitor the health of the organization and its artistic programming. Both types of applications assess the organization's past performance rather than its future projections, emphasizing sustainability and ongoing artistic quality.
Organizations interested in applying must submit their applications through the Wisconsin Arts Board’s online system. Applicants are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov, a federal requirement linked to the National Endowment for the Arts, which provides half of the program’s funding. For organizations lacking the necessary technology to complete the application process online, the Wisconsin Arts Board offers support via phone or email to ensure accessibility.
The grant supports a wide range of activities, from general operations to specific arts programs, provided they align with the program’s goals of promoting artistic excellence and community engagement. Successful applicants will be organizations that not only demonstrate solid operations but also have a history of artistic contributions that resonate with their local or broader communities. The program encourages ongoing evaluation and improvement to maintain the high standards expected of grantees.
The deadlines for the FY25 cycle are as follows: new applicants must submit an Intent to Apply by September 13, 2024, with the full application due by October 10, 2024. Applicants will receive notification of grant decisions by December 15, 2024. These dates are important for organizations to track to ensure their application is considered in a timely manner.
In summary, the Creation and Presentation Program is designed to support arts organizations in Wisconsin that have a strong operational foundation and a proven track record of artistic excellence. Through its multi-year structure, it offers stability and ongoing support, enabling grantees to focus on contributing to Wisconsin’s cultural landscape while remaining accountable and adaptable.
