A PASADENA-BASED FOUNDATION is requesting grant applications from organizations like Mishkon. They want to fund capital improvements that will support the arts locally.
In their own words, “We welcome applications from non-arts organizations based in L.A. County that maintain robust, year-round arts programming and seek to strengthen their arts-related infrastructure.”
Below the jump, this post sums up my investigation into the grant program and its requirements. It then discusses how Mishkon could meet those requirements. To be honest, I had not previously thought of Mishkon in terms of its engagement with the arts, so this exercise has been eye-opening for me.
(N.B.: We still need someone to champion our grant application. Might that be you?)
Summary
If Mishkon were to apply, it must clearly demonstrate how the proposed project would support and enhance our ongoing arts-related work. And it would need to propose one clearly defined project—a focused effort that addresses one specific area of operational improvement.
To be considered for a late-December grant decision, a letter of inquiry (LOI = online form) is due by AUGUST 4, although it can be submitted anytime before that. Within 4 weeks of our submission, we would learn whether we are invited to submit a formal proposal, which would then be due by SEPTEMBER 29.
Before applying, we probably should partner with a local arts organization that serves a historically underfunded community in the arts, and we should apply for and gain 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
About the grant program
The Perenchio Foundation
The mission of the Perenchio Foundation is to “support arts organizations in creating impactful experiences for current and future generations.” It believes that the arts play an essential role in creating more equitable, culturally vibrant, and inclusive communities.
Grants for capital improvements
The foundation’s Project Grants for Capital Improvements provide targeted funding for organizations with demonstrated impact in arts programming throughout L.A. County. The foundation views these grants as foundational investments in organizational sustainability and artistic excellence. Since 2020, they have funded exactly one hundred such grants locally.
The foundation is looking most of all for projects that demonstrate both immediate problem-solving and a strategic vision for long-term organizational development.
Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $500,000 per project. Requests may include up to 10% of direct expenses to cover staff implementation costs.
The grants are meant to support short-term projects that can be completed within an 18-month window of the funding award. While this may include targeted renovation projects (e.g., ADA compliance upgrades), the funding is not intended to be a resource for complete building overhauls.
Facilities improvements projects must be well-advanced in planning. Having building permits secured or already in process is strongly encouraged before applying. (Unfortunately, it’s not clear to me why any organization would go as far as pulling a permit without already having a funding source lined up.)
Basic program requirements
Of the basic requirements, the only one that Mishkon does not clearly meet is that it must “operate as a 501(c)(3).”
Although Mishkon is a state-chartered religious not-for-profit corporation, as far as I know we do not actually have formal IRS status as a non-profit. My impression is that to acquire such a status, there would be a one-time filing fee, as well as state and federal reporting and tax filing and audit requirements. Others at Mishkon have looked into this issue in more detail in recent years, and are presumably available to advise.
Arts programming requirements
Mishkon would need to show the following:
- We do year-round, ongoing arts programming accessible to LA County residents. (True.)
- We have a consistent track record with arts as a core organizational priority. (True via the preschool; however, the track record is only since around August 2024. See further below.)
- Have a track record of established, meaningful partnerships with historically underfunded communities in the arts. (This area seems to need development.)
What does “a track record of arts programming” look like?
- Clarity in the description of our anchor arts programs and their importance to the organization
- Longevity of our arts programs
- Demonstrated capacity (e.g., staff, space, strategic partnerships) to successfully manage and run arts programs
- Evidence of high-quality programming and a commitment to excellence
- Responsiveness of our arts programs to community needs and participant feedback
- Clear visibility of arts programs on our website, showcasing them as a key aspect of our work
Role of the arts at Mishkon
Obviously, Mishkon is not exclusively arts-focused. Therefore our grant request must clearly demonstrate how the project will support and enhance our visual and performing arts-related work.
As far as I know, at Mishkon the arts are featured most in the ongoing program called ARTWELL, which has several components. ARTWELL is the brainchild of Rachel Woodbridge, whose child graduated from Mishkon’s preschool. It consists of workshops that are designed to “spark imagination and creativity through fun and engaging art experiences for all ages.”
Partnership with historically underfunded communities in the arts
This partnership between ARTWELL and Mishkon Tephilo allows us to bring high-quality, process-based art programming to families in the surrounding area, many of whom may not otherwise have access to consistent, enriching creative experiences due to economic, cultural, or logistical barriers.
By offering our classes in a familiar, community-rooted space for affordable prices (and discounts for members), we create an inviting and inclusive environment that resonates with families who may be underserved by traditional arts institutions. Our programs are intentionally low-pressure, open-ended, and designed to support emotional well-being and self-expression—filling a gap left by more outcome-driven or academically focused offerings.
This collaboration is … a meaningful, sustained relationship based on shared values of creativity, accessibility, and community-building. We regularly adapt programming based on feedback from families, temple leadership, and educators, ensuring we remain responsive to the evolving needs of the community we serve.This is encouraging and helpful on an individual-family basis, but I’m not sure that it satisfies the desire for “partnership” per se. It seems to me that before applying, Mishkon also needs to establish a “meaningful partnership” with a local arts organization that serves one or more historically underfunded communities in the arts. Happily, several members of our congregation are plugged in to the local arts scene and presumably could facilitate such a connection.
Which capital improvements would best support our arts programs?
I have spoken about the grant program’s offerings and requirements with Rachel and with our preschool director (now on maternity leave). So far, we have come up with two packages:
Option 1
One focused effort that would address a specific area of operational improvement would have working with water as its theme. As currently constituted, our arts programs tend to involve (warm) water, either in execution or clean-up or both. Hence we would benefit from the following tasks:- Add a sink to the chapel at children's level
- Supply hot water to all sinks in classrooms and the play yard
- Add temperature limiters to prevent the scalding of young hands
- Add “accessible” faucet handles
- Replace the aged water heater (for energy efficiency and reliability)
- Install a clean-out in the main drain (for resilience in the event of clogging)
- Replace the chapel’s carpeted floor with a moppable surface
Those capital improvements would increase resilience, sustainability, and community growth by expanding our capacity to do arts projects in the school building. They would definitely improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and create more flexible usage opportunities. Less clear to me how they would increase community accessibility and engagement.
Immediate problem-solving: Easier prep and clean-up.
Strategic vision for long-term organizational development: Increased capacity for activities.
Option 2
Another focused effort that would address a specific area of operational improvement: accessing the Social Hall stage and meeting space. As far as I know, no arts programs are being conducted downstairs, largely due to poor ventilation and the difficulty in getting up and down the stairs. Hence we would benefit from installing a ventilation system downstairs. (Perhaps also installing a stairlift or installing a LULA elevator or downstairs restroom renovations should be considered.)
To make it clear that this project would “support and enhance our arts-related work,” I believe that we would need to find a partner arts organization who would commit to using the Social Hall on a regular basis if only it had better ventilation.
Such a capital improvement would clearly create “more flexible usage opportunities.” It would “increase resilience, sustainability, and community growth.” It would increase “community accessibility and engagement” by enabling a partner organization to use (rent?) the Social Hall for theater arts performances or for classes/workshops.
Immediate problem-solving: Creates a healthful and comfortable space.
Strategic vision for long-term organizational development: Increased capacity for activities.
To be honest, however, we are just beginning the planning for what those improvements would entail. Furthermore, non-religious organizations are required use only ADA-accessible spaces, and we are still quite a ways from being able to offer that to a prospective tenant. Therefore it seems to me that we ought to wait until next year to apply for funding to support such projects. Yet we can start the conversations now.…
Procedure and Timeline
To be considered for a late-December grant decision, the procedure is as follows:
1. Review the foundation’s Pre-LOI Checklist to ensure our readiness to submit.
LOIs will be reviewed as they are submitted. Invitations to complete a formal proposal will be sent on a rolling basis within 4 weeks of LOI submission.
3. If invited to move forward to complete a proposal, we would need to provide additional information, including the following:
- At least 2 bids/cost estimates (for $50K+, at least 3 bids)
- At least 5% of the total cost is available from other allocated, identified, or secured funds (for $50K+, at least 10%)
4. Complete the formal proposal by MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29.
No comments:
Post a Comment