STATUS OF FUNDING FOR THE ARTS IN CALIFORNIA

Arts education advocates across the state applauded the revised state budget released by Governor Schwarzenegger on May 12, 2006 since it includes an increase for arts education. Governor Schwarzenegger's budget revision has increased the proposed $100 million for arts block grant funding to $166 million. In addition, the Governor proposes one-time funding of $250 million for arts and music equipment and supplies.

This windfall for arts education, though, did not extend to the California Arts Council and does little to support the state's nonprofit arts organizations. The California Arts Council continues to receive three cents per capita from California’s general fund. The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies has ranked California 50th in the nation in arts funding for the last two years.

However, the budget is not finalized until it passes the Legislature and is signed by the Governor. We encourage museum and arts advocates to write their state legislators urging their support for an increase to the California Arts Council's budget to complement the governor's proposed arts and music block grant. To find the contact information for your state legislators, see http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONGRESS PASSES AMENDMENT TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR NEA AND NEH
On May 18, 2006, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment to increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) by $5 million each. The amendment passed impressively by a voice vote.

NEH GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRESERVATION AND ACCESS
July 17, 2006 is the deadline for two National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant opportunities pertaining to preservation and collections. Preservation and Access Reference Materials grants create reference works and research tools (see http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/referencematerials.html). Preserve and Create Access to Humanities Collections grants preserve collections and create intellectual access to collections that are considered highly important for research, education and public programming in the humanities (see http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/pcahc.html).

AAM ACCREDITATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 15
The American Association of Museums (AAM) recently reminded prospective applicants that the next accreditation application postmark deadline is June 15. Applications and full program information, including further information on preparing to apply and readiness, are available at www.aam-us.org/accred. The new edition of the Accreditation Resource Kit, a comprehensive tool to help you learn more about accreditation standards and benefits, demystify the process, determine whether your museum is ready to apply and guide its preparation, is also available through the AAM Bookstore. (Excerpted from AAM's Aviso Online, May 2006.)

NEW REPORT HIGHLIGHTS FUTURE CORPORATE GIVING TRENDS
A new report has found that companies are increasingly positioning their giving and other philanthropic activities to match their overall business goals and corporate branding needs. Philanthropy and Business: The Changing Agenda, conducted by The Conference Board, is based on a survey of 77 multinational companies earlier this year. More than two-thirds of responding companies reported that volunteerism will grow in importance as a management priority. However, nearly a third also said that measuring the results and outcomes of their philanthropy will be the biggest challenge they face. Forty-two percent of survey participants listed diversity as the program area that will be more important in 2006. Among giving decisions related to diversity, 22 percent of companies surveyed listed Latino organizations as being more important to their giving programs this year, while 17 percent cite African-American organizations as being more important. For additional information, see the Association of Fundraising Professional's article on the report at http://www.nsfre.org/ka/ka-3.cfm?folder_id=2345&content_item_id=23624.

TELEVISION SERIES ART:21 OFFERS RESOURCES AND GRANTS FOR CONTEMPORARY ART PROGRAMS
“Art:21–Art in the Twenty-First Century” is a series on television that focuses exclusively on contemporary visual art and artists in the United States. Art:21 is looking for museums and libraries to explore contemporary art in local communities and make valuable connections to local institutions and resources by taking part in Art:21's new outreach initiative. To inspire broad participation, Art:21 will offer a limited number of incentive grants and free Art:21 materials. Online project toolkits containing publicity aids, planning materials, and educational resources will be available for download upon registration at www.art21.org later this spring. Exploring contemporary art from visual and literary perspectives, the initiative focuses on specific thematic episodes from the Art:21 series. Local museums and libraries will partner to host a series of public programs, workshops, and other activities. Events are tailored for adult, family, and youth audiences, and encourage an interdisciplinary approach to navigating the art of today. For additional information, contact Kelly Shindler, Manager of Public Programs and Outreach Art21, Inc. at 212/741.7133 x30 or kelly@art21.org.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLISHING HISTORICAL RECORDS
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has grant funds available for projects publishing historical records of national significance. Institutions of higher education; state, local or special district governments; nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations; individuals; and Native American tribal organizations and governments are eligible to apply. The draft deadline is August 1, 2006, with the final deadline of October 1, 2006. There will be 30 awards ranging from $35,000 to $200,000. See http://www.archives.gov/nhprc/announcement/publishing.html for additional information.

NARA GRANTS FOR ARCHIVAL AND RECORDS PROJECTS
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has grant funds available for projects to facilitate the use of historical records held by archives and other repositories and to assure their long-term preservation. Support will be provided for identifying, collecting, describing, reformatting (including microfilming and other means of reproduction and migration) and preserving documentary sources significant to the history and culture of the United States. The draft deadline is August 1, 2006, with the final deadline of October 1, 2006. There will be 40 awards ranging from $30,000 to $200,000. See http://www.archives.gov/nhprc/announcement/archival.html for additional information.

RESEARCH SHOWS LOOMING DECLINES IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR NONPROFITS
The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund has issued a report that analyzes President Bush's recent budget proposals, predicting that they would result in greater demands on nonprofit organizations along with a dramatic reduction in federal support beginning with the 2007 federal budget. The report examines the findings in detail and provides context for them in terms of the recent history of federal spending changes and their impact on the country's nonprofits. For the full report, please go to: http://www.nonprofitresearch.org/newsletter1525/newsletter_show.htm?doc_id=367326. (Excerpted from the California Association of Nonprofits' Nonprofit Neighborhood, May 2006.)

ART MUSEUM PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM FOR DIRECTORS
The Art Museum Partnership recently announced the creation of a new “Directors Forum” conference as its inaugural program for the leaders of art museums nationwide. The annual conference will take place in New York City October 22-24, 2006 and is open to all full-time directors of not-for-profit art museums and galleries. The purpose of the Art Museum Partnership and its Directors Forum program is to identify and provide networking opportunities among the leaders of nonprofit art institutions. These initiatives were primarily established to benefit the directors of small to medium-sized museums. See http://www.artmuseumpartnership.org for more information.

IMLS MAKES ALL GRANT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ON GRANTS.GOV
The Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced on May 18, 2006 that the agency will make all of its grant applications for the FY2007 grant cycle available on Grants.gov. The federal government developed Grants.gov, a single Web site for organizations to electronically find and apply online for competitive grant opportunities from all 26 of the federal grant-making agencies. Instructions for applying for IMLS grants through Grants.gov are available on the IMLS Web site at www.imls.gov/grantsgov. Beginning with the FY2007 grant cycle, all applicants for the 21st Century Museum Professionals (deadline March 15, 2007) and National Leadership Grants (deadline February 1, 2007) are required to apply online through Grants.gov.

NONPROFIT FINANCE CONFERENCES ACROSS THE STATE
The California Association for Nonprofits (CAN) is hosting their 5th annual Nonprofit Finance Conference this summer in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Tulare County, and East Bay/Contra Costa area. The conference includes sessions on Accountability and Integrity for Nonprofits, Tax Update and Charitable Giving, and Regulatory and Legal Issues Facing California's Nonprofits and more. For additional information, see http://www.regonline.com/moneymatters.

LIVING CULTURE GRANTS AVAILABLE & INFORMATIONAL MEETING JUNE 28TH
The Alliance for California Traditional Arts announces the second round of their grant program, funding California non-profit organizations for exemplary projects in the traditional arts. Grant awards are generally limited to $5,000 or less. A small number of grants of up to $7,500 will be awarded to projects that demonstrate significant impact on a particular cultural tradition. Informational meetings are scheduled in seven locations throughout the state. Deadline for applications: August 1, 2006. For more information, guidelines and application forms, please visit http://www.actaonline.org or contact Program Coordinator Lily Kharrazi at lilyk@actaonline.org or 415/561-7893. There will be an informational meeting on June 28, 2006 7-8:30 PM in Los Angeles. (Excerpted from the California Arts Council's CAC Update, May 19, 2006.)

NOMINATIONS WANTED FOR THE 2006 NATIONAL ACCESSIBILITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) sponsor an annual award (and up to $30,000 grant) recognizing exceptional and effective initiatives or programs that make the arts accessible and inclusive. The 2006 award will focus on efforts that involve older adults in the arts as creators, teachers and /or students. All state arts agencies and regional arts organizations are eligible. The nomination deadline is May 26, 2006. Fill out a nomination form at http://www.nasaa-arts.org/natl_access_award_2006.html. (Excerpted from the California Arts Council's CAC Update, May 19, 2006.)

UNION PACIFIC FOUNDATION PROVIDES COMMUNITY-BASED GRANTS
The Union Pacific Foundation has set aside a limited amount of funds through an annual grant application process for which nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in Union Pacific communities may apply. The three areas of interest are: Community and Civic, to assist community-based organizations (including museums) in improving and enriching the general quality of life in the community; Fine Arts; and Health and Human Services. Organizations interested in applying for a grant must first complete a one-page preliminary application form to declare their intention to apply. The foundation will respond via email regarding the status of the preliminary application within two business days. Full applications must be submitted by August 15, 2006. See http://www.up.com/found/grants.shtml#1 for program information and funding restrictions.

AMERICAN CENTURY COMPANIES SUPPORT NONPROFITS IN MOUNTAIN VIEW AREA
The American Century Companies Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in areas near company locations, including Mountain View, California. Support is provided for operating expenses, capital campaigns and special projects. The foundation board meets quarterly to review funding requests for programs in the following areas: arts, education, civic issues, and health and human services. For additional information, see http://www.americancentury.com/welcome/community.jsp.

IMLS ANNOUNCES STAFF REORGANIZATION
Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice, director of the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, announced a reorganization of the agency’s staff on May 12, 2006. The reorganization will enable the Institute to align management and program efforts to more effectively demonstrate results and meet national needs. The reorganization brings new staff to the agency and realigns the roles of current staff. For details, see http://www.imls.gov/news/2006/051206.shtm.

SAN DIEGO FOUNDATION RELEASES REPORT ABOUT CULTURAL PARTICIPATION
pARTicipate San Diego--The Case for Increased Cultural Patronage is the first research report in a series of "Understanding the San Diego Region" reports, which emphasizes the vital role of arts and culture in the region. " Understanding the San Diego Region" is a continuing initiative of The San Diego Foundation. To download a PDF copy, go to http://www.participatesandiego.org/. (Excerpted from the California Arts Council's CAC Update, May 19, 2006.)

NONPROFITS DON'T FULLY UTILIZE VOLUNTEERS ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY
A new study from Deloitte & Touche and the Points of Light Foundation finds that nonprofits are overlooking opportunities to maximize the impact of their volunteers. More than three quarters of nonprofit leaders (77 percent) believe that skilled volunteers could significantly improve their organization's business practices. Yet just 12 percent of nonprofits actually put volunteers to work on such assignments. These are just some of the findings in the 2006 Deloitte/Points of Light "Volunteer IMPACT Study," that was released on April 24, 2006, to coincide with National Volunteer Week. Points of Light also has tools for nonprofit executives to examine the use of volunteers at http://www.pointsoflight.org/resources/research/calculator.cfm. For more information abut the findings, visit http://www.pointsoflight.org/downloads/doc/about/mediacenter/Volunteer_IMPACT_Survey_Results_Tables.doc.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION: AN UNFINISHED AGENDA IN THE WEST
Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, delivered at the City Club Of Denver on May 16 a speech on the preservation issues facing natural and cultural resources on public lands entrusted to the Bureau of Land Management. For a full copy of the speech, go to http://www.nationaltrust.org/news/2006/20060516_speech_denver.html . A PDF copy of a report on the subject from the same organization can be found at http://www.nationaltrust.org/public_lands/NTHP_BLM_Report.pdf. (Excerpted from the California Arts Council's CAC Update, May 19, 2006.)

CALIFORNIA BUDGET CHALLENGE - AN EDUCATIONAL EXERCISE
Next Ten has launched an update to its popular California Budget Challenge, a nonpartisan educational tool that lets users build their own future state budget -- and, in the process, learn more about ways to match resources and spending priorities. Last year 10,000 people from across the state took the Challenge in just the first month. A year later, the Budget Challenge is more relevant than ever as our state faces some hard choices about funding. The 2006 update contains several additional policy choices, along with enhanced graphics and new features that make it more accessible. Take the new Budget Challenge at www.nextten.org/challenge. (Excerpted from the California Association of Nonprofits' Nonprofit Neighborhood, May 2006.)

Get the Word Out in CAM e-News!
Please email the CAM office at cam@calmuseums.org to list any announcements pertaining to professional development programs, grant opportunities, or related opportunities in future editions of CAM e-News and on the CAM web site. Since it is not possible to include all the details of an announcement, please include a phone number, web site address, or email address so interested parties can get additional information. Please do not exceed a limit of 150 words per listing. All announcements are subject to editing by CAM personnel.