The Division received a total of 289 grant applications from 39 Florida counties for 2011-2012 General Program Support and Specific Cultural Project funding. A total of $17,313,078 was requested by 233 applicants for General Program Support and $1,161,748 was requested by 56 applicants for Specific Cultural Projects.

Now that the applications have been submitted, what happens next?

• Grant panels will be held in September and October.
• All grant panel reports will be presented to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture at their October 6 teleconference.
• Two lists – one for General Program Support and one for Specific Cultural Projects – including Council funding recommendations will be forwarded to the Secretary of State for approval.
• After approval by the Secretary, the lists will be forwarded as a part of the Department of State’s Legislative Budget Request. The Legislative Budget Request will be available on the Department of State website on October 15.
• The 2011 Florida Legislature will receive the lists prior to legislative session
• The 2011 Legislature will make funding decisions about funding levels for the Division’s grant programs, including General Program Support and Specific Cultural Projects.
• Grants will have a July 1, 2011 start date pending legislative appropriation.

How does the Division make funding requests to the Florida Legislature?

The Division submits its budget request through the Department of State’s Legislative Budget Request to be included in the Governor’s budget for submission to the Legislature. The request will include the lists for General Program Support and Specific Cultural Projects. The cultural constituency is encouraged to advocate for funding of the lists.

What can I do?

Be involved! It is important for constituents to make the case for arts and culture with their elected officials. Advocacy should be a year-round activity and not reserved solely for Legislative session.

Vote, contact your elected officials, advocate for what arts and culture do for your community. Encourage board members and political donors to contact their elected officials, too. Together an active constituency can make a difference. Most importantly, do not delay your efforts! It is important for State Legislators to hear from their constituents in their home offices before the next session starts, so begin your advocacy efforts now.