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DC Arts

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FY26 PEF Application and Review Information

All applications must be submitted online by 10 PM ET on Tuesday, April 22, 2025

CAH selects individuals who are arts, humanities and/or business professionals, independent of CAH, to serve as advisory review panelists for each grant program. The role of a panelist is to review and score an eligible application’s content to the established grant program review criteria. CAH’s grant application evaluation process takes into consideration general standards of decency and respect for the diverse beliefs and values of the American public consistent with The National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act, as amended in 1990. For more information regarding the grant review process please visit the Guide to Grants. To volunteer or nominate a person to serve as an advisory review panelist for a grant program, see CAH’s Call for Panelists.

A. Criteria, Review and Selection Process

The Agency reserves the right to accept or deny any or all applications if the Agency determines it is in the best interest of the Agency to do so. The Agency shall notify the applicant if it rejects that applicant’s proposal. The Agency may suspend or terminate an outstanding RFA pursuant to its own grantmaking rule(s) or any applicable federal regulation or requirement. The Agency may conduct pre-award on-site visits to verify information submitted in the application and to determine if the applicant’s facilities are appropriate for the services intended. If there are any conflicts between the terms and conditions of the RFA and any applicable federal or local law or regulation, or any ambiguity related thereto, then the provisions of the applicable law or regulation shall control, and it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure compliance.

Each application shall be reviewed as detailed below.

Category

Criteria

Weight

Arts, Humanities and Content and/or Merit
  1. The applicants work samples and support materials (brochures, articles, letters of support, etc.) demonstrate their knowledge of, and skills in, their content area. (20%)
  2. The applicant demonstrates the use of personnel with subject matter expertise (such as arts administrators, humanities professionals, teaching artists, educators, professional artists) to plan and implement project content. (20%)

40%

I.D.E.A.

CAH prioritizes applicants who intentionally and authentically incorporate I.D.E.A strategies in the development and implementation to their work. CAH also prefers the use of asset-based language (i.e. unique, passionate, capable, thriving) as opposed to deficit-based language (i.e. at-risk, lacking, marginalized, underserved) when describing the target population.

  1. The project demonstrates an experience that is inclusive and diverse, either through project content or the personnel involved in delivering the project. (5%)
  2. The project design demonstrates a commitment to engage all participants by ensuring equity and access (considering factors such as cultural, socio-economic, geographical, physical, and intellectual ability, etc). (5%)
  3. The applicant outlines a plan for current and/or future adjustments to the project, based on the evolving needs of the community; and/or how this project supports the applicant’s evolving goals. (5%)

15%

District Impact and Evaluation
  1. The project demonstrates the ability to reach a reasonable number of District residents and/or visitors. (5%)
  2. The applicant demonstrates a commitment to hiring DC-based artists and humanities professionals, where applicable, to deliver arts and/or humanities content (such as arts administrators, humanities professionals, teaching artists, educators, professional artists). (5%)
  3. The applicant includes evaluation strategies that will measure both project impact and effectiveness, and participant engagement. (5%)

15%

Organizational/Project Management

1.The applicant demonstrates the appropriate oversight, financial controls, and governance to deliver its services and programming. (15%)

2.The applicant has the necessary expertise and personnel in place to deliver its services and programming. (15%)

30%

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