Many thanks to each of you! Even though we did not secure the full appropriations needed to fully fund all the
2019-20 DOS DCA 2019-20 recommended matching grants under all four categories (Culture Builds Florida is only program fully funded), the Florida Legislature and Governor restored Florida's commitment to partner with and invest in Florida's $4.7 billion nonprofit arts and culture industry. This accomplishment is due to your local advocacy efforts prior to and during this year's legislative session.
It's time now to write personal thank you letters to the following for their commitment and leadership to begin the restoration of Florida's appropriations in these well-vetted DOS DCA matching-grants' programs:
a. Florida Government Leadership and Senate TED and House TAT
We'll quickly review the three sections on
this Excel file that lists the names and addresses of those to thank.
d. Write thank you letters also to Representatives
Carlos G. Smith and
Anna V. Eskamani for their amazing leadership prior to and during this year's legislative session. They were true, tenacious champions for restoring these state appropriations to fund DCA matching grants.
e.
Make your letters personal and relevant to your organization and county. Refer to
your county's arts & culture infographic to share a few facts about the IMPACT these DCA matching grants have on your organization and county:
1. Reference the full name of the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs and the funding category:
Cultural and Museum or Culture Builds Florida or Cultural Facilities' matching grants. Use this opportunity to focus their attention on where these state-appropriation investments were made. We need to build upon this year's success under these budget line items next year.
2. Why these DCA matching grants matter?
3. How they
leverage other necessary matching dollars?
4.
Jobs sustained and created?
5.
Educational programs enhanced or created?
6. Greater
access created for more residents and tourists?
7.
Return on investment back into local and state government treasuries in your county? Refer to your county's infographic.
9.
Invite and engage them and their staff in your summer/fall organizational and community arts and culture programs/events and/or schedule a tour of your organization to meet with board and staff members to learn directly how these state DCA matching-grant investments are used and their impact.
B.2. When will we know the state revenue projections for next year and what is the advice from FCA lobbyist Tony Carvalho on what we learned this past year to better prepare us all for even greater success in 2020?
B.5. The 2020-21 ranked DOS DCA recommended matching-grant lists will probably be released by the Secretary of State in October after the Florida Council on Arts and Culture meet on October 2 & 3 in Sarasota. At this meeting, the Council will review Cultural Facilities' grant applications and approve the
2019 DCA panels' recommendations for 2020-21 matching grants.
B.6.
Arts & Culture Day 2020
in Tallahassee is January 22. Mark your calendars now and plan to participate.
B.7. Continue
to learn about your state legislators and engage your board and staff with them and their staff. Build relationships and greater understanding about the value of DOS DCA matching grants with
your legislators.
Engage them and their staff in your local arts, arts education, and cultural programs, events, and services. Here is contact information on those legislators who represent your county -- download and locate your county's Excel worksheet.
