Frequently Asked Questions

ELIGIBILITY

1. I am an individual with an eligible project. Can I apply?
Yes, if you are an individual artist who has had an active role in developing artist space in your community we encourage you to apply.

2. I am a for-profit developer. Does my project qualify?
No, we are not accepting applications from for-profit entities at this time.

3. Must my organization be a federally recognized non-profit to apply? Are state non-profits eligible to apply?
No, you do not have to have federal tax exempt status to be eligible. Incorporation as a non-profit corporation at the state level is sufficient.

4. I have a facility project that contains an artist space component, but it is not the ‘primary’ element of the project.  Does my project still qualify for an award?

We encourage applicants to submit projects whose focus is to provide affordable space for artists to work or live/work.  If the artist space component is not the primary element of the project, the project must demonstrate how the other elements are working toward the goal of providing affordable artist space and how this all works together in a model which seeks to build partnerships and/or collaborations with the surrounding community.

5. Is there a cap to the size of the operating budget for organizations to be eligible to apply?
There is no minimum or maximum operating budget for applicants. This program is designed to recognize a broad range of best practices in developing artist spaces. We encourage applicants who have been working from the grassroots and the grasstops.

6. I have an artist space project in the predevelopment stage. Does my project qualify for an award?
The ISA program is designed to recognize exemplary art spaces already in existence; ISA awards will not include projects in pre-development. However, LINC, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, has announced an open call for proposals to the Ford Foundation Space for Change Planning and Pre-Development Grant program.  Click here for more information.

7. I have a project in which multiple organizations and/or persons are a part of the development team. Do I need to form a single organization to apply for this award? If my project is granted the award, who will receive it?
No, we do not require you to form a single organization through which you apply for the award. However, the grant funds will only be distributed to the person or organization listed as the primary contact on our application. We encourage your team to collectively decide (before applying) the most appropriate way of sharing the Innovative Space Award.

8. Is this award only for building owners/developers or can renters apply?
Assuming they meet the other requirements for eligibility, renters who have made a monetary contribution to building renovations and who have possibly had a say in building space programming and in event programming are encouraged to apply. This would be particularly appropriate if a renter has created innovative programming and/or a business-community model that has demonstrated impact on the surrounding neighborhood in some way.

DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF FUNDS

9. How can the award funds be spent?
The award is unrestricted.

10. In addition to the financial award, what resources and/or assistance will be available to my project team if we are selected for the award?
LINC believes in the value of establishing supportive networks. Upon acceptance of the award, your project team will not only have access to the other Space for Change grantees (through convenings, conferences, etc.) but also to grantees from other LINC programs. LINC encourages a culture of knowledge sharing amongst its entire body of grantees.

11. Must my organization demonstrate the ability to receive 'matching funds' if granted the award?
No, demonstration of matching funds is not necessary to apply for the award program. While we hope this award will position your development team to receive future support, no preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a matching ability.

COMPLETING THE APPLICATION

12. Am I required to provide information in all the fields of the application?
Yes. All fields must be complete when you submit the final version of your application. Using the online application, if you do not have an immediate answer to a question, you may enter 'Research Results Pending' in the answer field and return to it at a later date.

13. Are there any resources provided for the information gathering stage of the application?
LINC staff is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the application. Unfortunately, at this time we cannot provide any pre-award grants for information gathering.

14. I have a project that is easily explained in the application narrative, but less so with the application form. Can I still apply?
Yes. Please do your best to populate the form with the most appropriate answer for your facility, but also include an explanation of the unique situation of your project in your proposal narrative.

15. I have read through the FAQs and the Glossary of Terms on LINC's sites but I still have a question about completing my application. Who should I contact?
If you have a basic question about the program or application that is not answered through the FAQ section or Glossary of Terms on our website, you can contact our office at (646)-731-3275. Any of our staff will be glad to assist you. If your question is more complex or you require greater technical assistance please contact the Program Manager for Space for Change, Risë Wilson, at rise@lincnet.net.

16. May I submit more than one project for consideration for the award?
Yes.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

17. What qualifies as an 'artist-space'?
An 'artist-space' refers to a space designed to specifically address the needs of an artist. This space can be either living space, work space, or a combination of the two. Galleries, while occupied by artistic work, do not necessarily qualify as 'artist-space' unless the artist works or performs vital functions directly within that space.

18. What qualifies as 'affordable space'?
The generally accepted definition of affordable, as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development is for a household to pay no more than 30% of its annual income on housing.

19. My project is (new/old), am I at any disadvantage to apply?
Not at all; We encourage you to apply whether your space has newly opened (for at least a year) or is a long established facility (e.g. 10-15+ years).