GUELPH ARTS COUNCIL YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES AWARD

Terms of Reference

Guelph Arts Council’s Youth Fund was initially established as a result of the financial success of Youth in Performance presentations that Guelph Arts Council sponsored between 1980 and 1990. Additions to the fund were made over the years, and awards were extended to graduating Guelph high school students in recognition of talent, excellence and creativity in the visual or performing arts. In 2005, the awards program was discontinued and Guelph Arts Council began to assess how best to support youth in the arts. At the same time, in order to get the best return on investment, the capital of the fund was turned over to The Guelph Community Fund to manage.

Commencing in 2009, through funds generated from the Guelph Arts Council Youth Opportunities Fund at The Guelph Community Foundation, Guelph Arts Council offers an award(s) that will initiate, enhance or expand opportunities for children and youth to experience or become engaged in the arts.

Eligible applicants

1. Any local artist or not-for-profit group that proposes to offer a project/initiative that will initiate, enhance or expand opportunities for children and youth under age 25 to experience or become engaged in the arts in Guelph or Wellington County. Groups could include established arts organizations, neighbourhood groups, community groups, multicultural groups, educational institutions, student groups.

2. Any local youth who proposes to develop a project/initiative that will initiate, enhance or expand opportunities for children and youth under age 25 to experience or become engaged in the arts in Guelph or Wellington County.

For #1 above, preference will be given to applicants who have a proven record of being able to effectively initiate, enhance or expand programming to a youth audience, or who are associated with an organization or institution whose mandate includes the arts and youth development. Partnerships will be encouraged.

Eligible projects

Projects should respond to identified gaps or needs in the community and offer evidence that they will truly initiate, enhance or expand opportunities for children or youth to experience or become engaged in the arts in Guelph or Wellington County.

Projects should also be innovative, original and creative.

Please note that the following will not be considered for an award:

● past opportunities for children or youth or those that occur before award decisions are made

● operating expenses for existing programs (unless to initiate, enhance or expand opportunities)

● programs that have a sectarian, religious or political purpose

● fundraising activities

● renovation or capital costs (e.g. equipment such as a camera or projector)

Please contact Guelph Arts Council for any questions about eligibility.

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page 2 Terms of Reference YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES AWARD

How the Award will be Determined

Each year, Guelph Arts Council will appoint a Youth Awards Panel to review applications. The panel will consist of three to four individuals, representing the following categories as available:

● local youth

● local arts community

● Guelph Arts Council

Amount of the Award

The amount of the award(s) will vary depending upon income generated by the Guelph Arts Council Youth Opportunities Fund at The Guelph Community Foundation as well as possible award sponsorships that might be received during the year. The amount will be published as far in advance of the application deadline as possible. For 2023, up to $500 is available for awarding to one or more applicants, at the panel’s discretion.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the required application form available in two versions: (i) online form or (ii) paper form (please contact Katherine Percival at [email protected]). Paper forms are also available from the Guelph Arts Council office. References will be requested.

Deadline for Application

Applications must be received no later than Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Decisions will be made and awards announced before the end of the year.

Term and Conditions

● If an award recipient is under the age of 18, a teacher, mentor or other adult will be asked to sign a letter of agreement with Guelph Arts Council.

● Award recipients will be asked to acknowledge the support of the Guelph Arts Council Youth Opportunities Award in any publicity related to their project.

● Award recipients will be asked to submit to Guelph Arts Council a one-page report within two months of the completion of their project.

More Information

Guelph Arts Council / artBar

37 Quebec St. Upper Level

Guelph, ON N1H 2T1

Phone: 519-836-3280 Email:[email protected]

Web: www.guelpharts.ca

Youth Opportunities Award

Name(Required)

First Last

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City Province Postal Code

Email(Required)

Phone

Website

Background(Required)

Provide a brief overview of your or your group’s overall goals, your history, and your record of initiating, enhancing or expanding programs / services for a youth audience. If you are applying as an individual, please also attach a brief résumé or CV in the next questions.

Resume, CV or additional materials

Drop files here or

Max. file size: 40 MB.

Applicants that are applying as Individuals are asked to submit a resume/CV. Please submit any additional background information that you did not include above.

Project Description(Required)

Briefly describe the project for which you are requesting funds, including what specific activities are proposed and who will be involved in the project.

If you have project partners or are associated with other organizations or institutions, identify who they are, their background and the role they will play.

Identify the gaps or needs in the community to which your project will respond. Include who / what age of children or youth will benefit; and how your project will initiate, enhance, or expand opportunities for children or youth to experience or become engaged in the arts in Guelph or Wellington County. Also highlight any original or innovative aspects of your project.(Required)

4. Clearly specify the timeline for your project. Include start / finish dates / key milestones.(Required)

Attach a Project Budget(Required)

Max. file size: 40 MB.

Clearly listing the costs you expect to incur in the course of your project as well as any confirmed or potential sources of revenue. Try to be specific about what costs the award might cover, and the impact that would have on your project. Also indicate how you will cover any costs not covered by the award amount.

Please Provide 2 References(Required)

who can speak to your or your group’s achievements and ability to carry out a project such as the one you are proposing, as well as the relevance or importance of your proposal. Please include complete contact information (address, phone, email) and indicate their relationship to you or your group (teacher, mentor, colleague, etc)