2008-2009 Non-thematic Match Grant Application & Funding Guidelines

VPLAC, the Visual, Performing, and Literary Arts Committee, was established in 1982 as a student-faculty committee with the purpose of enriching our campus cultural environment.

Match grants up to $500 are available for our Pullman campus: Registered Student Organizations, academic departments, and support units. These grants help sponsor events and programs that provide our University community with unique cultural and artistic activities.

The activity can be one of your own, or a program you think would be significant, deserving, or just plain awesome for us all to experience. Yes, the project can also be fun and hugely entertaining, but entertainment is not a central criterion for expanding our university's cultural horizons.

So, elevate your sensibilities and get creative! Produce an event or project that involves the visual, performing, or literary arts. Fill out the online application below and we'll look it over. If it works for us (we are distinctively open-minded), you're in!

- Official Language -
It's a good idea to read and understand the following stuff.
Print out this page as a reference worksheet to get started.

What is the Purpose of the VPLAC Grant Program? 
The purpose is to provide funding to WSU’s (Pullman campus only) student organizations, academic departments, and support units for distinctive events or projects that involve the visual, performing, and/or literary arts, and to provide students and our university community with unique artistic & cultural activities. Events receiving VPLAC funding should uphold the mission and values of Washington State University and be consistent with University policies.

Who is eligible to apply?
Registered Student Organizations (with advisor approval), Academic Departments, Program Offices, and University Support Units. 

How does my organization apply for VPLAC match grant funding?
All VPLAC Match Grant applications are applied for online.

Plan ahead! Match Grant proposals are reviewed only 4 times each academic year. Submit your abstract, budget, and supporting material by 5 pm on the grant deadline date. You MAY possibly be asked to send one representative to a VPLAC meeting to present your proposal. Please do not attend a VPLAC meeting with a grant proposal in hand unless you're invited to do so.  

How much funding is available?
Non-thematic match grants are divided equally between Fall & Spring Semesters.  VPLAC can fund up to 50%, or $500 per proposal, whichever is less. Applicant organizations must provide match funding at the same amount granted by VPLAC. All grant payments will be made for actual expenses incurred via Purchase Order, IRI, Washington State Invoice Voucher, or Expenditure Transfer. Funds will not be transferred between accounts.

When do we apply?                Application Deadline     Proposal Review       Notification
Opportunity #1                                  Wed, October 8              October 13            October 16
Opportunity #2                                  Wed, November 5         November 10      November 13
Opportunity #3                                  Wed, February 4             February 9            February 12
Opportunity #4 (For Fall, 2009)     Wed, April 8                         April 13                   April 16

What kinds of projects DOESN'T VPLAC fund?
Anything submitted as an individual person.
Proposals that support fund raising activities or prize giveaways.
Lectures or events unrelated to the arts.
Events that are primarily popular or contemporary entertainment.
Events that are scheduled to occur during the summer months.
Events that have already occurred.
Proposals that benefit only a specific department or organization.
Proposals that are incomplete (i.e., do not include supporting material), or are submitted late.
Projects by groups who have failed to submit final reports for prior funded events.

What kinds of projects DOES VPLAC fund?
Artistic and cultural events that occur during the Fall or Spring Semesters.
Events such as: visual arts exhibits; visiting artist lectures or presentations; literary readings; artistic, cultural, theatrical, musical or dance performances; literary publications; arts workshops.
Proposals must also provide some means for broader public attendance or involvement.

What are VPLAC's priorities?
When multiple proposals of equal merit are being considered during a specific round of granting, preference will be given to those who have not received funding during the past year.
Preference will be given to events that are free to WSU students and open to the general public.

If we’re funded, what kind of reports does VPLAC expect?
After completion of the event or program, the requesting organization must submit a completed VPLAC Program Evaluation to VPLAC Coordinator (CUB 320 C, mail stop 7204)

All proposals will be reviewed by the Visual, Performing, and Literary Arts Committee and must be in accordance with the above Official Language. Groups not complying with this language will be ignored both now and possibly into the future.