With an enhanced website to expedite the process, the Manitou Arts, Culture, and Heritage Board is accepting grant applications for 2023, MACH Board Chair Neale Minch has announced.
Applicants may submit their funding requests between now and Jan. 6, 2023, after which the board will evaluate submissions, learn the exact amount of available funding from 2022 MACH tax revenues and make grant recommendations in late February for Manitou Springs City Council approval.
As set up in the MACH tax initiative voters approved in November 2019, 66 percent of grant funds will go to designated Tier 1 entities: Carnegie Library, Hiawatha Gardens, Manitou Art Center, Manitou Springs Heritage Center and the Miramont Castle Museum.
The other 34 percent goes to Tier 2 competitive grants, available to residents, nonprofits, businesses and others to assist in programs and events that benefit Manitou.
Last year, MACH funds produced about $475,000 in grants — with $324,043 going to the Tier 1 recipients and about $150,000 for Tier 2 grants. Early estimates suggest the amount for 2023 grants will decrease slightly.
Grant applicants can access the online application form at bit.ly/MACHGrants or go to the MACH page on the city website, www.tinyurl.com/MACHBoard, and click on the “MACH Application Forms” link. You can set up a personal login, allowing you to work on and save unfinished applications until they’re ready.
Applicants for mini-grants ($750 or less) will complete a simpler form that does not require a detailed budget. Applications for more than $750 must also include a budget of projected revenues and expenses.
Any individuals or nonprofits who received MACH grants last year must turn in 2022 project completion reports before being considered for 2023 grants.
Help Wanted
The Manitou Arts, Culture, and Heritage Board also is looking for new members, with vacancies open for two alternates. Applicants must be Manitou residents, ideally with some awareness of the MACH tax initiative. If interested, email MACHBoard@manitouspringsco.gov.