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 for the benefit of Manitou Springs.
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 numbers for 2023 grants will decrease slightly, depending on taxes collected for the rest of 2022.
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’ll have the option to set up a personal login, allowing you to work on and save unfinished applications until they’re ready to be officially submitted.
Grant requests of $750 or less, designated as mini-grants, 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.
Again this year, training sessions will be available for grant applicants who need assistance in dealing with the process.
Becca Sickbert, executive director of Creative Alliance Manitou Springs (CRANE), will facilitate the trainings, scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12.
The sessions will be hybrid — in person at the CRANE office, 441 Manitou Ave., and online via Zoom. Prospective applicants may sign up at to reserve a spot.
Information: Alex Trefry, public information officer, city of Manitou Springs, 719-306-2884 or atrefry@manitouspringsco.gov.
HELP WANTED
MACHBoard@manitouspringsco.gov
As the 2023 grant process officially begins, the Manitou Arts, Culture and Heritage Board also is looking for new members with vacancies open for both regular positions (three-year term) and alternates. Applicants must be Manitou Springs residents, ideally with some awareness of the MACH Tax Initiative. If interested, contact MACH Board Chair Neale Minch at MACHBoard@manitouspringsco.gov.