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Connecting Communities Digital Initiative – Artist or Scholar in Residence Grant

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The Library of Congress was awarded an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant titled “Of the People: Widening the Path” to fund a new, multi-part initiative to connect more deeply with Indigenous, Black, Hispanic, and other communities of color by exposing grantees to the Library’s expansive collections, using technology to enable storytelling and offering more internship and fellowship opportunities. Part of that grant establishes the four-year Connecting Communities Digital Initiative (CCDI) within the Digital Strategy Directorate. In this post, we invite applicants for the CCDI Artist in Residence or Scholar in Residence grant program.

  1. Grant Overview

  2. How to Apply and Important Dates

  3. Using the Notice of Funding Opportunity

  4. Federal Systems and Forms

  5. Questions and Answers

Grant Overview

Artist or Scholar in Residence program: The Connecting Communities Digital Initiative (CCDI) Artist or Scholar in Residence program will fund an Artist in Residence or a Scholar in Residence in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Each Artist/Scholar in Residence will serve for 2 years, supported for $50,000 in their first year and $100,000 in their second year. Individuals selected will be either artists or scholars whose artistic or scholarly work connects with the intersections of technology and cultural heritage, and engages with the legacies of racial division in the United States. Proposed projects will help the Library and the American people imagine new ways of preserving, accessing, and sharing the stories of underserved communities, connecting the nation’s past to its future.

During the first year of the residency, the artist or scholar in residence will be expected to visit the Library for at least 10 days in person during their first year, and to utilize Library of Congress resources in their first year, and to participate in occasional CCDI activities. They should plan to work with Library staff and collections to refine their proposed project plan and to undertake necessary research in preparation for their second year. During the first year, the artist or scholar in residence will be required to submit quarterly project updates, and to participate in meetings and events at the Library. Before the second year of the grant, the artist or scholar in residence will produce a fully revised and expanded work plan and budget to reflect the developments in the first year for approval by Library staff.

During the second year, the artist or scholar in residence will be expected to visit the Library for at least 20 days in person to engage more deeply in the scholarly and artistic life of the Library. In addition, the technical, artistic, and/or scholarly product should be created and shared during this year, resulting in a public-facing research or artistic publication, project, exhibition, or event.

The scholar or artist in residence will be supported by the CCDI staff, who will introduce the artist or scholar in residence to Library colleagues, ensure access to appropriate collections materials, and otherwise liaise between the artist or scholar in residence and the Library.

Visit the Notice on grants.gov, click on “Related Documents” and download all forms

 

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How to Apply and Important Dates

Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity fully and carefully to plan your application.  The notice contains detailed guidance about application requirements.

Application submission: If you’re applying to this grant and receive a message that your submission is larger than the size limit for messages, you can split your application into several emails. By doing this, each email is smaller, and you will be able submit your application. To facilitate our review, please send it to [email protected] with a count of how many to expect. For example, add “1 of 3” “2 of 3″ 3 of 3” to the subject across the emails.

DUNS number: If you requested a DUNS number and have not yet received it, please submit your application without the DUNS.

Form SF-424: The form is available here. If you experience any problems, please follow these instructions for downloading PDF forms from Grants.gov. If you still encounter problems with the form, please reach out to Grants.gov support team since we do not have the capability to fix this.  

  • Additional help is available by
    • Reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions below
    • Send specific questions to Ramon Samuel at [email protected]. The subject of each e-mail must read as follows: NOFO 030ADV21R0696
      • Answers will be provided in the FAQs below as updates on a weekly basis.
  • Register to attend an informational webinar if available (dates below)
  • How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal” [updated Aug. 28, 2019]

Webinars

The Library will host a series of webinars to walk through the Notice of Funding Opportunity, and to answer questions. These webinars will be recorded and linked below.

  1. September 29 at 3 PM EST: VIEW RECORDED WEBINAR

  2. October 19 at 3 PM EST: VIEW RECORDED WEBINAR

  3. October 27 at 3 PM EST: Video coming soon

Application Deadlines

  • December 14, 2021. Questions about applying for this funding opportunity may be submitted through email to [email protected] with the subject of” NOFO 030ADV21R0696″ until 5:00 p.m. on this date. No questions will be accepted after this date.
  • December 21, 2021.  Applications for this funding opportunity are due by 12:00 p.m. (noon ET) on the date identified here.  Full application packages should be emailed to the Library by this time. Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected].  See Section D.3 Application Package and Submission Requirements in the Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.

Visit the Notice on grants.gov, click on “Related Documents” and download all forms

 

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Using the Notice of Federal Opportunity (“the Notice”) as a Planning Tool

The Notice of Federal Opportunity (the “Notice”) states application requirements organized across distinct sections.  Each section is important and provides detailed information and definitions related to specific aspects of the application process:

  • Sec. A:   Program Description giving background, the purpose of the grant, program expectations and deliverables, and an overview of the selection process. ***
  •  Sec. B:   Federal Award Information summarizes key elements of the opportunity including the period of performance, estimated start date, and estimated funds available and number of awards.
  •  Sec. C:   Eligibility Requirements details both who may apply for the grant and other conditions affecting a satisfactory application.
  •  Sec. D: Application and Submission Information gives a full description of the needed elements of the application itself, including project proposal information, project budget information, and required forms, as well as details on when and how to submit the application package itself.  It includes the list of steps to be completed in order to apply, including***
    • Request a DUNS number, if needed, and register with the federal System for Award Management.
    • Submit a proposal narrative using the outline provided in the Notice of Funding Opportunity
    • Submit a Budget Plan Worksheet Template, Budget  Narrative, Spending Summary and Plans using the appropriate forms available with the Notice
  •  Sec. E:   Application Review and Award describes how an application will be evaluated and how the Library will notify successful applicants. ***
  •  Sec. H:   Federal Awarding Agency Contacts provides information regarding technical and administrative contacts for the program.

*** While all information is important to the purpose, requirements, and expectations of the grant program, these three (3) sections are critical to helping applicants plan, outline, and create their grant proposal.

The Notice also provides information regarding expectations of grant management and legal considerations that will apply if the Library awards a grant to an applicant, including:

  • Sec. F:   Project Management and Reporting summarizes the Library’s expectations of an awardee including project planning, interim and final reporting, and communications with the Library’s program team.
  • Sec. G:  Federal Award Administration describes the legal and regulatory framework applying to the grant including applicable Library and federal regulations, general terms and conditions, disclosures, and intellectual property right considerations.
  • Sec. I:    Other Information defines the payment schedule for awards

Visit the Notice on grants.gov, click on “Related Documents” and download all forms

 

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Federal Systems and Forms

As a government agency, the Library of Congress complies with federal rules regarding the distribution of funds.

Visit the Notice on grants.gov, click on “Related Documents” and download all forms

Questions and Answers

  1. Overview

  2. Eligibility

  3. Dates and Time period

  4. Details and Federal Forms

  5. Narrative

  6. Budget and Budget Worksheet

  7. Award Information

  8. Other questions from email

Grant program overview

  1. What’s the purpose of this program? The Library of Congress will expand the connections between the Library and diverse communities and strengthen the use of Library of Congress digital collections and digital tools. The Library of Congress seeks to award a grant to support the creative and wide-ranging use of Library collections and the connective powers of technology to serve Black, Indigenous, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander or other racial and ethnic minority populations within the United States in sharing stories about America’s past, present, and future.
  2. Where can I learn more about the necessary process to apply for this grant? All information about this opportunity is available in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Click “related documents” in grants.gov and download the Notice there.
  3. Can I make an appointment to discuss my proposed project?  The Library of Congress does not provide one-on-one feedback on project proposals for this grant program. If there is a specific question, please email [email protected] with subject  “NOFO 030ADV21R0696″ and the response will be posted weekly at the bottom of this page. Questions received after noon Eastern time on December 14, 2021 will not be answered.
  4. I’m not sure if this is the right program for me.  Are there other funding opportunities available? Over the next several years, the Library will offer several programs as part of the “Of the People” program.  Areas of interest, funding available, and the number of awards may vary.  All funding opportunities will be listed on the “Of the People: Widening the Path” Funding Opportunities page for easy reference.  Bookmark the page or subscribe to blog (RSS or email) to stay informed.

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Eligibility

  1. Who is eligible to receive this grant? Eligible applicants must be individuals who are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents. . Additional information about eligibility is found in Section C of the Notice.
  2. Are applicants in the U.S. territories eligible to apply? Yes, applicants located in the U.S. territories meet the eligibility requirements.
  3. Will the Library accept multiple proposals from the same applicant? An eligible applicant may submit only one application under this announcement. Applicants may be included in multiple proposals as members of collaborative partnerships or within a single organization.

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Funding period/length

  1. What are the grant amounts the Library will award? The Library of Congress intends to award one pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity. The Library’s intention is to make grant awards of up to $150,000.
  2. How long is the funding period? The funding period is 24 months.
  3. If my proposal was selected, when would I receive funds? The Library expects to announce funding decisions on or before February 24, 2022. Once a decision has been made, many factors may affect the specific timing of payments to applicants as outstanding issues are resolved and the Grant Agreement is made available for review and acceptance. Once the Grant Agreement is fully executed, the Grant Officer will share instructions specific to each recipient on how to request payment. See Section F.2 Notice of Federal Award for more information.
  4. Can this grant be extended to additional years?  This grant has a period of performance of 24 months.  The timeline and budget should correspond to a 24 month period.

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Application details and federal forms

  1. What is the application deadline? All proposals must be submitted via email to [email protected] no later than 12:00 PM (Noon Eastern Time) on December 21, 2021. No application materials are to be submitted via Grants.gov.
  2. What should be in an application packet? Refer to Section D of the Notice for detailed information.  In brief, the application packet must contain:
    • a SF-424 Application for Federal Domestic Assistance-Short Individual;
    • a Proposal Narrative of no more than 8 pages describing the proposed project, the organization, key project staff/consultants, a description of past activity relevant to the project proposed, and necessary disclosures
    • a Budget Plan Worksheet, i.e., a completed version of the Excel worksheet attached to the notice
    • a Budget Narrative of approximately 2-4 pages explaining the connection between the proposed project and the budget plan
    • Necessary appendix materials including disclosures and other notices as are relevant to individual applicants.
  3. The grants.gov system does not allow me to apply for this grant.  How do I submit the application? As in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, Parts D.3 and D.6 on page 6, all proposals are to be submitted by email to [email protected].
  4. How should the Standard Form (SF-424) PDFs and the budget narrative excel spreadsheet be submitted in the MS WORD electronic copy version of the proposal? The PDFs may be submitted as PDFs, and the excel spreadsheet budget may remain in excel format, with the MS WORD file(s) of the application. Files may be attached separately to a single or multiple emails to [email protected].  Please make sure each submission email clearly identifies the proposal applicant(s) and proposed project title.  See Section D.6 Email Submission Requirements.
  5. Are the cover page, budget attachments (Budget Narrative Template (excel) and Budget Justification (word/ PDF), the appendices and the standard forms (SF424) considered part of the proposal 8-page count limit? No, these documents, forms, attachments, and the cover page will not count against the 8-page limit.
  6. For the application, does the cover page and letters of support from an administrator count towards the 8-page maximum for the narrative? No.  Those documents are separate from the narrative.
  7. The SF-424 asks for a UEI rather than DUNS Number.  How should we complete the form? The transition from DUNS number to a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) created in SAM.gov was delayed.  The transition date was shifted from 2020 to April 2022.  You may use your DUNS number.
  8. In the SF-424 application, what is #4 “funding opportunity number” for the “widening the path” grant?  For organizations, it is the Notice of Funding Opportunity Number 030ADV21R0696.
  9. Due to Adobe 8 restrictions, I cannot download Form SF-424 Application for Federal Domestic Assistance – Individual. Can you send me the form?  Yes.  Request an SF-424 form to [email protected].
  10. Appendices: Should the separate appendices be submitted as individual appendix files? The Library does not have a recommendation or preference, and it may depend on the email server or file size (please see the Notice for the Library’s maximum email size limit). All appendices may be combined into one PDF or submitted as individual PDF files. Please make sure individual files and emails are clearly labeled and connected to your application.
  11. Should the appendices be combined into a single PDF file with the Project Narrative and other attachments? The Library does not have a recommendation or preference and it may depend on the email server or file size (please see the Notice for the Library’s maximum email size limit). All appendices, project narrative sections, and other forms and attachments may be combined into one PDF or submitted as individual PDF files. Please make sure individual files and emails are clearly labeled and connected to your application.

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Proposal Narrative

  1. What information should I include in my project description? Applicants should use the project description to provide a reasonable explanation of the work they would like to perform and to demonstrate how the proposed work would align with the goals of the program overall.  Applicants should also review the factors the Library will consider in evaluating applications to make sure their proposal addresses these points sufficiently. See Section E. Application Review and Reward for more information.
  2. Are project timelines and other visual charts allowed in the proposal? Yes, project timelines and other visual charts are allowed in the proposal and may be included in the body of the project narrative (8-page limit) or as a separate, supplementary appendix.
  3. I don’t want all the materials I collect or include in my project to be shared in the Library’s collections for public use.  What should I do? The Library’s preference is for projects that extend an open license for non-commercial public use to the collection materials, but we encourage applicants to describe in detail any specific limitations they might predict for portions of the collection. See Section G.5 Intellectual Property Rights and Data Use for more information. The Library intends to be attentive to culturally sensitive materials that may be part of documentation gathered during a project, and will work with grant awardees to determine the most appropriate approach regarding access.  In either the proposal or as a separate appendix document, applicants with concerns must describe any limitations on any intellectual property that will affect applicant’s performance of the grant or affect the Library’s (or the public’s) subsequent use of any deliverable under the agreement (e.g. potential documentation of copyrighted cultural material). In particular, the applicant must describe the intellectual property in sufficient detail, clearly state any limitations, and describe how the Library can use the work with the limitations described or proposed by the applicant.

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Budget Narrative and Worksheets

  1. Why do I have to explain my budget information in two separate sections and formats?  What’s the relationship between the Budget Plan Worksheet and the Budget Narrative? The Library requests two different perspectives on project budgets to aid in the evaluation of the overall project proposal:
    • The worksheet asks applicants to provide a detailed view on the estimated costs of the project to demonstrate the applicant has fully considered the resources needed for the project and that only allowable expenses are included.
    • The narrative ask applicants explain how the costs included are reasonable and necessary for project performance and demonstrate that grant funds would be used appropriately and wisely to support program objectives.
  2. How do I prepare a proposed budget? Applicants should consider their proposal and identify needed resources, goods, and services using the categories shown on the worksheet as prompts: Salaries Wages & Benefits; Travel; Equipment; Supplies; Contractual; Other.  Items to include should be allowable under federal regulations and as specific as possible.  Amounts to include should be reasonable for the scope of the proposed project – allocating too little money to resource needs can raise as much concern as allocating too much money. More information is also available in the CRS report “How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal” [updated Aug. 28, 2019].
  3. What are allowable costs? As a general rule, allowable costs are those that are reasonably part of, and of benefit to, the proposed grant project.  Costs that apply to multiple projects or personal expenses are typically not allowed as direct expenses. For example, a camera or printer for applicant’s use in project fieldwork and other documentary work would not be included; reasonable costs of paper or ink for this program could be allowed. For specific questions, contact the Grant Officer to Ramon Samuel at [email protected] as directed in Section D2 Questions and Answers in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
  4. Are travel costs allowable in the grant budget? Yes. Applicants should ensure any per diem costs (lodgings or meals and incidentals expenses per day) do not exceed allowable government rates as defined by the U.S. General Services Administration.  For information on permitted per diem rate, applicants can use the GSA’s Per Diem Rates Look Up tool
  5. My project will only include some of the categories on the budget form.  Do I need to fill in the other categories? For the sake of clarity, applicants should enter $0 for total expenses in categories where they have no planned costs.
  6. Are matching funds required? There is no mandatory cost share or matching requirement for this grant program.
  7. What happens if our proposal is selected for funding and there are budget or personnel changes? To make a change to a submitted proposal before the application deadline, contact the Grant Officer at LOC-grants.gov as directed in Section D2 Questions and Answers. Changes or modifications to a proposal after it has been selected for funding will be handled on a case by case basis by the Library. For modifications to an awarded project, please see the terms of the agreement created for how to proceed. In most cases, minor modifications may be requested as long as the original, funded intent of the award does not change. In extreme cases, grantees who are not able to fulfill the terms of their award may be subject to early termination or other terms as specified in their award agreement.
  8. Where in the Budget Plan Worksheet do we indicate cost sharing?  If there will be no cost sharing, please indicate that in your Budget Narrative.  If there is a cost-share, you may add a cost-share tab to the Budget Plan Worksheet and itemize, or alternatively, describe it in detail in terms of type of cost and amount in your Budget Narrative.
  9. Could you please provide the citation for specific allowable and unallowable costs?  This is the link to 2 CFR 200, Subpart E – Cost Principles: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/2/part-200/subpart-E. Specific types of costs can be found under General Provisions for Selected Items of Cost (§§ 200.420 – 200.476).
  10. Is it acceptable to add a line item for contingencies to the budget? No.  Please use the line items specified in the Budget Plan Worksheet.

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Selection and award processes

  1. Who will review grant applications? The Library will assemble panels comprising Library of Congress staff and invited panelists. See Section E. Application Review and Award for more information.
  2. When will the Library communicate grant decisions? The Library intends to communicate funding decisions on or before February 24, 2022.

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Other questions (submitted via email)

Questions submitted over email or through blog comments will be answered weekly in this section.

Questions from email

  1. I’m a student at…I want to apply for the grant but Grants.gov is offline, can you send me the grant application?  Grants.gov does not appear to be offline. The NOFO can be viewed via the links here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=030adv21r0696 or by following the links above on this page.
  2. How do I apply, is this still ongoing, and who’s eligible. Yes the NOFO is currently open and can be found via the link below. https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=030adv21r0696. Above on this page are also links to the full notice of funding opportunity as well as links to informational webinars and answers to questions.
  3. I have recently started a non profit organization… I saw your listing on grants.gov but was unable to follow the link to apply. Is there another way to apply for this grant? Applications for this grant are accepted as described in sections B (page 5) and D (page 6) of the NOFO via email. Please download the full Notice of Funding opportunity at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=030adv21r0696. And visit https://blogs.loc.gov/ofthepeople/2021/09/ccdi-grant-asr/ where you can find additional information, links to upcoming webinars and answers to questions.
  4. I have a solo play that aligns with the mission of the grant. Can I submit a play for my proposal? Are playwrights & solo performers eligible to apply for the grant? Playwrights and performers are eligible.
  5. About the NOFO 030ADV21R0696, can it be applied for under a non-profit organization? Only individuals can apply for a grant under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), please see the Library’s other NOFOs – 030ADV21R02215 (Libraries Museums and Archives) and 030ADV21R0227 (Higher Education) to see if you are eligible to apply.
  6. I would like to apply for the CCDI Artists in Residence Grant.  Your website states that artists work … “connects with the intersections of technology and cultural heritage, and engages with the legacies of racial division in the United States.” … Please clarify if I would need to propose creating a new project that is related to race and technology, or a project about cultural/ racial subject matter for an online platform, i.e., a theater production created to be viewed online instead of in a theater. Please explain.  The Library of Congress does not provide one-on-one feedback on project proposals for this grant program. Please see section E of the Notice of Funding opportunities to read about the criteria for proposal evaluation.
  7. I am interested in applying for the Of the People grant, but the “apply” button is not clickable for me when I am logged in. I’m wondering if there’s something more I need to do to be able to apply? Thank you for any guidance. As stated in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, Parts D.3 and D.6 on page 7, all proposals are to be submitted by email to [email protected].
  8. Do applicants need to submit letters of recommendation? No.
  9. I have recently started a non profit organization []. I saw your listing on grants.gov but was unable to follow the link to apply. Is there another way to apply for this grant? Applications for this grant are accepted as described in sections B (page 5) and D (page 6) of the NOFO via email. Please note that this opportunity is available only for individuals, and not for organizations. Please download the full Notice of Funding opportunity at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=030adv21r0696 and view the Q&As above for additional information, links to webinars and answers to questions.
  10. Do I need to request a DUNS number? I am an individual scholar, not an organization. If DUNS is needed, how do I apply for one? As stated in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, individuals can either register with SAM.gov, or fill out a vendor survey form, which will be provided during the award process.
  11. In Grants.gov, it does not have a package number to apply and when I enter the NOFO number, it cannot find it.  What is the best way to apply?   What action do you recommend and is there a package number?  Or do you want us to submit the documents via email or some other way?  As stated in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, Parts D.3 and D.6 on page 7, all proposals are to be submitted by email to [email protected].
  12. My colleague is in the US on an asylum visa, will that would prevent him being eligible? Eligible applicants must be individuals who are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents.  Additional information about eligibility is found in Section C of the Notice
  13. Do I need to submit letters of recommendation for my project? No.
  14. Is it possible to apply for a Connecting Communities Digital Initiative grant for a collaborative project? This opportunity is only available to individuals. However, an applicant can engage consultants or subcontractors as described in Section D.5.1.2 of the NOFO.
  15. I’m reaching out to inquire about the Info Webinars that recently passed. Is there a possibility that a recording of that webinar is available, or possibly that another will happen before December? When available the recording of the webinar will be posted in Of the People: Widening the Path blog. You can also visit the Of the People: Widening the Path website where the recording of the webinar will be posted here.
  16. I’m a writer planning to apply for a Connecting Communities Digital Initiative – Artist or Scholar in Residence Grant. I wonder if collaborative art projects are eligible for funding. This opportunity is only available to individuals. However, an applicant can engage consultants or subcontractors as described in Section D.5.1.2 of the NOFO.
  17. I’m wondering if this funding would support international travel for field research. Yes. Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.2 Budget Narrative (Justification), Spending Summary and Plans, where this information is explained.
  18. If a faculty member at our University wants to submit this award, will they be able to have our University receive and help administer the funds or will the faculty member be responsible solely for receiving the funds and any reporting required? The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Artist or Scholar in Residence grant states in section C.1 the eligible applicants and in section G the requirements for federal funds administration. The applicant, adhering to the policies explained in the NOFO, is the person who would manage the funds for the grant. More information can be found in the Of the People: Widening the Path blog.
  19. Does this application require a DUNS number? As stated in the NOFO, as an individual, an applicant will be required to either be registered and active in SAM.gov or complete a Vendor Survey Form as described in section D.4 of the NOFO.
  20. Is the principle artist/scholar allowed to budget a salary for herself under labor costs? Yes. Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.2 Budget Narrative (Justification), Spending Summary and Plans, where this information is explained.
  21. Can collaborative projects be funded? This opportunity is only available to individuals. However, an applicant can engage consultants or subcontractors as described in Section D.5.1.2 of the NOFO.
  22. Can international travel funds be supported? Yes. Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.2 Budget Narrative (Justification), Spending Summary and Plans, where this information is explained.
  23. Can attendance at an arts residency to work on project activities be supported? Yes. Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.2 Budget Narrative (Justification), Spending Summary and Plans, where this contractual information is explained.
  24. There are three different application deadlines listed on the amended Notice of Funding Opportunity: November 21, November 22, and December 21. Which one is correct? The deadline for the Connecting Communities Digital Initiative – Artist or Scholar in Residence Grant is December 21, 2021, the NOFO has been amended to clarify. More information can be found here.
  25. Can funding be used to support any of the applicant’s living expenses, if a portion are project related: rent, phone, utilities, etc? Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.2 Budget Narrative (Justification), Spending Summary and Plans, where this information is explained.
  26. When will replays of the information session(s) be available to view? When available the recording of the webinar will be posted in Of the People: Widening the Path blog. You can also visit the Of the People: Widening the Path website where the recording of the webinar will be posted here.
  27. When will you have your next webinar are there any recorded webinars? All live webinars have been completed but the recordings will be available here.
  28. I am not able to open the .zip file, but I do have the NOFO and Budget Template files.  Please have me as soon as possible.The only two documents included in the zip file are the ones you already have (030ADV21R0696 – Amend 0001 – Mellon CCDI NOFO – ASR.pdf and the Budget Template). You can review what should be in an application packet here. All proposals are to be submitted by email to [email protected].
  29. In a photo related project, will the Library of Congress need photo releases from every identifiable person in the photos? You are responsible for following all requirements for both privacy and the rights of publicity of your subjects. To the extent practicable, please obtain releases for identifiable persons, particularly children, and particularly in private settings.
  30. Is there a limit to the cost for cameras and related equipment or it will be reviewed individually in each project? Does the Library of Congress help to identify (if available) the requested camera equipment in other Federal Agencies? Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.2 Budget Narrative (Justification), Spending Summary and Plans, where this information is explained. No, the Library does not offer guidance on identifying camera equipment.
  31. Could the grantee keep the equipment after the project is complete, while using it to continue to contribute to the Library of Congress? Yes.
  32. Should the applicant salary be measured in the Personnel Salaries sheet of the budget plan as Artist/Scholar? Yes. Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.2 Budget Narrative (Justification), Spending Summary and Plans, where this information is explained.
  33. When I am logged in to grants.gov, the apply button is not available and I read that I should submit the application to the email address. I saw this PDF that talks about how to write a proposal, but I am looking for the specific writing prompts for this grant. Can you provide that information for me? I am looking to start prepping my application so I can have it ready before the deadline. The particular requirements for this opportunity are available in Section D of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Download the Notice by clicking on “Related Documents” on the grants.gov entry. Section D of the NOFO describes what is necessary for this application. This CRS report explains “How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal.”
  34. I’m not sure what you require in the way of artists’ work samples. Can you give me any guidelines: length requirements or a number of pages or pieces, format, any preference for links or physical samples, etc?  Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.1.4 Description of Past Activities, where this information is explained. In addition to a CV or portfolio, applicant should provide descriptions of past activities relevant to the grant project proposed incorporating (as applicable): links, user testimonials, reviews, featured articles, research findings, etc.
  35. My project is a traveling exhibit with a digital catalogue and I have some questions: Who would own such a project upon completion? The fellow or the Library of Congress? Would the fellow be expected to use the grant funds to host and maintain the digital catalogue or would the LOC host the site? I am very interested in collaborating with the 3D Digital Modeling, Imaging, and Printing Working Group in the Library because 3D Digital Modeling could offer a more effective way for viewers to engage with objects that lose a lot of their meaning when they are removed from a performance repertoire and displayed as artifacts. Would the LOC have the resources to create the 3D digital models or should I include funds for that work in the project budget? Please refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for further information about copyright. Please include funds for any hosting and 3D development you will need in the project budget. During the first year of the residency, the resident will have time to re-evaluate Library resources and refine project goals.
  36. Would it be permissible to propose involving students in designing and building the digital catalogue as a service learning project or should the project budget allocate funds to have all this work done by a professional firm?  Absolutely. Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.1.2 Key Project Staff / Consultants, where this information is explained. If the Artist/Scholar will engage consultants or subcontractors, provide a list of essential project team members who will carry out the funded activities, including descriptions of their roles in the project, and prior experience that demonstrates their ability to carry out the tasks assigned to their role. For project consultants not known by name by the application deadline, applicant should list the position title instead.
  37. Are there any advantages to highlighting that I live in a promise zone that has received federal funding for energy projects? Please review the NOFO and include all the information you feel is necessary for a successful application for your project.
  38. How should I account for taxes in my project budget since I operate as a single-member LLC? The Library cannot give specific tax advice to applicants. Information on taxes that are allowable/not allowed can be found in section § 200.47 (Taxes) in 2 CFR 200 (Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations) — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2
  39. Will this particular grant opportunity be offered again next year? Yes.
  40. I am reaching out with the hopes of getting more clarification about the eligibility requirements for the Artist or Scholar in Residence grant program. Are individuals that aren’t from organizations or institutions that are charitable, tax-exempt, educational, and/or community-based in nature, encouraged to apply? Or is it a requirement to be from any of the aforementioned organizations or institutions? Individuals are invited to apply. This grant opportunity is not available to organizations or institutions.
  41. I am registered in Sam as single member LLC for my art. That means that I don’t file a separate form when I do my taxes. I spoke to Sam support and they said that I should be able to apply for this opportunity but the webinar seemed to indicate that this may not be possible, which would mean that I’d have to register an entirely new Sam profile as an individual. Please let me know whether or not I can apply as my single member Artist LLC or if I would need to create an entirely new Sam profile. You can apply as an individual and ask for the payment to be made to your LLC (provided it is listed as “active” on SAM.gov) you do not need to setup a new entity on SAM.gov.
  42. I only learned of the Artist/Scholar in Residence program in the past few days and am trying to prepare an application. But I just applied for a DUNS number and my concern is that I won’t have a completed SAM registration (they cite 10-15 business days) before the deadline. If my SAM registration is not complete by that time, will I be ineligible for the application? And is there any way to accelerate the process of getting SAM registration in order to address that? If you are registering through SAM, the SAM registration must be complete before the award. It is also acceptable to fill out a vendor survey form rather than register through SAM. That would need to be done before award, if your proposal is selected.
  43. On the blog it says only individuals may apply. But in the funding notice, it says that both “for profit organizations” and “non profit organizations” are eligible. My project has been in process for a little while and has a fiscal sponsor. What is correct? When I register under Sam.gov, should I do so as an individual? Or can I do it under my fiscal sponsor? Individuals are invited to apply. This grant opportunity is not available to organizations or institutions. As stated in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, individuals can either register with SAM.gov, or fill out a vendor survey form, which will be provided during the award process.
  44. My project is a multimedia, multifaceted, and already in progress. There are many roles involved with this project; some personnel has been determined and others have not. Do we need to provide personnel names for every role we include in the budget? Yes. Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.2 Budget Narrative (Justification), Spending Summary and Plans, where this contractual information is explained.
  45. Can an individual applying use their social security number instead of a DUNS number? The website is only letting me apply as an entity, not an individual. As stated in the NOFO, as an individual, an applicant will be required to either be registered and active in SAM.gov or complete a Vendor Survey Form as described in section D.4 of the NOFO.
  46. Can you email me copies of the grant paperwork and application? The download off the site tells me that the files are not able to be opened. We verified the website and this link to download the application materials is working. Please review this link with detailed information about this grant.
  47. Are the questions required for the grant included in the application forms? As I cannot see them, I can’t see the specific questions to be addressed in the application. Section D of the Notice of Funding Opportunity, available via this link, provides full information of everything necessary to apply for the grant.
  48. I have a question about the guidelines for eligible costs for the budget for this grant. I am planning to submit an item for the cost of a course release which would go to my university. Is this an allowable expense?  Am I also able to include a budget item for a stipend for myself as the PI? Am I able to include travel costs to and from the LOC? I may be living at some distance from the library and anticipate incurring costs for airfare, accommodations, and per diem for meals, etc. Am I able to include an amount for the services of a Research Assistant? Yes. Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.2 Budget Narrative (Justification), Spending Summary and Plans, where this information is explained.
  49. Am I able to include line items for permissions costs (e.g., to publish images, video clips, or other materials owned by the LOC or held by the LOC in its collections but with rights held by other entities)? If I do not yet know the exact amounts for these permissions (I haven’t yet identified all the materials to be published) can I budget for an anticipated amount? Yes. Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.2 Budget Narrative (Justification), Spending Summary and Plans, where this information is explained.
    In terms of copyrights, please refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for further information.
  50. I seek clarification on the following: Copyrights for the end product belong to LOC or, if granted, will the proprietary materials Applicant must describe any limitations on any intellectual property that will affect applicant’s performance of the grant or affect the Library’s (or the public’s) subsequent use of any deliverable under the agreement (e.g. potential documentation of copyrighted cultural material). In particular, the applicant must describe the intellectual property in sufficient detail, clearly state any limitations, and describe how the Library can use the work with the limitations described or proposed by the applicant. Anything the awardee creates will belong to the awardee. The Library does request permission to share the works broadly, and for explanations on why work would not be shareable or openly shared.
  51. Even though I identify as white, does a traumatic brain injury survivor (a member of a marginalized community) allow me to receive appropriate consideration for this grant? Thank you for your message. Please refer to the NOFO for this grant here where eligibility and the application materials required are explained. This blog post has detailed information on how to apply for this grant. 
  52. Are DACA recipients eligible for this application? Eligible applicants must be individuals who are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents. Additional information about eligibility is found in Section C of the Notice.
  53. How many grants for artists/scholars-in-residence will be offered? The CCDI program expects to select one grantee from this grant.
  54. I am working on my Connecting Communities Digital Initiative – Artist or Scholar in Residence Grant. I see that I need to register for the SAM system but it says it may take 15-30 days to complete AND I learned that the system is down. See screenshot attached. Is it also true that we can apply without this in place? As stated in the NOFO, as an individual, an applicant will be required to either be registered and active in SAM.gov or complete a Vendor Survey Form as described in section D.4 of the NOFO. The SAM registration or Vendor Survey Form must be complete before an award is given, but they do not need to be complete before the application is submitted. An award will not be given to an applicant without a completed vendor survey form or SAM registration by the award time.
  55. I hope you are well. What is the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and Title of this Artist-in-Residence Opportunity? This is requested in line #2 on Form 424. The CFDA number is 42.011 for the Library of Congress grants. This information can be found here.
  56. What are the expectations around ownership of intellectual property? Would this be considered “work for hire” where LoC owns any and all ideas, software, and IP that comes out of the work? Or does ownership fall to the artist while ensuring LoC has a license to use it? What about if the project involves a software project that integrations with LoC API’s or data? Anything the awardee creates will belong to the awardee. The Library does request permission to share the works broadly, and for explanations on why work would not be shareable or openly shared.
  57. How many people are you expecting the artist to reach with their project over the course of a year? Obviously this depends on the nature of the work, and the more the better, but in terms of unique people reached, is the goal closer to thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or more? As the nation’s library, we aim to reach as wide an audience as possible. Of the People: Widening the Path: Connecting Communities Digital Initiative is a multi-year initiative to create new opportunities for Americans to engage with the Library of Congress and its collections, allowing the library to share a more inclusive American story. Please refer to section E of the NOFO for detailed information about the criteria for evaluation for each proposal.
  58. I am aware that I do not need a DUNS number to apply as there will be the option for a Vendor Form, however, it does look like I need to register for SAM account, which requires the DUNS number. Am I reading this correctly? If so, will I be able to apply if my registration isn’t activated yet? As stated in the NOFO, an applicant will be required to either be registered and active in SAM.gov or complete a Vendor Survey Form as described in section D.4 of the NOFO. If you requested a DUNS number and have not yet received it, please submit your application without the DUNS.
  59. I attempted to download the Form SF-424 but received a notice the I need Adobe Reader, which I do not have. Can you send me a PDF copy of this form? The form is available here. If you experience any problems, please follow these instructions for downloading PDF forms from Grants.gov. If you still encounter problems with the form, please reach out to Grants.gov support team since we do not have the capability to fix this.
  60. I have a digital project that has received funding by a commercial entity for a pilot episode. However, for this grant opportunity, I would like to create an extension to that project. Question, should I make mention of this first project supported by another entity? Or focus only on the portion that would essentially be funded/supported by LOC? Though a matching fund is not required for this grant, I’m unclear if support from other avenues is permitted or not. If your project needs permission of any kind from a specific entity to publish or share your work, for example, due to copyright concerns, please explain everything related to it in your proposal. Keep in mind that the Library requests permission to share the works broadly, and for explanations on why work would not be shareable or openly shared. So yes, we suggest you mention this information.
  61. Another question. I have tried many times to download Form SF-424 Application for Federal Domestic Assistance-Individual. I have updated my adobe many times – it is up to date – and I am still unable to see the document. Is there something else I should try? Or another place to find the document? The form is available here. If you experience any problems, please follow these instructions for downloading PDF forms from Grants.gov. If you still encounter problems with the form, please reach out to Grants.gov support team since we do not have the capability to fix this. 
  62. Is registration through SAM.gov a requirement for submission? Will an application be accepted with proof of registration pending? To what extent will the resident artist be able to work across branches of document libraries that may be housed outside of the Library of Congress? As stated in the NOFO, an applicant will be required to either be registered and active in SAM.gov or complete a Vendor Survey Form as described in section D.4 of the NOFO. If you requested a DUNS number and have not yet received it, please submit your application without the DUNS.
  63. I was thinking about applying for you grant. If I propose my idea, will it be safe from my idea getting used and produced, patented by anyone else? I am in need of funding to make my idea a process and it involves technology, the future, preserving, accessing, and sharing of underserved communities to share their stories. This grant would be helpful in doing just that to figure out how to produce my idea, and to keep research and development costs underlined as not to be forwarded into the cost of production, keeping the cost of the end product down for consumers, and this will enable a broad range of consumers to be able to afford my product. The startup costs will not be a responsibility of my customers. They will be able to enjoy my product to be with consumer surplus, as well as me with producer surplus. This is an exciting opportunity for me and everyone interested in my idea and I would like to innovate technology twined in telling our stories. We all have stories to tell, we have been through many different and similar circumstances in life, and some have overcome and defeated what has geld them back, and some need inspiration. Anything the awardee creates will belong to the awardee. Keep in mind that the Library does request permission to share the works broadly, and for explanations on why work would not be shareable or openly shared.
  64. Does the above amount constitute the actual budget for a proposed project, or, does it serve as a stipend for the artist? Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), section D.5.2 Budget Narrative (Justification), Spending Summary and Plans, where this information is explained.

Visit the Notice on grants.gov, click on “Related Documents” and download all forms

Comments (14)

  1. Please share an SF-424 form to be submitted for the LOC grant. The one that is available on the link is not editable without adobe.

    • Thank you for your interest in this grant! We responded this question in the FAQs section of this post. Please subscribe to the blog to receive timely notifications about news from the Connecting Communities Digital Initiative.

  2. Hello:
    Where can I access the recorded sessions of the webinars of Sept 29 and Oct 19?
    Thank You

    • The recordings take a couple of weeks to process. When they are available, we’ll post them here.

    • Hi Wanda- You can find the recording of the CCDI Grant Webinar: Artist/Scholar in Residence here.

  3. I’m interested in accessing the webinars too. It’s been two months now since the first one was recorded.

    • Hi, Sandra- Thank you for your interest. You can find the recording of the CCDI Grant Webinar: Artist/Scholar in Residence here.

  4. The .zip file, “030ADV21R0696 – Full Announcement – NOFO Artist-Scholar in Res.zip” will not opens and I cannot get the forms. I do have the NOFO “030ADV21R0696 – Amend 0001 – Mellon CCDI NOFO – ASR.pdf” and the Budget Template however. Can you help?

    • Hi, Marvin Tupper Jones: The only two documents included in the zip file are the ones you already have (030ADV21R0696 – Amend 0001 – Mellon CCDI NOFO – ASR.pdf and the Budget Template). You can review what should be in an application packet here. All proposals are to be submitted by email to [email protected].

  5. I’ve tried on three different computers and Adobe Reader is unable to download SF 424, the form required to accompany the application. Is there an earlier PDF or Word copy available?

    • Hi Sandra Jackson-Opoku,
      Please follow these instructions for downloading PDF forms from Grants.gov.

  6. Hi,
    I am trying to send our grant submission to [email protected] and I keep getting an undeliverable message: This message is larger than the size limit for messages. Please make it smaller and try sending it again.

    How can I submit the grant application?

    • Dan. Thanks for reaching out. If you split your application into 3 or 4 emails, so that each email is smaller, and send it to the [email protected] with a count of how many to expect: (for example, add “1 of 3” “2 of 3″ 3 of 3” to the subject headings across 3 emails, you should be able to put it through.

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