Glossary of Terms

Artist Statement - The artist statement is a short statement that offers a personal view of the work of the artist. The statement includes the artist's vision, creative process and also engages the audience in the style of work the artist creates.

Basic Information Form - This form requests contact information and basic information about the funding request. The Basic Information Form also includes details on how to prepare a Narrative Form and Budget Request Form. This form will be used to submit the electronic application.


In-Kind Support - In-Kind means services that are donated to a project. For example, your project may require the use of certain equipment. The owners of this equipment let you use it for free or a reduced cost. By putting a dollar amount to the actual cost you  can count this as an in-kind donation in your project budget.

Latino Arts Organization - A Latino arts organization is an organization whose mission is focused on Latino art and culture, and whose executive or artistic director is Latino; and/or with at least 51% of the board of directors comprised of Latinos.

Letter of Commitment - Letters written and signed by any collaboraters of the project. These letters serve to show that the collaboraters are aware that they will be part of the project and committed to the completion of it.If there is any additional support for the project (a funder, donor et cetera) request that they write a letter of their commitment to the project. A copy of the award letter also serves as a letter of commitment from a funder.


Letter of Support - A letter of support is from people who have worked with you and know your professional work. In a sense they vouch for your work as an artist and support they work you do in the community. Examples of those who could provide a letter of support: Previous collaboraters, gallery owners, arts organizations, commmunity organizers, business owners and past funders.


Narrative Form - The narrative form is used to answer the details of the questions requested from the NALAC Fund for the Arts. The narrative form must be no longer than 3 pages and must be in Times New Roman font size 12.


One to one match - A one to one match means that there is a match for the request. For example, A request of $3,000 is made to the NFA. Your budget must also include that there is $3,000 matching from fundraisers, other funders, private donors et cetera. Of that match, 60% of it can be in-kind. Pending financial support also counts as part of the one to one match. Be sure to indicate in the budget that it’s pending. Once the support is confirmed, be sure to send an email to the Grant Manager for notification to the panelists of the approval for funding from additional sources.

Project Budget - The budget is the cost of the project which includes, materials, artist fees, space rentals and more.  Your request to the NFA can be no more than 50% of your budget. For example. your project will cost a total of $12,000. You can request no more than $6,000 from the NFA. You have to show where you are going to get the additional 50% of the money (the other $6,000). Please note that in your match, you can include up to 60% of it with in-kind services (donations, waivers, pro bono work).

Technical Assistance - Technical assistance is an online service provided by NALAC to answer detailed questions about an applicant's project. It includes reviewing an applicant's narrative and budget and offering suggestions. The period of online technical assistance for the 2009-2010 cycle of NFA funding is from April - July 6, 2009.