NSN Year of the Regions - 2011
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
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NSN Year of the Regions-Call for Proposals – due May 31
In 2009 NSN piloted a “Year of the Regions,” supporting an event in each of our seven regions. As a result of much favorable response, we are going to continue the program on odd calendar years opposite our biennial national conference on even calendar years. 2009 event participants indicated that being an NSN Year of the Regions significantly increased their visibility and attendance. Now is your group’s opportunity - 2011 will be a Year of the Regions!
NSN will support one innovative event in each of our seven regions, with:
- Funding – NSN will grant up to $1000 to your event (see below for details)
- NSN’s non-profit fiscal sponsorship for grant proposals and solicitation of (tax-deductible) donations (minus 8% administrative processing fee)
- Publicity (via the magazine, mailing lists, web, e-mail, and at 2010 conference)
- Use of NSN logo on promotional materials and web sites
- NSN board, staff, or state liaison presence where possible
FUNDING COMMITMENT from NSN:
NSN’s co-sponsorship of a regional event will provide a 40/60 match funding for each event, up to a total contribution by NSN of a $1000 grant. (For example, if the total event budget is $1000, NSN will give $400. If the total budget is $2500 or more, NSN will give $1000.) As an improvement from our 2009 pilot, NSN will not require any return on investment of this $1000. Instead, NSN requires an opportunity for organization visibility, membership recruitment, and fundraising at your event. See “WHAT DOES NSN EXPECT OF THE EVENT ORGANIZERS” below.
WHO MAY APPLY:
Any group – regional, state, or local guilds, arts organizations, businesses, or ad hoc groups created just for this purpose – may apply for NSN Year of the Regions sponsorship, as long as the primary organizers are members of NSN. (NSN Special Interest Groups are encouraged to produce their own regional events and will be supported by NSN staff and publicity, but since they are part of NSN, they are not eligible for this funding.)
WHAT KINDS OF EVENTS WILL BE SUPPORTED:
As long as storytelling is central to the program, your creative imaginations can do the rest! NSN will consider stand-alone events as well as innovative programs linked to established conferences or festivals. Performances, brief and extended workshops, outreach events, collaborations, broadcasts, teleconferences, story slams – you name it!
WHAT DOES NSN EXPECT OF THE EVENT ORGANIZERS?
NSN requires that the event recognize NSN as a sponsor of the event with the NSN logo on all event information, including web, print, and any television, radio, or other media advertising. Additionally, NSN requires that the event distribute NSN brochures and recognize NSN verbally at the event. NSN requests the opportunity for a booth so that the state liaison or other NSN representative can encourage memberships (if applicable for the type of event.) NSN also will require a post-event report from the organizer.
NSN also is looking for regional events to offer an opportunity for NSN fundraising. This could be through a request for donations at the event or preferably via the proceeds of a connected event such as a specific workshop, concert, or pre-conference. Creative ideas are encouraged!
HOW TO APPLY
E-mail a preliminary application letter to proposals@storynet.org by midnight (EDT), May 31, answering the following questions:
1) What is the title of the event?
2) What activities will it involve, and who will take part? What do you hope to accomplish?
3) Where and when will it take place?
4) Who will be organizing it? (give names, brief bios, and contact information)
5) Who are the local sponsors? (if different from #4 above)
6) In general, what is the event budget? List expected expenses, revenue, and sources of revenue.
7) Describe any type of membership support and fundraising for NSN that this event could support (see above: “What does NSN expect of the event organizers”).
SUPPORT CRITERIA
The NSN Board will give preference to events that:
- Represent innovative approaches to storytelling programming;
- Are organized by communal efforts;
- Encourage tellers to gather and develop professionally;
- Support regions or populations underserved by storytelling programming;
- Promote and advocate for storytelling;
- Have potential to reach significant numbers of participants;
- Present a plausible and viable budget;
- Offer an opportunity for NSN to fundraise via donations and/or a connected event
NOTIFICATION
During May and June proposals will be reviewed. You may or may not be notified during that time period with additional questions that need to be answered. Decisions on 2011 YOR events will be announced late July/early August. Thank you for your patience. Selected Year of the Regions groups will have the opportunity to spread word about their event at the 2010 NSN conference.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact Karin Hensley at Karin@storynet.org or your NSN Regional Director.