The Wisconsin Arts Board held a Q&A session on April 7, 2025, focusing on the FY26 Creative Communities Phase 2 grant application process. The meeting addressed various inquiries from potential applicants regarding project timelines and funding eligibility.

One key discussion point involved a question from Greg about the possibility of starting a project before the official funding date of July 1, 2025. The response clarified that while preliminary work could begin prior to this date, any budget submitted for the grant must only include income and expenses related to activities occurring between July 1, 2025, and the project's conclusion before June 30, 2026.

A specific example was provided by a participant who is collaborating with the Northwest Passage, a youth mental health and addiction facility. They plan to initiate educational components related to art and ecology in late June, which would not be funded by the grant but would help prepare for the main project starting in July. This preparatory phase aims to engage students in learning about pollinators and nature, ultimately leading to a photography exhibition in September.

The Arts Board emphasized that grant funds cannot be allocated to any activities occurring before July 1, but applicants are encouraged to mention any preparatory work in their project narratives. This approach allows applicants to provide context for their projects while adhering to funding guidelines.

The session concluded with a reminder that the narrative section of the grant application is crucial for communicating project details to the review panel, including any preparatory activities that will not be funded. The meeting underscored the importance of clarity in grant applications and the need for applicants to align their project timelines with funding requirements.