Metro Arts readies FY26 grant cycle: Submittable improvements, outreach schedule and new public information manager

Metro Arts staff told the Arts Commission Grants and Funding Committee on July 14 that, contingent on council action, the department is prepared to open FY26 Operating and Thrive applications and has updated its application platform and outreach plan.

"We are prepared to open applications this week if we receive approval tomorrow," said Ashley (staff member), explaining the timeline staff included in the committee packet. She described platform changes made in Submittable to reduce errors and improve the applicant experience.

Why it matters: staff say clearer forms, file-type support and more accessible assistance should reduce common errors that delayed awards in the prior cycle and make it easier for individuals and small organizations to apply.

Staff described several specific platform and outreach improvements: required-field indicators and validation on form fields; improved branching logic so applicants see only relevant questions; expanded allowable video and audio file types; and direct links in the application to external documents. Staff said these changes align application questions with the grant guidelines the commission approved.

To increase in-person access, staff outlined a regular schedule of drop-ins, including Friday mornings at the Farmers Market and Monday afternoon sessions at different libraries, plus Microsoft Bookings for 30-minute virtual one-on-ones and weekly community engagement events. Staff identified panel scoring days in September and projected that the commission could approve allocations on Sept. 25 if timeline milestones are met.

The committee also heard that the criteria resolution for FY26 — identified in committee materials as "Resolution 2025 15 33" — was scheduled for council consideration the following day; staff said that if council approves the resolution, Metro Arts will open applications the next day. The committee packet included a one-page summary and a cover letter sent to council by the commission chair.

The meeting included a brief staff introduction of the new public information manager. "My name is Darius Perotti," he said, and described prior work in broadcast and nonprofit communications; staff said his presence increases capacity for storytelling and outreach for grantees.

Staff also said they are drafting an audit implementation plan that will include standard operating procedures for grant administration; staff expect the SOP-style deliverable required by the audit to be ready for committee review in August.

Ending: staff emphasized that several dates remain contingent on council approval and that the committee will receive a fuller application and outreach report in August, plus final closeout numbers and preliminary allocation data in September.