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CDA splits limited event sponsorship funds among ballet, jazz and Mustard Day
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Summary
The CDA awarded $1,500 each to Central Midwest Ballet Academy and the Strolling Jazz festival and $1,000 to the National Mustard Museum after debating event fit, budget percentages and whether some events should seek additional sponsorships.
The Community Development Authority voted April 9 to allocate its remaining event sponsorship funds: $1,500 to Central Midwest Ballet Academy (CMBA), $1,500 to the Strolling Jazz festival, and $1,000 to the National Mustard Museum for Mustard Day.
Staff presented three applications. The Central Midwest Ballet Academy requested $2,000 toward a $3,125 budget for a July 16 outdoor performance that would require a rented stage (staff estimated stage rental at about $1,375). The National Mustard Museum sought $2,000 toward a $27,400 budget for National Mustard Day; Patty, a museum representative, described rising costs for bands, sound and equipment and said the museum aims to keep admission free. The jazz festival asked for $2,000 of a $12,950 budget to support musician fees and sound engineering.
Board members debated distribution strategy and fairness. One member questioned whether Mustard Day primarily generated revenue for a connected gift shop; another board member replied that the museum is a separate nonprofit and does not own the gift shop. Members also discussed whether repeatedly funding the same events was appropriate and whether applicants could make up reduced awards through sponsorships or internal funds.
After discussion, a board member moved (seconded by the Chair) to award $1,500 each to CMBA and the jazz festival and $1,000 to Mustard Day; the motion was approved by voice vote. A board member noted that the ballet group would rely on the award to cover stage rental and that the jazz festival had pending sponsorships that could cover reductions.
The board also discussed future grant policy options including setting standard award caps (for example, $1,000 per event) to allow more groups to receive funding and stepping up outreach to attract new events and sponsorships. Staff will record the awards and notify recipients.
