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MAJOR GRANT SCHEME

What is the Major Grant Scheme? ..................................................................................... 2

How will this Scheme help you? ........................................................................................ 2

Assistance to Strengthen Management Capabilities and Governance ............................... 5

How long does this Scheme support you for? .................................................................... 5

What does this Scheme support? ...................................................................................... 6

Section 2: Eligibility and application process ....................................................... 7

Am I eligible to apply to the Major Grant Scheme? ............................................................ 7

Which organisations are not eligible to apply? ................................................................... 7

What must I do to apply? When and how to submit an application? .................................. 8

Key dates to note for the application process: ................................................................... 8

Where can I go if I need help? ......................................................................................... 10

Section 3: Assessment ........................................................................................... 11

Who will be assessing my application? ............................................................................ 11

How will applications be assessed? ................................................................................. 11

Section 4: If you are awarded the Major Grant .................................................... 13

How will funding be disbursed? ....................................................................................... 13

What is expected of recipient organisations? ................................................................... 13

What happens at the end of each year? .......................................................................... 13

Section 5: Funding Guidelines .............................................................................. 15

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Section 1: Overview

What is the Major Grant Scheme?

The Major Grant Scheme is part of the National Arts Council’s (NAC) Organisation Development

Programme1, to support the professional and artistic development of registered arts organisations in

Singapore through a 3-year grant2.

In line with the Council’s mission to “nurture the arts and make the arts an integral part of life in

Singapore”, the Major Grant Scheme aims to develop a sustainable pool of professional arts organisations

that are hallmarks of excellence. These established arts organisations are expected to:

1. Reflect, express and shape Singapore’s cultural diversity, identity, values, heritage and

aspirations;

2. Enrich the lives of audiences and different segments of the Singapore community (including

students, the elderly, families etc.);

3. Contribute substantially to the development of Singapore’s cultural landscape, artistic practices,

professional expertise and young talent; and

4. Achieve sound management of resources and better financial sustainability.

The Major Grant is an investment of public funds to help build your organisation’s capacity, programmes

and expertise in line with the aims described above. The Scheme will assist arts organisations across

different art forms and organisational types, including traditional arts organisations, training institutes, and

arts advocacy organisations.

How will this Scheme help you?

The support to successful arts organisations is intended to help you strengthen your capabilities in two

dimensions - Artistic/Programme Excellence, and Organisational Capacity. These can be broken down in the

4 broad areas stated below.

We recognise that every arts organisation is different so we understand that the emphasis across these

areas will vary with each organisation over time.

1 The Organisation Development Programme comprises the Seed Grant Scheme for new and emerging arts

organisations, and the Major Grant Scheme for established arts organisations. Both provide a 3-year operating grant to deserving arts organisations. 2 NAC’s Financial Year (FY) runs from 1 April to 31 March. The 3-year funding term for the 2016 Major Grant Scheme is

from 1 April 2016 – 31 March 2019.

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ARTISTIC/PROGRAMME EXCELLENCE

1. Quality Content or Programmes and Services

You must have a clear vision that you are committed to achieving. In striving towards your vision, the

support of the Major Grant is intended to help you:

(For companies that create content) Create content, productions/ exhibitions/ shows that are

innovative, of high artistic merit and contribute to achieving your vision.

(For intermediaries3) Conduct programmes/services that are professionally-run and relevant and

effective in developing the arts sector.

Develop content or programmes that recognise Singapore’s cultural context (e.g. in local or

international settings)

Continually hone and develop your capabilities and understanding of the sector.

2. Active Engagement of Stakeholders and/or the Singapore Public

Arts organisations receiving the Major Grant are expected to have a clear engagement strategy and

relevant programmes to reach out to their target groups and/or the larger Singapore public. You should

also have access to local and/or international networks that can help you perform your role well. For

companies that create content, you should advocate and play an active role in improving arts accessibility,

reaching out to diverse groups of people including those who may lack the opportunities or knowledge to

be involved in the arts. This can be done through more focused outreach, public arts education initiatives

and arts projects co-developed with and participated by the community. By improving arts accessibility, you

help to deepen the understanding, appreciation of and participation in the arts, and make a positive impact

on the individual, community and society in Singapore.

3. Contribution to the Development of the Artform and/or Industry

Major Grant recipients contribute beyond the development of their organisations. The Major Grant

support is for you to help advance the various artforms and other aspects of your professional practice or

industry. This can be through:

Assuming a leadership role in the sector. This can be through setting the professional standards and

best practices; adopting innovative approaches to contribute to the sector; and proactively

addressing gaps and creating opportunities in the art-form/ sector.

Nurturing local talents and grooming the next generation of cultural professionals.

3 Intermediaries are enablers in the arts landscape which professionalise specific sectors (e.g. associations that

promote common causes, training institutions), and/or bridge artists’ work to audiences (e.g. producers, non-profit arts galleries, arts advocacy companies).

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ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY

4. Sound Management Capabilities and Governance and Improved Financial Sustainability

Sound Management Capabilities and Governance

An organisation is as strong as its people, from its Board to its artistic and management teams. The support

is for you to have in place a simple and clear organisation structure, invest effort in developing the skills of

your artistic and administrative staff, and where relevant, consider succession plans.

As you will be receiving substantial public funds, you are expected to put in place:

Sound management of financial resources. This includes proper record keeping in accordance with

accounting standards, and sound financial processes;

Strong corporate governance practices, in keeping with the Commissioner of Charities’ guidelines

and the Charities Act. There should be active involvement from Board members to ensure effective

checks and balances. The periodic reviews of Board membership will benefit the arts organisations

as members are able to contribute with their expertise and experience.

Improved Financial Sustainability

There is a finite amount of public funding for the arts. As the arts scene grows, there will be new demands

on this limited pool of public funds. It is thus important for your organisation to also develop diverse

sources of income from ticket sales, programme fees, donations, sponsorships etc.

We would like to see you improve your financial viability and achieve greater financial sustainability. This

means having effective cashflow management, building up multiple income sources, and being proactive in

growing your base of patrons (i.e. supporters, donors, sponsors and volunteers). The Major Grant would

therefore support your organisation’s marketing and audience development initiatives.

You may also wish to consider applying for the Cultural Matching Fund (CMF). This fund was set up by the

Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth (MCCY) to provide dollar-for-dollar matching grants for private

cash donations to registered charities in the arts and heritage sector. Detailed information for the CMF can

be found at http://www.mccy.gov.sg/cmf.

NOTE:

As the leading organisations of the sector, Major Grant recipients are expected to undertake capability-

building and research as part of their overall plans. In particular, the development of your staff members is

an important indication of how your organisation intends to build up your capabilities, and should be

included in your overall proposal.

In this light, please include your organisation's plans for capability development and research into your

overall Major Grant plans, and note that recipients of the Major Grant from 2016 onwards will no longer be

eligible to apply for the Research or Capability Development Grants.

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Assistance to Strengthen Management Capabilities and Governance

For the 2016 Major Grant Cycle, NAC will be introducing the Pulse Check programme which aims to

strengthen the organisational management capabilities and governance of organisations. The Pulse Check

programme is a diagnostic tool developed by the Centre for Non-Profit Leadership (CNPL)4 for non-profit

organisations to develop its leadership so that they can work together effectively to achieve the

organisation’s strategic plans and objectives. In essence, the Pulse Check programme comprises a survey

(to be completed by your Board of Directors/Executive Committee, Artistic Director and key senior

management team members) and discussions with CNPL on the results of the survey. These discussions

may result in groups developing action plans to strengthen organisational management capabilities and

governance where necessary.

Based on the results of the Major Grant assessment, some Major Grant recipients will be required to

complete the Pulse Check programme. All other FY2016 Major Grant recipients are welcome to be part of

this initiative as well. The cost of participating in this programme will be borne by NAC.

NAC is committed to help your arts organisation address the needs or challenges highlighted through the

Pulse Check programme. Please arrange to speak with your account manager after you have completed the

programme, so that NAC can work in partnership with you to implement the recommendations outlined in

the action plans.

For more information, please refer to the FAQs available on our website: https://www.nac.gov.sg/grants-

schemes/grants/organisation-development/major-grant

How long does this Scheme support you for?

With effect from FY2013, the Major Grant scheme is based on a 3-year funding cycle, subject to an annual

assessment. This change from a 1- and 2- year funding cycle arose as a result of recommendations from a

year-long consultation with artists and arts groups in 2011, where the industry said this would help arts

organisations adopt a longer planning horizon.

Supported organisations will have to re-apply at the end of 3 years. If your organisation has received

support for 3 funding cycles (i.e. 9 years) after being admitted into the scheme from FY2013 and onwards,

there will be a Major Review. At the point of Major Review, your organisation will be assessed on how it

has performed over the last 9 years in regard to the 4 areas described earlier and the future plans for your

organisation. At that point, Major Grant funding will not be continued for organisations that show little or

no growth, or do not contribute to the development of the local arts scene. Funding under the Major Grant

scheme will also not be continued for organisations that have significantly built up financial sustainability

and have become less reliant on NAC’s funding. NAC wishes to continue supporting these organisations for

projects that are beneficial to the scene under the various Project Grant Schemes which will offer more

targeted support.

4 The Centre for Non Profit Leadership is an organisation with charity status that advocates planned leadership and

nurtures leadership capability for the non-profit sector.

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What does this Scheme support?

The grant will help meet no more than 50% of a reasonable and realistic estimate of total qualifying costs.

Support for subsequent years within the 3-year grant period is subject to annual review.

The level of funding will be based on:

1. The strength of the proposed programmes and outcomes for the period of funding, in achieving

your company’s vision;

2. The demonstrated capability to realise ideas, make good use of and account for public funds;

3. A reasonable estimate of the budget, which demonstrates that your organisation has reviewed its

past years’ operating trends, and has a realistic grasp of its future operating requirements and

limitations, and an understanding of its revenue potential; and

4. The availability of funds.

Please note that significant variances between estimates and actual expenditure may warrant a review of

the grant quantum.

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Section 2: Eligibility and application process

Am I eligible to apply to the Major Grant Scheme?

Applications for the Major Grant are open to full-time arts organisations that:

• are Singapore-registered Public Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) or registered with the

Registry of Societies;

• have received grants from NAC in the past 2 consecutive years; and

• have an organisational structure to support on-going activities with at least one salaried and/or

fixed-term contract personnel.

Your programmes and projects can involve any one or all of these activities: artistic creation (e.g.

performances/productions, publications, exhibitions), promotion, public education and outreach, research,

artist management, training or other services that benefit amateur or professional artists and arts

professionals.

As significant sums of public funding are involved, the selection and assessment process for the Major

Grant is stringent. Please see Section 3 for details on the assessment process.

You may wish to also consider NAC’s Project Grant schemes. New or emerging arts organisations may wish

to also consider the NAC Seed Grant Scheme.

Which organisations are not eligible to apply?

1. For-profit organisations registered as a sole proprietorship / limited liability partnership (LLP)/

private or public limited company.

NAC recognises that there needs to be a diversity of arts organisations that make up a healthy arts

scene, including for-profit arts organisations. However, with limited funds, NAC has prioritised

public funding at the organisational level (i.e. Major Grant and Seed Grant) for not-for-profit

organisations serving public objectives as their governance obligations mandate that their

operating costs or surpluses are only for the organisation’s objectives and not private profit.

If you fall under this category, your group can consider alternative support through NAC’s project

grants. With effect from FY2013, almost all project grants offered by the NAC are open to for-profit

entities. More information of available funding for for-profit groups can be found at this website:

http://www.nac.gov.sg/grants-schemes/grants/new-grants-framework

2. Organisations that have not satisfactorily completed and/or submitted outstanding Evaluation

Reports and Statement of Accounts for previous NAC grants.

You will be eligible to apply for any grant schemes once you have submitted all evaluation reports

and financial statements for projects previously supported by the Council.

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3. Organisations that have outstanding debts with NAC.

You will be eligible to apply once you have cleared any outstanding payments or debts.

What must I do to apply? When and how to submit an application?

You will have to submit your application using STARS (https://stars.nac.gov.sg), NAC’s online grant

application system. All applications must reach us by 23:59 SGT (GMT +8) on Friday, 8 January 2016. Late

applications will not be accepted.

The application will require you to submit the following information:

Organisation particulars

Proposal – a concrete three-year plan to achieve your organisation’s vision

Proposed programmes for the next three years

Budget and financial information

o In NAC’s budget form:

o Financial information for the past two years; and

o Financial projections detailing income and expenses for the next three years

o Audited financial statements for the past three financial years (to be attached under

Supporting Documents)

Key dates to note for the application process:

30 October 2015 Application Opens

Application details for the Major Grant Scheme are made available

through the NAC website.

Please feel free to contact an NAC officer of the relevant art form for

enquiries or should you wish to discuss your application (refer to “Where

can I go if I need help?” on page 9).

8 January 2016 Application Closes

Send in your application by 23:59hrs on 8 January 2016 through STARS

(https://stars.nac.gov.sg), NAC’s online grant application system. You are

strongly encouraged to apply early. Late applications will not be

accepted.

NOTE: It may take up to 5 working days to register a STARS account. Please take this into consideration when preparing your application to ensure your submission is timely.

January - March 2016 Assessment Period

NAC will review the applications and will contact you if clarifications are

needed. Refer to Section 3 for more details on the assessment process.

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21 March 2016 Notification of Results

It will take approximately 10 weeks from the closing date of application

for the results to be released. You will be informed of the outcome on 21

March 2016.

If your application is successful, congratulations! Your Account Manager

will meet with you to discuss a set of reasonable targets for the next 3

years.

Unsuccessful applicants will receive a Letter of Notification within the

same period and may appeal within 2 weeks from the date of letter of

notification.

Mid March - Mid

May 2016

For Successful Applicants: Acceptance of Offer

Following this meeting, successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer

which is a legal document stating the following:

1. Terms and conditions of the grant you will receive over the next

three years (these conditions will be reviewed annually); and

2. A list of targets that you should meet by the end of each year.

The offer will be valid for 2 weeks unless indicated otherwise by NAC in

writing. During this time, the applicant must indicate acceptance in

accordance to the instructions stated in the letter, failing which the offer

will lapse.

**If you are required or have opted to complete the Pulse Check

programme, please take note:

Pulse Check Survey Registration (21 March – 1 April 2016)

Your Board of Directors/Executive Committee, Artistic Director and key

senior management team members must complete the Pulse Check

online registration.

Pulse Check Survey Submission (4-22 April 2016)

The survey will take less than 30 minutes. All members of your Board of

Directors/ Executive Committee, your Artistic Director and key senior

management team members must complete and submit the survey.

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Where can I go if I need help?

If you wish to seek clarification or discuss your application, we invite you to contact our staff from the

relevant artforms or NAC departments as indicated in the table below.

Artform/

NAC Department

Contact Person Phone Email Address

Dance Ms Stella Woo 6346 9404 Stella_woo@nac.gov.sg

Music Ms Beverly Hiong 6346 9569 Beverly_hiong@nac.gov.sg

Theatre Ms Chen Yingxuan 6346 9525 Chen_yingxuan@nac.gov.sg

Literary Arts Ms Firda Raffid 6346 9438 Firda_raffid@nac.gov.sg

Visual Arts Ms Debrah Jiang 6346 9524 Debrah_jiang@nac.gov.sg

Traditional Arts Mr Stanley Ang 6346 9403 Stanley_ang@nac.gov.sg

Capability Development Ms Sandra Lim 6346 9498 Sandra_Lim@nac.gov.sg

Arts & Communities Mr Nicholas Tse 6346 9512 Nicholas_tse@nac.gov.sg

Arts & Youth Ms Wu Yahui 6346 9439 Wu_yahui@nac.gov.sg

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Section 3: Assessment

Who will be assessing my application?

NAC works with an Assessment Panel comprising a representative body of specialists in their respective

fields, many of whom sit on NAC’s Arts Advisory Panel. The final composition of the Panel is determined

after all applications have been submitted to ensure fair assessment of the applications. The assessment

process includes an interview component with the Panel; applicants will be informed of the members of

the Panel before the interview takes place. The Panel will make recommendations to NAC, and NAC will

then make the final decision on the outcome of the application and grant allocation.

How will applications be assessed?

The Panel will base its assessment on the following:

1. Submitted application and proposal

2. Reports of past performance and financial reports submitted by applicant

3. Reports by NAC’s appointed assessors

4. Articles / reviews

5. An interview with the applicant

The assessment is based on two main dimensions: Artistic/Programme Excellence and Organisational

Capacity.

I. ARTISTIC/ PROGRAMME EXCELLENCE can be broken down into three main aspects, and their

respective weightages are as follows:

Assessment Criteria Weightage

A Quality Content or Programmes and Services

i. For companies that create content: productions/ exhibitions/

shows are innovative, of high artistic merit and contribute to

achieving their vision.

ii. For intermediaries: programmes are professionally-run and both

relevant and effective in developing the sector.

iii. Recognise Singapore’s cultural context (e.g. in local or

international settings) in the development of content or

programmes

iv. Committed to continually hone and develop their capabilities and

understanding of the sector.

35%

B Active Engagement of Stakeholders and/or Singapore Public

i. Have a clear understanding of and effective engagement strategy

to reach out to audiences/ stakeholders.

ii. High quality and relevance of engagement programmes tailored to

35%

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reach the target group/stakeholders.

iii. Have access to local and/or international networks to perform

their role well.

iv. For companies that create content, strong strategies to improve

arts accessibility, including reaching out to diverse groups of

people and building new audiences.

C Contribution to the development of the Artform and/or Industry

i. Able to assume a leadership role in sector, by:

Setting the professional standards and best practices;

Adopting innovative approaches to contribute to the

sector;

Proactively addressing gaps and creating opportunities in

the art-form/ sector.

ii. Able to nurture local talents and groom the next generation of

cultural professionals.

30%

TOTAL 100%

II. ORGANISATION CAPACITY

Assessment Criteria Weightage

D Sound Management Capabilities, Improved Financial Sustainability and

Strong Governance

i. Strong corporate governance practices, in keeping with the

Commissioner of Charities’ guidelines and the Charities Act, if

applicable.

ii. Invest effort in developing the skills of administrative staff, and

where relevant, consider succession plans.

iii. Active involvement from Board members/ executive committee to

ensure effective checks and balances.

iv. Periodic reviews of Board/ Committee membership to ensure

continued effectiveness of the Board/ Committee.

v. Sound management of financial resources. E.g. Proper record

keeping in accordance with accounting standards, effective

cashflow management and sound financial processes.

vi. Develop alternative sources of income e.g. ticket sales, programme

fees, donations, sponsorships

vii. Proactive in growing their base of patrons (i.e. supporters, donors,

sponsors and volunteers).

100%

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Section 4: If you are awarded the Major Grant

How will funding be disbursed?

Your grant will be disbursed in two instalments per financial year subject to the monitoring process and

reporting requirements during the period of funding, and will be credited into your organisation’s

recognised bank account.

What is expected of recipient organisations?

Based on your proposal, you and your Account Manager will discuss reasonable targets or milestones that

your arts group or organisation has set to achieve within the funding period. You will be expected to deliver

the plans articulated in your grant proposal, and account for what the organisation achieved during the

period of funding.

For successful applicants who are required to complete the Pulse Check progamme, (i) the Artistic Director,

(ii) the Senior Management including Executive Director/General Manager, and (iii) the full Board/Executive

Committee must:

Complete and submit the Pulse Check online survey by 22 April 2016. Please note that the first

instalment of the FY2016 Major Grant funding (i.e. Year 1 of the funding cycle) will be withheld if

the online survey is not completed and submitted then.

Complete the full Pulse Check programme (including the developing of action plans where

necessary) by end FY2016. The completion of the programme will be incorporated as part of the

deliverables for your Major Grant. If these are not met, NAC reserves the right to withhold the

disbursement of $7,000 from the first tranche of the FY2017 Major Grant (i.e. Year 2 of the funding

cycle). This is the cost of the Pulse Check programme.

Successful applicants who are not required to complete the Pulse Check programme may also opt in to the

programme. Please indicate your preference to do so in your proposal template.

Please refer to the FAQs for more details, available at this link: https://nac.gov.sg/grants-

schemes/grants/organisation-development/major-grant

What happens at the end of each year?

After the end of the Financial Year (ending 31 March), you will have to submit an Annual Evaluation Report,

together with an audited statement of accounts. This will be a good chance to take stock of what you have

accomplished over twelve months and to better plan for the months ahead. There will also be a review

with your Account Manager, where you can take the opportunity to share with us your successes and any

challenges faced.

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During this annual review, if you have been carrying out your proposal to meet the outcomes we mutually

agreed upon, there should be no deviation from the three-year funding set out in the Agreement. However,

if you have not carried out your proposal, severely underperform in meeting the mutually agreed targets,

or spend significantly lower than what was originally projected, NAC reserves the right to review the

funding to be awarded, and may cease funding altogether.

THE FINE PRINT

The Major Grant is established on the principle of supporting groups over a three-year period. Groups

that wish to continue on the Scheme will need to re-apply after 3 years. There is no guarantee that the

re-application will be successful or that you will receive the same level of funding should you continue

on the Scheme.

As a statutory body disbursing public funds in line with Government policies, NAC will prioritise funding

to organisations which do not contravene the Funding Guidelines. Please see Section 5.

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Section 5: Funding Guidelines

While we celebrate diversity of expression and open, balanced dialogue in the arts, as a statutory body

disbursing public funds in line with Government policies, NAC has to prioritise funding to proposals

which do not:

a) Advocate or lobby for lifestyles seen as objectionable by the general public;

b) Denigrate or debase a person, group or class of individuals on the basis of race or religion, or

serve to create conflict or misunderstanding in our multicultural and multi-religious society;

c) Undermine the authority or legitimacy of the government and public institutions, or threaten

the nation’s security or stability.

Under the Major Grant Scheme, NAC will not fund organisations constituted for non-secular purposes.

If you are unsure whether your organisation is eligible for NAC funding, we invite you to contact our

staff before putting in your proposal (please see pg. 9).