During the final week of July 2014, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts announced approval of over $15.7 million in grants and its recognition of top arts organizations throughout the state. Morris Arts was one of five arts organizations within Morris County to receive a six-figure grant of $103,080, representing a 6% increase over last year’s grant. A summarized consensus of the grant evaluation panel that reviewed the Morris Arts application and assessed its merits according to the criterion points published in the Grands Guidelines, included the following remarks:
The organization is very forward thinking and strategic in its planning efforts. It is very good that the plan’s goals are revisited every six months. It is clear that the organization pays attention to implementation, and it is very positive that programs and services are tied to the strategic plan.
The support materials are of high quality and professionally produced.
Creative placemaking has been an ongoing aspect of the organization’s work for many years and continues to be an important focus. There is substantial community engagement.
Numerous partnerships allow service to a wide variety of constituents. The percent for art[s] program[ming] is a good direction.
The regrant program shows very strong outreach efforts and good relationships with its regrantees, which appear to be very diverse. The mini grant program is also well implemented.
The leader is very well respected, charismatic, and shows strong leadership for the agency.
There is a diverse and engaged board. The agency has a very good business model in place. It is good that the organization focuses its considerable fundraising efforts on resources to meet the needs of artists and arts organizations.
There are strong advocacy efforts to raise the profile of the importance of the arts, both locally and regionally. This could be a model for other agencies.
Additionally, Morris Arts was honored yet again, placing among 37 organizations statewide to receive the prestigious Citation of Excellence and among 41 t0 receive designation as a Major Arts, Presenting or Service Organization, “in recognition of its history of excellence, the breadth of its impact and its longstanding leadership.” As an added distinction, Morris Arts was also one of only two arts organizations statewide to receive both the Citation of Excellence and designation at a Major Arts, Presenting or Service Organization.
This is a wonderful recognition of the efforts of Morris Arts staff, board and supporters over this past year. Kudos to all!