EVSC Cultural Institutions Fund
Indiana Code 36-10-13-18 authorizes certain school districts in Indiana to financially support local cultural institutions that offer educational or cultural value to students, such as museums or art galleries, with tax funds.
To qualify for funding, an applicant must meet all of the following:
- Board Representation: The board adopts a resolution entitling an EVSC-designated representative to attend and speak at all board meetings.
- Public Access or Services: Provide either free public admission to facilities at reasonable and regularly scheduled times; or cultural or educational services provided at no cost that deliver a direct benefit to EVSC students (e.g., instructional programs, field trips, performances with educational components, or artist residencies). (EVSC will determine eligibility based on student access, educational value, and measurable impact.)
- Permanent Location: Maintain a permanent site within Evansville/Vanderburgh County where the primary mission is carried out.
- Nonprofit/No Taxing Authority: Be a nongovernmental nonprofit organized under Indiana law and possess no general taxing powers.
- Affidavit Submission: Submit a signed affidavit (President & Secretary) at least 30 days before requesting funds.
Affidavit Submission
Submit the affidavit at least 30 days prior to the funding request. The affidavit must affirm compliance with all eligibility items and include signatures of the President and Secretary.
Checklist
| Requirement | Must Affirm in Affidavit |
|---|---|
| Board resolution - EVSC representative may attend and speak | Yes |
| Free admission or free alternative services | Yes |
| Permanent location in jurisdiction | Yes |
| Nongovernmental nonprofit; no general taxing authority | Yes |
| Affidavit submitted at least 30 days before request | Yes |
Benefits to Students (Evaluation Criterion)
In addition to statutory eligibility requirements, EVSC will evaluate proposals based on the extent to which the proposed program or partnership provides clear, measurable benefits to EVSC students. Applicants must address both current and future student benefit and describe how impact will be demonstrated.
Required Questions
(in the application)
- Current benefit: How do you currently serve EVSC students (who/what/how many/which grades)? What benefits do students receive today?
- Future benefit: If funded, what will improve or expand for EVSC students? What new access or outcomes will result?
- Evidence/measurement: How will you measure or document student benefit (participation counts, access measures, feedback, artifacts, etc.)?
Field Trip Proposal (only if requesting guaranteed student access)
Organizations seeking to guarantee EVSC student participation through field trips or on-site experiences must include a Field Trip Proposal so that EVSC can understand the full cost and logistics of providing access to students.
- Description of the student experience and learning purpose
- Number of students served and grade levels
- Scheduling expectations or preferred windows
- Per-student cost and total projected cost (what is included: tickets, materials, staffing, etc.)
- Transportation and logistical requirements (supervision, check-in/out, capacity limits)
Application & Review Process
Incomplete applications may be returned without review until corrected.
Templates
Click on the links below for sample templates.
Affidavit of Eligibility
(For Cultural Institutions Seeking Funding under IC-36-10-13-8)