HomeMy WebLinkAboutNature of Words - Grant Request2_
Economic Development Fund
Discretionary Grant Program
Organization: The Nature of Words
Organization Description: In its fourth year, The Nature of Words offers Central
Oregon residents opportunities to enjoy acclaimed writers visiting the region to share
their works, explore their own writing under the guidence of these writers and feedback
from peers. This year, the organization is also planning to add two complementary
programs.
• Author -in -Residence - This program sponsors a writer for 4 to 6 months,
covering lodging, work space, writing time and a $5,000 stipend. In return, the
writer travels to regional middle and high schools to provide creative writing
instruction and conduct special interest workshops. Additionally, the writer will
have office hours at COCC to provide writing guidence and consel to college-age
students.
• Creative Writing Workshops for At -Risk and Underserved Students — This
program will offer 10 -session creative writing workshops to at -risk youth. At the
end of the program, works will be published and available for sale to the public.
Project Name: The Nature of Words 2008
Project Description: The Nature of Words 2008, scheduled for November 5-9, will
include two days of guest author readings, two days of workshops, a dinner and author
panel discussion and open mike readings. Additionally, prizes will be awarded for the
winners of the Rising Star Creative Writing Competition, which is open to high school
and college-age emerging writers.
Project Period: June 30, 2008
Amount of Request: $2,500
Total estimated cost = $160,000
author -in -residence ($15,000), Creative Writing Workshop for At -Risk and Underserved
Students ($7,000)
Previous Grants:
• September 2005 — $1,500 (Luke $500; Daly $500; DeWolf $500)
• March 2006 - $2,000 (Luke $1,000; Clarno $1,000)
• February 2007 - $2,000 (Luke $1,000; Baney $1,000)
0
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org
DESCHUTES COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION
Direct Application to:
Commissioner Tammy Baney
Commissioner Dennis R. Luke
Date:
3f -s' Imo$
Project Name:
Project Beginning Date:
Amount of Request:
Commissioner Michael M. Daly
All Three Commissioners
11\a41A.-c._ o-' lids
�(boI04'
Applicant/Organization:
Address:
Project End Date:
Date Funds Needed:
vNA LDC- k>or-dS
ac.Ito&3.,
Contact Name(s):
Fax:
s'44 -1%3-
1 Si b2
1
Tax ID #: A //‘ g / J
City & Zip: '�-�A , DQ`k mot J
Telephone: ocj4 - 330 _ 4381
Alternate Phone:-98b-3a5J Email:
On a separate sheet, please briefly answer the following questions:
1. Describe the applicant organization, including its purpose, leadership structure, and activities.
2. Describe the proposed project or activity.
3. Provide a timeline for completing the proposed project or activity.
4. Explain how the proposed project or activity will impact the community's economic health.
5. Identify the specific communities or groups that will benefit.
6. Itemize anticipated expenditures*. Describe how grant funds will be used and include the
source and amounts of matching funds or in-kind contributions, if any. If the grant will
support an ongoing activity, explain how it will be funded in the future.
Attach:
Proof of the applicant organization's non-profit status.
*Applicant may be contacted during the review process and asked to provide a complete line item budget.
Amount Approved: By: Date:
Declined: By: Date:
(theNatureofWords)
April 9, 2008
Mr. Dave Inbody
Deschutes County Administration
1300 NW Wall Street
Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701-1960
Dear Mr. Inbody,
Please find attached our 2008 request for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners to consider an
Economic Development Fund discretionary grant to The Nature of Words, a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization registered in Deschutes County and serving the greater Central Oregon region.
In its fourth year, The Nature of Words is very pleased to claim its place as the premier literary arts
organization serving Central Oregon. Each year, a growing audience and number of participants are
offered multiple opportunities to enjoy acclaimed writers visiting the region to share their extraordinary
works, and to explore their own voice as emerging writers under the expert guidance of these same
writers and with the feedback of their peers. We are very proud of what we've accomplished as a small,
grassroots organization and anticipate even more success in 2008. We also appreciate the past support
of Deschutes County, and thank the Commissioners for considering this request for support in 2008.
APPLICANT:
The Nature of Words, Bend, Oregon
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ms. Ellen Waterston, Director
P.O. Box 56, Bend OR 97709
TEL: 541-330-4381
CELL: 541-480-3933
FAX: 541-383-7406
info(thenatureofwords.orq
www.thenatureofwords.org
PROJECT TITLE, LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND ACTIVITIES:
The Nature of Words 2008, Central Oregon's Premier Literary Event, Nov. 5-9, 2008. It is govemed by a
board of directors comprised of 11 leading Central Oregon citizens who are committed to a vital and
thriving arts community that includes the literary arts. (Please see attached list of board members.) The
five-day festival includes guest author readings on Thursday and Friday evenings, two days of workshops
that include participants supported by scholarships provided by The Nature of Words (many of which are
funded by donors and sponsors), a dinner and author panel discussion on Saturday evening. The literary
celebration concludes with Open Mike readings on Sunday, featuring workshop participants as well as the
general public. One of our most exciting programs, the Rising Star Creative Writing Competition for high
school and college-age emerging writers, is growing in stature throughout the Northwest. Prizes are
awarded in fiction, literary non-fiction and poetry in two age categories. The competition is judged by
outstanding Oregon authors.
www.thenatureofwords.org • P.O. Box 56 • Bend, Oregon 97709 • Office: 541.330.4381 • Cell: 541.480.3933 • Fax: 541.383.740E
MISSION:
The mission of The Nature of Words is to foster an appreciation of the literary arts and humanities in
the rural Northwest through community interaction with acclaimed authors and poets in workshops,
readings, and panel discussions at an annual literary celebration in Bend, Oregon; and through year -
around creative writing programs that promote increased self-esteem for at -risk youth
and encourage high school and college-age emerging writers in the region.
PROJECT COST AND REQUEST AMOUNT:
Project cost estimate for 2008: $160,000.00
2008 request: $2,500.00
BACKGROUND:
In 2001-2002, Bend author Ellen Waterston, the founder and president of the Writing Ranch, organized
the Music of Words. It was a one -day gathering featuring readings and workshops by a poet, a fiction
writer and a creative non-fiction writer held in the Cascade Festival of Music tent and conducted under the
non-profit umbrella of the Central Oregon Regional Arts Council. In it first year, the only literary arts event
of its kind in Central Oregon attracted novelists Ann Patchett and Jane Hamilton, essayists Floyd Skloot
and Marjorie Sandor, and poets Lawson (nada and Wendy Mnookin, setting a high standard for the
future.
Building on the success of The Music of Words, Waterston developed plans for an expanded literary
event. In 2005, after two years of planning and securing committed co-sponsors, the literary arts festival
was revived and relaunched as The Nature of Words, thanks to the leadership and support of the High
Desert Museum, Oregon State University -Cascades Campus, and the Writing Ranch. With this
triumvirate, the in-kind, cash and collaborative partnership necessary to make The Nature of Words a
success was in place.
Today, The Nature of Words is the premier literary arts festival in Central Oregon. It routinely attracts
acclaimed writers who seek out invitations to the annual event. It is eagerly anticipated by the public who
attend sold -out readings, panel discussions and writing workshops, and by young authors who submit
their works to the Rising Star Creative Writing Competition. If annual growth rates continue at the pace of
past years, The Nature of Words will attract more than 2,000 participants to the 2008 festival.
In addition, The Nature of Words is more visible and accessible to the public as Ellen Waterston, Director,
is serving as the Scholar -In -Residence for Central Oregon Community College. In exchange for the
donation of in-kind office space and administrative resources, NOW manages the programs for the Word
Cafe at the college, a venue for aspiring writers and literary -minded individuals. In her capacity as
Scholar -In -Residence, Waterston also offers free creative writing coaching to COCC students, and she
continues to collaborate with COCC and OSU-Cascades to identify additional academic and creative
writing opportunities that can be offered to the community.
Financially, The Nature of Words has generated sufficient funds each year to produce and promote a
successful festival without incurring any debt. It believes it is the right time to expand its programming to
serve more academic and creative needs in the community.
2008 PROGRAM GOALS
The demand for The Nature of Words (NOVV) festival activities and workshops continues to grow each
year. As a result, The Nature of Words is requesting support from Deschutes County to ensure that the
event and its contributions to the community continue at the high quality expected. 2008 program goals
include:
• In addition to securing eight premier authors (at a cost of $5,500 each for stipend and travel
expenses), The Nature of Words seeks to add three additional authors to the workshop schedule,
increasing the capacity of the program and potential revenues from tuition, but also increasing
costs to secure quality authors and the spa a nd supplies needed to operate the workshops.
This adds approximately $7,200 to the 20 °,epirating budget.
Deschutes County Economic Development Fund D nary Grant 2008 4/8/08 2
(theNatureofWords)
• NOW is committed to keeping its events accessible and affordable to people of all ages and
incomes. The guest author readings have been moderately priced at $12 per person and we seek
to maintain low pricing for the readings despite the rising costs of venues, contractors, marketing
and administrative overhead.
• NOW encourages the attendance of seniors at the readings by offering a 50 percent discount.
• Students with valid identification are eligible for free tickets to public readings to encourage their
continued interest in the literary arts. We hope to continue this practice with the support of funds
from organizations such as Deschutes County.
• NOW continues to expand its outreach to teachers, their students and young adults throughout
the Northwest to inform them about the Rising Star Creative Writing Competition, and to
encourage their interest in submitting work. This program requires separate and specific
marketing to reach its target audience and a complex workflow to process and evaluate
submissions. Prizes are awarded in two age categories for fiction, literary non-fiction and poetry.
• A successful The Nature of Words contributes to the cultural tourism landscape of Central
Oregon. Cultural Tourism is a key component of the economic development plan for the City of
Bend based on the Bend 2030 Vision, and the Central Oregon Regional Arts Council. The Nature
of Words, held the first weekend of November each year, is a valuable destination opportunity
during a shoulder season.
NOW is also aware of the critical need for more creative writing opportunities for high school and at -risk
youth in the region. As a result, it plans to implement two additional complementary programs in late
2008 -early 2009 (dependent on funding) that will address the needs of these underserved communities.
Author -In -Residence
The Nature of Words will sponsor an Author -In -Residence to a four -to -six month tenure starting in
November 2008 (to coincide with the 2008 festival). In exchange for lodging, a work space, writing time
and a stipend of $5,000, the author will travel to regional middle and high schools to provide creative
writing instruction and conduct special interest workshops to students. In addition, the guest author will
have "office hours" at the NOW office at COCC to provide writing guidance and counsel to college-age
students.
2008-2009 Budget
Author Stipend: $5,000
Marketing and Program Promotion: $2,000
Staff Time: $3,000
Lodging and office space for author — $5,000 (in-kind and secured)
Total Estimated Annual Cost: $15,000
Creative Writing Workshops for At -Risk and Underserved Students
At the same time NOW is developing the Author -In -Residence program, it will work to create a second
complementary pilot program focused on similar, but more sensitive, needs of at -risk and underserved
youth.
The proposed program would offer 10 -session creative writing workshops to at -risk youth populations.
Volunteers specially recruited and trained by The Nature of Words staff would provide instruction. Ellen
Waterston, who has experience working with at -risk youth and understands the special needs of this
target population, would develop the curriculum. Incorporated into the 10 -week session will be
printmaking classes at Atelier 6000, a non-profit arts studio. At the end of the workshops, works would be
published (with permission) in an anthology (created by the students at Atelier 6000) and available for
sale to the public.
2008-2009 Budget
Curriculum Development: $1,000
Staff Time and Volunteer Training: $3,000
Anthology: $500
Publicity: $1,000
Deschutes County Economic Development Fund Dlscretl'onary Grant 2008 4/8/08
(theNatureofWords)
3
Volunteer Mileage Reimbursement: $1,500
Total Estimated Cost: $7,000
As you can see, The Nature of Words has an ambitious year planned with activities that will
continue to benefit all citizens of Deschutes County, and that will expand youth opportunities.
We hope Deschutes County will continue to support The Nature of Words and the literary arts in
Central Oregon.
Sincerely,
Ellen Waterston, Director
Deschutes County Economic Development Fund DTscreflonary Grant 2008 4/8/08
(theNatureofWords)
4
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
P. O. BOX 2508
CINCINNATI, OH 45201
Date: FEB 16 2007
THE NATURE OF WORDS
PO BOX 640
BEND, OR 97709
Dear Applicant:
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Employer Identification Number:
86-1167881
DLN:
17053363017036
Contact Person:
THOMAS C KOESTER ID# 31116
Contact Telephone Number:
(877) 829-5500
Accounting Period Ending:
DECEMBER 31
Public Charity Status:
170 (b) (1) (A) (vi)
Form 990 Required:
YES
Effective Date of Exemption:
AUGUST 16, 2006
Contribution Deductibility:
YES
Advance Ruling Ending Date:
DECEMBER 31, 2010
We are pleased to inform you that upon review of your application for tax
exempt status we have determined that you are exempt from Federal income tax
under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to you are
deductible under section 170 of the Code. You are also qualified to receive
tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106
or 2522 of the Code. Because this letter could help resolve any questions
regarding your exempt status, you should keep it in your permanent records.
Organizations exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Code are further classified
as either public charities or private foundations. During your advance ruling
period, you will be treated as a public charity. Your advance ruling period
begins with the effective date of your exemption and ends with advance ruling
ending date shown in the heading of the letter.
Shortly before the end of your advance ruling period, we will send you Form
8734, Support Schedule for Advance Ruling Period. You will have 90 days after
the end of your advance ruling period to return the completed form. We will
then notify you, in writing, about your public charity status.
Please see enclosed Information for Exempt Organizations Under Section
501(c)(3) for some helpful information about your responsibilities asan exempt
organization.
Letter 1045 (DO/CG)
-2-
THE NATURE OF WORDS
Sincerely,
Lois 0.4eLerner
Director, Exempt Organizations
Rulings and Agreements
Enclosures: Information for Organizations Exempt Under Section 501(c)(3)
Statute Extension
Letter 1045 (DO/CG)