Purpose
SSQA’s purpose as stated in the by-laws is “... to preserve the heritage of quilting; to be a source of information and inspiration...to provide education...to preserve quilts...to perpetuate a high quality of excellence in quilting and the related arts through education of its members and the public; and to be a means of gathering for people with this common interest.”
SSQA believes that awarding grants will encourage other groups to help in these endeavors.

Grant funds
The total amount of grant money available in any year will be determined by the Executive Committee as part of the budget planning process (for 2011 it is $5000).
It is the intent of SSQA to assist as many groups as possible, therefore it is not possible to underwrite any group’s entire expenses.
The number of grants given and amount of each one will depend on how many applications are received, amounts requested, funds available for that year, and the quality of the proposals.

Who may apply
Grants are for groups operating as not-for-profit and located in the state of Florida.
Grants are made for specific events/ projects that are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Preference may be given to SSQA member groups, but any group may apply.
Any group that does not win a grant is encouraged to apply again the next year.
Groups who have not been awarded a grant may be given preference over previous winners.
Groups may work with another group to host an event/ project.
Grants cannot be made to individuals or businesses.
Groups applying for a grant may not have a member sitting on the awards committee.

Guidelines & Rules
The planned event/ project MUST be open to the public, and publicized outside of the group requesting a grant.
Proposals should be made for funds connected to particular expenses of the planned event/ project, such as hiring a professional; photography and copies of forms (for a Quilt Discovery Day); room or equipment rental; or other stated need. Funds will not be granted for items of value that are kept after the event/ project (i.e. sewing machines). Funds will not be granted for salaries, travel, income or personal expenses of anyone associated with the group. Expenses listed as “miscellaneous” will not be considered.
All grant proposals should be completed and received by the awards committee according to the time table.
SSQA will be mentioned in promotional materials for the event/ project.
Grant funds must be used within one year of the award or by the stated event/ project date.
Any grant funds not used for the purpose stated in the grant must be returned to SSQA.
Groups that are awarded grants will send a report (the Review Form) to SSQA reviewing their event /project and how the grant funds were used. The report must be received within 30 days of the event/ project’s completion..
Groups should read all the Grant materials carefully to determine if the type of event or project they are planning may qualify for consideration.
Groups hosting a Quilt Discovery Day must use the Florida Quilt Project form and photo requirements, and agree to make the information available so it can be included in the Quilt Index database.

Time Table

• The total amount of money available for grants is determined by budget planning and announced by Executive Committee no later than their first meeting of the year (or before March 31).

• Proposals and Letters of Agreement are accepted from January 1 to March 31. SSQA cannot consider late arrivals.

• The Awards Committee meets between April 1 and May 31. Each committee member will receive a copy of each proposal for study before the meeting. Decision on awards are made at this meeting.

• Executive Committee approves the recommended awards.

• The SSQA Treasurer sends funds to each grant winner along with a copy of the Letter of Agreement, signed by SSQA.

• The group sends a Review Form within 30 days of holding the event/ project, or returns funds if the event is cancelled.