We are weeks away from the 2016-2017 CIRD workshop program deadline. We look forward to receiving your proposals, and in the interim would like to offer our assistance as you gather your materials for submission.
The CIRD program offers an opportunity for your community to address a design challenge head-on. With in-kind design expertise provided by CIRD staff, along with a $10,000 stipend, your community will plan a two-and-a half day technical workshop. Participants will be given the tools they need to build capacity to solve their respective design challenges.
For inspiration peruse our 2014-2015 workshops here:
The following is the 2016-2017 CIRD one stop shop location for all of the application materials:
Request for Proposals (RFP): The RFP outlines eligibility and application requirements along with the criteria that will be used to evaluate all proposals. Read through the program details, starting on page 7, for details on workshop format, planning and development, as well as information of resource team member selection, matching funds, and budget.
Application Form: You can start filling in the application, then save the form and return to it later. Remember that all applications (including all supplemental materials) must be received no later than 11:00 pm Eastern, Tuesday, January 12, 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): The FAQ provides answers to commonly asked questions about CIRD and the workshop program. This is a great resource to help you assess whether CIRD might be right for your community, and an excellent page to check as you gather materials for your application.
Pre-Application Webinars We hosted two pre-application webinars, CIRD Program Information: “All You Need to Know to Give it a Go,” and “Secrets to Crafting an Outstanding CIRD Application.” Both webinars featured National Endowment for the Arts and Project for Public Spaces staff, as well as past workshop coordinators. The webinars provide the guidance you need for crafting an excellent application, and for articulating your design challenge effectively.
The following is a timeline of what you may expect after you submit your application:
Application deadline is on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 11:00 pm EST
CIRD staff will conduct a technical review to ensure all proposals are complete and meet eligibility requirements. A review panel of diverse professionals will then read and evaluate the applications.
At the end of February, CIRD will contact the finalists for a one-hour interview. Interviews will be conducted in early March. After the interviews, CIRD staff will make their recommendations to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
The NEA will select 4-6 finalists for this year’s workshop program. Communities will be notified in mid March regarding the status of their application. CIRD will then issue an announcement in late March to inform the public of our selection.
If you have additional questions or experience technical issues with the application form, please email us at cird@pps.org. Happy Holidays from all of us at the Citizens' Institute on Rural Design™
