I own a cute little 1920s bungalow. I am looking to make the original windows more energy efficient, and think I may need to replace them. What are my options?

Seattle Bungalow

Dear Seattle Bungalow,

Original wood windows on historic buildings are important architectural features – their craftsmanship and unique design often is irreplaceable. What many don’t realize is that the repair and weatherization of existing wood windows can be very practical. The National Park Service offers free technical briefs on repair techniques; Preservation Brief 9 addresses wood windows. Properly maintained and repaired wooden windows will increase energy efficiency, and continue to enhance the historic character of the building. Hope this helps, and good luck!

I recently applied to 4Culture for funding. I read through the guidelines and am now wondering, who are these people that will judge my artwork and accomplishments? 4Culture staff told me that artists and arts administrators often serve as jurors, but how are they selected? Why does 4Culture fund this way?
Applicant

Dear Applicant:

4Culture is a proud proponent of a “peer-panel review process.” Jurors, also referred to as panelists, are selected by the staff members managing a program. They are selected based upon numerous criteria, the foremost being expertise in their discipline. In addition, we also seek panelists offering diversity including: ethnic diversity; geographic diversity (where they live or work); stylistic variety (traditional, contemporary etc); and organizational scale (from small budgets to large), interest and availability.

4Culture funds many programs this way because, much like the judicial jury process, it often results in a fair, well considered, review. Panelists are often required to do a large volume of reading prior to the actual panel meeting and then they meet to discuss all applications as a group.

It is a lot of work, but an amazing way to see what is going on in our community. 4Culture welcomes panelist recommendations. If you would like to suggest yourself or someone you admire in your field, please send their name, area of expertise and contact information to i...@4culture.org with “Panelist Suggestion” in the subject line.

We tell applicants who are not selected for funding one year to apply again. The panelists change each year and, therefore, so does the configuration of entire panel. Different people make different choices. Our advice: apply!

I work with a group of artists and historians on documentary film projects. We are interested in applying for grants, but we do not have non-profit (501c3) status so we are ineligible for many opportunities. We’ve heard you can get another non-profit to serve as an umbrella so you can apply for grants requiring 501c3 status. We’re interested in going this route. Can you give us some guidance on how to do this?
Ineligible

Dear Ineligible:

Considering an umbrella, formally known as a fiscal sponsor, is a great way to open funding doors and can serve as a stepping-stone to becoming a 501c3 organization. Do a little research to confirm that the funders you’re interested in applying to do indeed accept fiscally sponsored groups. The Foundation Center has a detailed tutorial that may help you understand the role and responsibilities between your group and a fiscal sponsor. There are many organizations out there willing to serve as a fiscal sponsor. Most charge an administrative fee ranging between 4% and 10%. Many of the organizations that require a higher fee, provide additional benefits such as grantwriting assistance, an on-line profile and promotional assistance. Consider what they require and what you need before you partner. Some to look into are: Fractured Atlas, Allied Arts Foundation, Shunpike, or do a little internet research and visit the Fiscal Sponsor Directory. Best of luck to you!