Awards in 2021

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.  A wide variety of venues were able to apply for these funds, from large congregate entertainment venues, Broadways theaters, small and large Festivals of all kinds, and other hard hit businesses.  Hiawatha grant writers completed the  SVOG application in May of 2021 and the award was received on July 16, 2021, December, 2021 and January 2022.   The Co-op was awarded $172,709 total.  The application was submitted based on required financial statements in recent past years and projected economic losses due to the cancellation of our greatest revenue stream, our annual Traditional Music Festival.  Per SVOG regulations, these funds were targeted to cover expenses from March 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022  The Co-op benefitted greatly from these funds and was able to cover most all of our expenses that are typically funded through Festival profits.  The SVOG further opened up an additional Supplemental Grant later in 2021 at which time the Co-op submitted additional financial reports and was awarded an additional $59,002.88.  While the initial grant of $102,941 had to be expended by December 21, 2021, the additional grant deadline for expenditures in June 30, 2022.   These additional funds will be put toward the 2022 Festival and general operational expenses.  

Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program 

The State of Michigan allocated $3.5 million to create the Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program to provide grants to entertainment venues affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and emergency declarations. … A total of 392 applications were received for this funding with 101 grants across 30 counties being awarded. The Hiawatha Music Co-op is pleased to have been awarded $24,452 for 2021 Festival and general operational expenses.  These funds help replace the loss of 2020 Festival income when the Festival was cancelled due to COVID-19.  The Co-op thanks the State of Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation COVID Response Program, The Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association.

MCACA and National Endowment for the Arts grant awarded

In October 2020, The Hiawatha Music Co-op was awarded an MCACA/NEA Operational Grant for $12,500 for our 2021 Traditional Music Festival to be held July 16-18, 2021.  These funds will be divided up between performer fees for the Children’s Area, Tween Area and Teen Area and operational costs such as equipment and space rentals.