Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Where can I learn how to prepare a great Partnership Agreement application for the NEA?

Answer: Each year, NASAA observes the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Partnership Agreement panel proceedings, during which plans from a third of the state arts agencies are reviewed. NASAA summarizes the themes of those conversations, which provide great tips and advice to help state arts agencies prepare competitive applications. Top comments by panelists reviewing state plans in 2007 included:

Be precise in your definition of “underserved” communities. “Our whole state is underserved” is not enough information!
Be sure your strategic plan’s goals and objectives are measurable, then describe what steps you are taking to actually measure your results.
Include a description of who participated in your planning process and what creative tactics you used to secure public input. Methods used to secure input should be tailored to the target audiences you are trying to engage.
Showcase your programmatic ingenuity. Describe initiatives, partnerships or services that have been successful in your state, especially in addressing the needs of underserved audiences.
Make sure your application conveys a strong vision and tells a compelling story about what makes your agency and your state special.

Download the complete NASAA report at http://members.nasaa-arts.org/resources/2007-panel-summary.pdf to get more tips and ideas for preparing your next NEA application.

NASAA also offers a variety of resources and consultations to help state arts agencies strengthen their strategic planning processes. See http://members.nasaa-arts.org/research/resource_center.shtml or call the NASAA office at 202-347-6352 for assistance.

Need a password to the members’ area of NASAA’s Web site? Contact dennis@nasaa-arts.org.