The deadline is Oct. 8 for nonprofits to submit applications for funding from the 2010 Recreation, Arts and Parks Tax.
The funding is intended for groups with the primary mission of preserving history, culture, science and the arts. To receive funding groups must provide several years of financial history. Religious organizations, schools and individuals cannot receive grants from the Summit County RAP Tax Cultural Advisory Committee.
“We always give people a month,” Assistant Summit County Manager Anita Lewis said. “Normally it’s the same groups that apply. But on occasion we do receive new applications, which are good.”
Those interested in applying for grants should obtain application forms at summitcounty.org. The applications can be submitted in person at the County Courthouse in Coalville or by mail to Anita Lewis, P.O. Box 128, Coalville Utah, 84017. The applications are also accepted at the Sheldon Richins Building at Kimball Junction.
“We’re asking this year that they be postmarked Oct. 6,” Lewis said.
One-tenth of 1 percent in sales tax is added to purchases in Summit County to help fund art, cultural and recreation programs. Voters approved the RAP Tax in 2000. In the past 10 years the tax has generated more than $7 million.
With the RAP Tax slated to expire in July 2011, voters will be asked Nov. 2 whether they wish to extend the initiative for another 10 years.
“This tax is only a penny on a $10 purchase,” said Tom Fey, chairman of the RAP Tax Cultural Advisory Committee. “It is a very small tax and it has made an enormous difference for cultural organizations and recreation facilities owned by the public.”
As RAP Tax grants were distributed over the past 10 years, roughly 55 percent of the funding went to nonprofit groups providing cultural programs in Summit County. The remaining money helped fund publicly owned recreation facilities.
Open seats on the board
The Summit County Council will soon fill four seats on the RAP Tax Cultural Advisory Committee. Duties of the board include reviewing applications for grants and making recommendations to Summit County about how RAP Tax should be spent.
The Summit County Council interviewed four applicants last week.
“We’re going to try to get a decision out as soon as possible,” Summit County Council Chairwoman Claudia McMullin said.
The four candidates interviewed last week included: Diane Rinehart, Toby Martin, Debbie Dorius and John Ball. This week, councilpersons expect to interview Laja Thompson, Loralie Pearce and Maddy Shear.
All of the appointments will likely be for three years.