Item 08 - Art and Culture Grants_Scoring Rubrics 2025-26_ FINAL DRAFT_Watermark.pdf — original pdf

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Nexus Scoring Rubric Creative Work (up to 30 points) 1. What is your proposed project? 10 points 5 points Describe your artistic vision and the creative focus or traditions that shape the work. Applicant clearly describes the artistic vision and creative focus of the proposed activity. Their is a clear connection to a tradition or art form. 10 points Describe what makes your project unique, bold, or culturally important. Applicant provides a detailed explanation describing why thier project is unique, bold, or culturally important. 10 points Applicant provides adequate details to understand the artistic vision/creative focus of the proposed activity Applicant's artist vision is connected to traditions or art forms, but missing some critical details. 5 points Applicant provides an adequate explanation as to why their project is unique, bold or culturally important, but some critical details are missing 5 points Describe how the public will experience or engage with your project Applicant clearly describes the proposed activities and how the public will be engaged with the project Applicant provides adequate details to understand event description but missing some critical details. 1 point Applicant does not sufficiently​ describe their artistic vision/creative focus. Or applicant's activity is not connected to a tradition or art form. Or applicant's activity is not a public facing activity 1 point The explanation is not clear how the activity is unique, bold, or cultually important. 1 point Applicant does not sufficiently​ describe their proposed event. The description is not clear or no description is provided Capacity (up to 30 points) 2. Describe how the public will experience or engage with your project . 15 points 7 points 1 point Introduce your key team members, their expertise and their role in the proposed activity. Applicant clearly describes their creative and administrative contributers and their experience or connection to the work 15 points Highlight one or two examples of similar work you’ve completed successfully in Austin Application clearly describes their past experience producing creative work in Austin and how it realates to proposed activity Applicant or administrative/creative contributors are named, but roles, relevance, or experience are unclear. 7 points Some experience in producing creative work, but may lack public-facing or Austin-based examples. Potential is visible, but alignment with proposed activity is unclear. minimal details on roles and experience of applicant or administrative/creative contributors is provided. 1 point Examples provided have no connection to the proposed activities; Or no examples of past public events. Public Connection (up to 30 points) 3. Who are the people served by your activities, and how do you reach them? 15 points clear, detailed description of community, audience or participants the applicant hopes to reach 15 points detailed marketing efforts, using multiple plaforms to connect with audiences. Describe the community, audience, or participants you hope to reach.   Share how you plan to invite people to experience or engage with your work.   7 points community, audience or participants are named but lacking detail 7 points missing details, lists two or fewer methods of reaching out to audiences 1 point no community, audience or participants are described, or it is not clear who they intend to market their events 1 point little detail is provided, no clear method of reaching audiences is provided 10 points 7 points 4 points 1 point No previous funding 1 award in the last 5 years 2-3 awards in the last 5 years 4 or more awards in the last 5 years Other (Up to 10 points) Have you received a City of Austin Cultural Funding award (Nexus, Elevate, Austin Live Music Fund, Heritage) within the past 5 years (2020-2025)? (up to 10 points) Tie-breakers 1. Applicants that have applied in previous Nexus cycles and has not yet been awarded. 2. Applicants that are new to Cultural Funding with the longest history of producing work in the Austin ETJ. 3. Applicants whose artistic disciplines are least represented in the awardee pool. DraftElevate-Nonprofit Scoring Rubric Creative Work (up to 50 points) 1. What is the applicant’s mission or artistic vision and what is the programming do you do to support that mission? (up to 30 points) 10 points 7 points 4 points 1 point Share your mission and describe the creative programming activities that supports it. Mission and vision are clearly stated and aligned with the applicant's creative work. 10 points Mission and vision are stated and shows some connection to the applicant’s creative work. 7 points Mission and vision are somewhat vague or broad; Narrative or work samples show limited alignment between purpose and impact. 4 points Mission and vision are missing, unclear, or disconnected from the described work. 1 point Clearly identifies specific communities impacted. Describes multiple, meaningful modes of engagement (e.g., co-creation, feedback loops). Demonstrates a strong understanding of community voice and needs. Narrative response and work samples show deep, sustained commitment to serving the stated community with examples of impact or leadership. 10 points Identifies relevant impacted groups, though may be somewhat general. Describes clear engagement methods (e.g., events, outreach, participation). Narrative response and work samples show some examples of impact 7 points Has distinct artistic values or traditions (e.g., cultural lineage, aesthetics, forms). Shows strong alignment between artistic values, traditions or focus and mission. Includes innovation, or intergenerational knowledge. Describes artistic influences, but the meaning or background is not fully explained Shows strong alignment between artistic values, traditions or focus and mission. Reflects some awareness of tradition or community. Lists who is impacted broadly, but lacks clarity or specificity. Engagement is mentioned but vague, passive, or one-directional (e.g., “audiences attend”). Little evidence of intentional design for access. Narrative response and work samples lack supporting detail or examples. 4 points No clear identification of who is impacted or why it matters. Engagement is missing or unclear. Response may feel disconnected from community or public purpose. 1 point Shows limited insight into artistic roots, traditions, or direction. Mission is present but underdeveloped or unclear. Little evidence of artistic focus. Artistic values are missing, unclear, or overly broad. Response lacks connection to mission or artistic direction. Narrative is unclear or unfinished. Identify who your work impacts and how they engage with it. Explain the artistic values, traditions, or focus that guide your mission. 2. What is your proposed activity and how does it reflect the people, places, or cultures of Austin? (up to 20 points) 10 points 7 points 4 points 1 point DraftElevate-Nonprofit Scoring Rubric Clearly defined public activities. Strong ties to Austin’s diverse communities or to uniquely Austin traditions, histories, or cultural 10 points Outlines the proposed activity. Demonstrates a relevant connection to Austin’s culture or communities, though may be less specific. Reflects some awareness of place or local context. 7 points Activities are described with minimal detail. Mentions Austin in broad terms with minimal connection to specific people or places. Limited reflection of how the activity fits into Austin’s cultural fabric. 4 points Activity is vague or unclear. Little or no reference to Austin’s people, places, or cultures. Response appears disconnected from local context. Or public activities are not listed or are unclear. 1 point Clearly describes specific underrepresented histories or cultural forms that the proposed activities center. Demonstrates leadership or commitment in uplifting and preserving underrepresented voices Activities are grounded in community connection or lived experience. Identifies underrepresented histories or emerging cultural forms, though may be less detailed. Shows some intention to uplifting underrepresented voices. Demonstrates some community connection or lived experience. Mentions underrepresented histories or emerging cultural forms, but lacks clarity or depth. May rely on general statements without showing how activities uplift underrepresented voices. Minimal insight into who benefits or how the work supports community connection. Response is vague, or missing details. Little or no mention of underrepresented histories or emerging cultural forms No clear alignment with community connection or cultural innovation Describe your proposed activity and how it reflects Austin’s people, places, or cultures. Explain how your activities elevate underrepresented histories or emerging cultural forms (Cultural Innovation) Capacity (Up to 30 points) 3. Describe your experience producing creative work or offering public experiences in Austin. (up to 25 points) 10 points 7 points 4 points 1 point Introduce your key team members, their expertise and their role in the proposed activity. Staff/board/volunteers/creative contributors have relevant experience or qualifications (could be lived or professional experience). Narrative and work samples demonstrates thoughtful alignment between staff/ board/ volunteers/ creative contributors and proposed activities. 10 points Describes qualifications or experience that generally support the proposed activities. Description of administrative and/or creative support is sufficient, but may lack key roles or specifics. 7 points Team members are named, but roles, relevance, or experience are unclear. Limited connection to proposed work. 4 points No relevant staff or board information provided. 1 point DraftElevate-Nonprofit Scoring Rubric Narrative and work samples clearly describes the team’s deep, ongoing relationships with the community served Team includes primarily members who are from, reflect, or are rooted in the community served Shows trust, reciprocity, or shared history with community members 5 points Narrative and work samples provide clear evidence of at least 1 successful public event in Austin of similar scope as the proposed activity. Clear alignment with proposed work; includes details (scale, audience, outcomes). Shows strong understanding of local context, permitting, or logistics. Narrative and work samples explain a relevant and respectful connection to the community Team includes some members who are from, reflect, or are rooted in the community served Some evidence of collaboration or responsiveness to community needs 4 points Narrative and work samples show a connection to community that is general, indirect, or short-term Relationship with the community is mostly one-directional (e.g., service delivery) Little evidence of shared decision- making or representation 2 points Connection to the community is unclear, minimal, or missing Team appears disconnected from those served No demonstration of community presence, input, or alignment 1 point Narrative and work samples provide examples with some detail or clarity. Past events are generally aligned with proposed activity. Demonstrates experience and familiarity with producing public facing activities in Austin. Some experience in producing creative work, but may lack public-facing or Austin-based examples. Potential is visible, but alignment with proposed activity is unclear. Examples provided have no connection to the proposed activities; Or no examples of past public events. Describe your team’s connection to the community served.    Highlight one or two examples of similar work you’ve completed successfully in Austin. 4. What is your Proposed Project Budget? (up to 5 points) Explain how your budget supports our project. 3 points Budget is clear 2 points 2 points Budget is mostly understandable but some key details are missing 1 point 1 point Budget lacks specificity Describe other resources beyond city funds that will allow you to successfully complete this activity including in- kind support and other funding sources. Applicant describes other funding sources and inkind support Does not provide descripitons for other funding sources or inkind support. Public Connection (up to 20 points) 5. How will you market your proposed activities? (up to 20 points) Describe how you connect with residents, and visitors and tourists. 5 points 4 points 2 points 1 point Provides a clear plan to reach all three groups (residents, visitors and tourists) Strategies show understanding of audience differences and access needs 5 points Reaches at least two groups with some thoughtful detail (residents, visitors and tourists) Efforts are relevant and likely effective, but may lack audience tailoring 4 points Focuses on just one group or offers vague or minimal outreach plans Shows limited understanding of audience range 2 points Outreach is unclear, or incomplete Doesn’t meaningfully address how to reach any specific group Lacks strategy, or audience awareness 1 point DraftElevate-Nonprofit Scoring Rubric How are you promoting Austin as a cultural and creative destination? Clearly shows how the work is rooted in or reflects Austin’s cultural and creative character Highlights specific people, places, traditions, or creative movements unique to Austin Demonstrates a strong sense of place, history, or community connection 10 points Describes how the work aligns with or contributes to Austin’s cultural and creative scene Includes relevant cultural and creative elements, though not deeply explored Shows some awareness of place, history, or community connection 7 points Mentions Austin, but connection to cultural or creative identity is vague Description lacks specific examples or cultural context Focus is more on creative output than place, history, or community connection 4 points No clear connection to Austin’s cultural or creative identity Response is vague or incomplete 1 point Clearly outlines a strategic outreach plan using multiple ways to reach people (e.g., social media, flyers, email newsletters, local media, community events) Uses tools that are accessible, culturally relevant, and targeted to underserved communities (e.g., language access, neighborhood-based outreach, partnerships) Demonstrates strong awareness of audience's communication barriers and explains how the approach addresses them Share your outreach and marketing efforts, especially how you reach underserved communities. Describes effective outreach using more than one method (e.g., digital and in-person strategies) Includes some tailored approaches for underserved groups Shows some awareness of audience's communication needs or barriers Mentions outreach, but methods are limited or general Reaches people in only one or two ways, with little explanation Minimal understanding of audience's communication needs or barriers Outreach efforts are minimal, unclear, or missing No specific plan for reaching underserved communities Audience's communication needs or barriers not mentioned DraftElevate- Arts Groups/Artists Scoring Rubric Creative Work (up to 50 points) 1. What is the applicant’s mission or artistic vision and what is the programming do you do to support that mission? (up to 30 points) 5 points 4 points 2 points 1 point Share your mission and describe the creative programming activities that supports it. Creative mission and artistic vision are clearly stated and aligned with the applicant's creative work. 10 points Creative mission and artistic visionare stated and shows some connection to the applicant’s creative work. 7 points Creative mission and artistic vision are somewhat vague or broad; Narrative or work samples show limited alignment between purpose and impact. 4 points Creative mission and artistic vision are missing, unclear, or disconnected from the described work. 1 point Clearly identifies specific communities impacted. Describes multiple, meaningful modes of engagement (e.g., co-creation, feedback loops). Demonstrates a strong understanding of community voice and needs. Narrative response and work samples show deep, sustained commitment to serving the stated community with examples of impact or leadership. 15 points Identifies relevant impacted groups, though may be somewhat general. Describes clear engagement methods (e.g., events, outreach, participation). Narrative response and work samples show some examples of impact 10 points Lists who is impacted broadly, but lacks clarity or specificity. Engagement is mentioned but vague, passive, or one-directional (e.g., “audiences attend”). Little evidence of intentional design for access. Narrative response and work samples lack supporting detail or examples. 5 points No clear identification of who is impacted or why it matters. Engagement is missing or unclear. Response may feel disconnected from community or public purpose. 1 point Identify who your work impacts and how they engage with it. Has distinct artistic values or traditions (e.g., cultural lineage, aesthetics, forms). Shows strong alignment between artistic values, traditions or focus and creative mission. Includes innovation, or intergenerational knowledge. Describes artistic influences, but the meaning or background is not fully explained Shows strong alignment between artistic values, traditions or focus and creative mission. Reflects some awareness of tradition or community. Explain the artistic values, traditions, or focus that guide your mission. 2. What is your proposed activity and how does it reflect the people, places, or cultures of Austin? (up to 20 points) Shows limited insight into artistic roots, traditions, or direction. Creative mission is present but underdeveloped or unclear. Little evidence of artistic focus. Artistic values are missing, unclear, or overly broad. Response lacks connection to creative mission or artistic direction. Narrative is unclear or unfinished. 10 points 7 points 4 points 1 point DraftElevate- Arts Groups/Artists Scoring Rubric Describe your proposed activity and how it reflects Austin’s people, places, or cultures. Clearly defined public activities. Strong ties to Austin’s diverse communities or to uniquely Austin traditions, histories, or cultural expressions. Highlights community relevance or collaboration with local people or places. 10 points Outlines the proposed activity. Demonstrates a relevant connection to Austin’s culture or communities, though may be less specific. Reflects some awareness of place or local context. 7 points Activities are described with minimal detail. Mentions Austin in broad terms with minimal connection to specific people or places. Limited reflection of how the activity fits into Austin’s cultural fabric. 4 points Activity is vague or unclear. Little or no reference to Austin’s people, places, or cultures. Response appears disconnected from local context. Or public activities are not listed or are unclear. 1 point Clearly describes specific underrepresented histories or cultural forms that the proposed activities center. Demonstrates leadership or commitment in uplifting and preserving underrepresented voices Activities are grounded in community connection or lived experience. Identifies underrepresented histories or emerging cultural forms, though may be less detailed. Shows some intention to uplifting underrepresented voices. Demonstrates some community connection or lived experience. Mentions underrepresented histories or emerging cultural forms, but lacks clarity or depth. May rely on general statements without showing how activities uplift underrepresented voices. Minimal insight into who benefits or how the work supports community connection. Response is vague, or missing details. Little or no mention of underrepresented histories or emerging cultural forms No clear alignment with community connection or cultural innovation Explain how your activities elevate underrepresented histories or emerging cultural forms (Cultural Innovation) Capacity (Up to 30 points) 3. Describe your experience producing creative work or offering public experiences in Austin. (up to 25 points) Introduce your key team members, their expertise and their role in the proposed activity. 10 points 7 points 4 points 1 point Lead applicant and creative contributors have relevant experience or qualifications (could be lived or professional experience). Narrative and work samples demonstrates thoughtful alignment between creative contributors and proposed activities. Describes lead applicant and creative contributors' qualifications or experience that generally support the proposed activities. Description of administrative and/or creative support is sufficient, but may lack key roles or specifics. Lead applicant and creative contributors are named, but roles, relevance, or experience are unclear. Limited connection to proposed work. No relevant lead applicant or creative contributors information provided. 10 points 7 points 4 points 1 point DraftElevate- Arts Groups/Artists Scoring Rubric Narrative and work samples clearly describes the deep, ongoing relationships with the community served Applicant and creative contributors include primarily members who are from, reflect, or are rooted in the community served Shows trust, reciprocity, or shared history with community members 5 points Narrative and work samples explain a relevant and respectful connection to the community Applicant and creative contributors include some members who are from, reflect, or are rooted in the community served Some evidence of collaboration or responsiveness to community needs 4 points Narrative and work samples show a connection to community that is general, indirect, or short-term Relationship with the community is mostly one-directional (e.g., service delivery) Little evidence of shared decision- making or representation 2 points Connection to the community is unclear, minimal, or missing Applicant and creative contributors appear disconnected from those served No demonstration of community presence, input, or alignment 1 point Narrative and work samples provide clear evidence of at least 1 successful public event in Austin of similar scope as the proposed activity. Clear alignment with proposed work; includes details (scale, audience, outcomes). Shows strong understanding of local context, permitting, or logistics. Narrative and work samples provide examples with some detail or clarity. Past events are generally aligned with proposed activity. Demonstrates experience and familiarity with producing public facing activities in Austin. Some experience in producing creative work, but may lack public-facing or Austin-based examples. Potential is visible, but alignment with proposed activity is unclear. Examples provided have no connection to the proposed activities; Or no examples of past public events. Describe your team’s connection to the community served.    Highlight one or two examples of similar work you’ve completed successfully in Austin. 4. What is your Proposed Project Budget? (up to 5 points) 3 points Explain how your budget supports our project. Budget is clear 2 points Budget is mostly understandable but some key details are missing 1 point Budget lacks specificity Describe other resources beyond city funds that will allow you to successfully complete this activity including in- kind support and other funding sources. Applicant describes other funding sources and inkind support Does not provide descripitons for other funding sources or inkind support. 2 points 1 point Public Connection (up to 20 points) 5. How will you market your proposed activities? (up to 20 points) 5 points 4 points 2 points 1 point Describe how you connect with residents, and visitors and tourists. Provides a clear plan to reach all three groups (residents, visitors and tourists) Strategies show understanding of audience differences and access needs 5 points Reaches at least two groups with some thoughtful detail (residents, visitors and tourists) Efforts are relevant and likely effective, but may lack audience tailoring 4 points Focuses on just one group or offers vague or minimal outreach plans Shows limited understanding of audience range 2 points Outreach is unclear, or incomplete Doesn’t meaningfully address how to reach any specific group Lacks strategy, or audience awareness 1 point DraftElevate- Arts Groups/Artists Scoring Rubric How are you promoting Austin as a cultural and creative destination? Share your outreach and marketing efforts, especially how you reach underserved communities. Clearly shows how the work is rooted in or reflects Austin’s cultural and creative character Highlights specific people, places, traditions, or creative movements unique to Austin Demonstrates a strong sense of place, history, or community connection 10 points Clearly outlines a strategic outreach plan using multiple ways to reach people (e.g., social media, flyers, email newsletters, local media, community events) Uses tools that are accessible, culturally relevant, and targeted to underserved communities (e.g., language access, neighborhood-based outreach, partnerships) Demonstrates strong awareness of audience's communication barriers and explains how the approach addresses them Describes how the work aligns with or contributes to Austin’s cultural and creative scene Includes relevant cultural and creative elements, though not deeply explored Shows some awareness of place, history, or community connection 7 points Mentions Austin, but connection to cultural or creative identity is vague Description lacks specific examples or cultural context Focus is more on creative output than place, history, or community connection 4 points No clear connection to Austin’s cultural or creative identity Response is vague or incomplete 1 point Describes effective outreach using more than one method (e.g., digital and in-person strategies) Includes some tailored approaches for underserved groups Shows some awareness of audience's communication needs or barriers Mentions outreach, but methods are limited or general Reaches people in only one or two ways, with little explanation Minimal understanding of audience's communication needs or barriers Outreach efforts are minimal, unclear, or missing No specific plan for reaching underserved communities Audience's communication needs or barriers not mentioned DraftThrive Scoring Rubric Creative Work (up to 30 Points) 1. What is your organization’s mission and what is the programming you do to support that mission? (up to 20 points) 5 points 4 points 2 points 1 point Share your organization’s mission statement and the creative programming it supports. Mission and vision are clearly stated and aligned with the organization's creative work. 5 points Mission and vision are stated and shows some connection to the organizations’s creative work. 4 points Mission and vision are somewhat vague or broad; Narrative or work samples show limited alignment between purpose and impact. 2 points Mission and vision are missing, unclear, or disconnected from the described work. 1 point Explain the artistic traditions, focus, or values that guide your work. Has distinct artistic values or traditions (e.g., cultural lineage, aesthetics, forms). Shows strong alignment between artistic values, traditions or focus and mission. Includes innovation, or intergenerational knowledge. 10 points Describes artistic influences, but the meaning or background is not fully explained Shows strong alignment between artistic values, traditions or focus and mission. Reflects some awareness of tradition or community. 7 points Shows limited insight into artistic roots, traditions, or direction. Mission is present but underdeveloped or unclear. Little evidence of artistic focus. 4 points Artistic values are missing, unclear, or overly broad. Response lacks connection to mission or artistic direction. Narrative is unclear or unfinished. 1 point Explain how your programming serves or centers historically underserved communities or cultural identities. Community most deeply impacted is clearly identified with specificity , showing understanding of context and need. Identifies a specific community facing historic or current barriers (e.g., economic, geographic, linguistic, age, disability-related, etc.) Engagement with the community is mentioned, but may be emerging or not yet fully realized. Identifies the community with moderate specificity; applicant shows some understanding of context and need. Provides evidence of how programs or values seek to increase inclusion or accessibility. Commitment to community may appear aspirational without tangible examples. Identifies audiences broadly; May describe intentions to be inclusive but lacks supporting detail or examples. No clear identification of who is impacted or why it matters. Lacks awareness or effort to address barriers or increase access. No evidence of community connection or cultural relevance. 2.What is your proposed activity and how does it reflect the people, places, or cultures of Austin? (up to 10 points) 5 points 4 points 2 points 1 point Describe your programming and how it reflects Austin’s people, places, or cultures. Clearly defined public activities. Strong ties to Austin’s diverse communities or to uniquely Austin traditions, histories, or 5 points Outlines the proposed activity. Demonstrates a relevant connection to Austin’s culture or communities, though may be less specific. Reflects some awareness of place or local context. 4 points Activities are described with minimal detail. Mentions Austin in broad terms with minimal connection to specific people or places. Limited reflection of how the activity fits into Austin’s cultural fabric. 2 points Activity is vague or unclear. Little or no reference to Austin’s people, places, or cultures. Response appears disconnected from local context. Or public activities are not listed or are unclear. 1 point DraftThrive Scoring Rubric Clearly describes specific underrepresented histories or cultural forms that the proposed activities center. Demonstrates leadership or commitment in uplifting and preserving underrepresented voices Activities are grounded in community connection or lived experience. Identifies underrepresented histories or emerging cultural forms, though may be less detailed. Shows some intention to uplifting underrepresented voices. Demonstrates some community connection or lived experience. Mentions underrepresented histories or emerging cultural forms, but lacks clarity or depth. May rely on general statements without showing how activities uplift underrepresented voices. Minimal insight into who benefits or how the work supports community connection. Response is vague, or missing details. Little or no mention of underrepresented histories or emerging cultural forms No clear alignment with community connection or cultural innovation Explain how your work elevates underrepresented histories or emerging cultural forms. Capacity (Up to 40 points) 3. Describe your organization’s goals to sustain and grow over the next two years?  (up to 35 points) 15 points 10 points 5 points 1 point Goals are detailed and have specific measurables to determine success over the next two years Goals are achievable and have a detailed timeline Applicant describes why these goals are strongly aligned with the growth or sustainablity of the organization 15 points Staff and/or board have relevant experience or qualifications (could be lived or professional experience) Describes tailored alignment between staff/board and goals Administative support including any hiring or board expansion plans are strategic and tied to stated needs 5 points Outline your 2-year goals and how this funding will help you reach them. Describe your staff and board’s experience and how they align with your goals and community. Goals may lack some details (e.g., exact timeframe or metric) Goals are clear and achievable, though may need refinement Goals are somewhat aligned with the growth or sustainablity of the organization 10 points Goals are somewhat vague or general Goals appear aspirational or there is doubt around achievability Goals are vaguely aligned with the growth or sustainablity of the organization 5 points Goals are unclear or missing. Little or no description of how goals will be achieved. 1 point Staff and/or board have some experience or qualifications. Describes qualifications or experience that generally support the goals Administative support is sufficient, but may lack depth or detailed alignment. 4 points Staff and/or board have little experience or qualifications. Describes qualifications or experience that minimally support the goals Administative support has minimal alignment to stated needs 2 points No relevant staff or board information provided. 1 point Share how you plan to remain financially stable and adaptable beyond the grant period. Organization shows a detailed understanding of their own financial risks and needs Demonstrates flexibility, resourcefulness, and long-term thinking (e.g., pivoting programming, adjusting scale) Organization shows some detailed understanding of their own financial risks and needs Shows some flexibility, resourcefulness, and long-term thinking, but missing some details Organization shows little understanding of their own financial risks and needs Shows limited flexibility, resourcefulness, and long-term thinking No clear understanding of their own financial rists and needs Response is vague, unrealistic, or missing Shows no understanding of financial risks or future needs DraftThrive Scoring Rubric 4. What is your Proposed Year One Organizational Operating Budget?  (up to 5 points) Explaing how your budget supports your project . Describe other resources beyond city funds that will allow you to successfully complete this activity including in-kind support and other funding sources. [This is the budget form that will be in Submittable] 3 points Budget is clear 2 points 2 points Budget is mostly understandable but some key details are missing 1 point 1 point Budget lacks specificity Applicant describes other funding sources and inkind support Does not provide descripitons for other funding sources or inkind support. Public Connection (up to 30 points without creative space or up to 40 points with creative space)  5. How will you market your proposed activities? (up to 15 points) Describe how you connect with both residents, and visitors, and tourists. 5 points Provides a clear plan to reach all three groups (residents, visitors and tourists) Strategies show understanding of audience differences and access needs 5 points 4 points Reaches at least two groups with some thoughtful detail (residents, visitors and tourists) Efforts are relevant and likely effective, but may lack audience tailoring 4 points 2 points 1 point Focuses on just one group or offers vague or minimal outreach plans Shows limited understanding of audience range 2 points Outreach is unclear, or incomplete Doesn’t meaningfully address how to reach any specific group Lacks strategy, or audience awareness 1 point Clearly outlines a strategic outreach plan using multiple ways to reach people (e.g., social media, flyers, email newsletters, local media, community events) Uses tools that are accessible, culturally relevant, and targeted to underserved communities (e.g., language access, neighborhood-based outreach, partnerships) Demonstrates strong awareness of audience's communication barriers and explains how the approach addresses them 5 points Share your outreach and marketing efforts, especially how you reach underserved communities. Describes effective outreach using more than one method (e.g., digital and in-person strategies) Includes some tailored approaches for underserved groups Shows some awareness of audience's communication needs or barriers 4 points Mentions outreach, but methods are limited or general Reaches people in only one or two ways, with little explanation Minimal understanding of audience's communication needs or barriers 2 points Outreach efforts are minimal, unclear, or missing No specific plan for reaching underserved communities Audience's communication needs or barriers not mentioned 1 point Clearly shows how the work is rooted in or reflects Austin’s cultural and creative character Highlights specific people, places, traditions, or creative movements unique to Austin Demonstrates a strong sense of place, history, or community connection Describes how the work aligns with or contributes to Austin’s cultural and creative scene Includes relevant cultural and creative elements, though not deeply explored Shows some awareness of place, history, or community connection Mentions Austin, but connection to cultural or creative identity is vague Description lacks specific examples or cultural context Focus is more on creative output than place, history, or community connection No clear connection to Austin’s cultural or creative identity Response is vague or incomplete How are you promoting Austin as a cultural and creative destination?  7. Describe how your work contributes to the local creative ecosystem. (up to 15 with applicants without Creative Space or up to 25 points for applicants with Creative Space) DraftThrive Scoring Rubric 10 points 7 points 4 points 1 point Organization's contributions to the local creative ecosystem are measurable, ongoing, and intentional. Clear evidence of programs or opportunities that offer long-term benefits that help to strengthen the creative ecosystem Provides specific examples like jobs, mentorship, education, networking, etc. 5 points Provides clear, specific examples of sharing tools, knowledge, or services Shows that resource-sharing is intentional, ongoing, and embedded in the organization’s values or operations Describes how this sharing helps other creatives grow, collaborate, or sustain their work 10 points Creative Space is frequently shared with multiple Austin MSA-based artists or groups Access is affordable or subsidized, and a clear process to book by community Serves as a consistent community asset for the Austin Arts Ecosystem (e.g., public events, rentals, residencies) Offers wrap-around support services (e.g., equipment, admin support, ticketing, marketing) that help creatives thrive in the space  Describe how your organization supports creative workers through jobs, internships, or partnerships. Examples of how you share space , tools, knowledge, or services to help other creatives thrive.      Applicants with Creative Space Only If you manage creative space, share how it’s used to support others through shared access, programming, or creative exchange. Organization's contributions to the local creative ecosystem are present but not fully measurable, intentional, or clearly explained Provides some examples, though they may be less detailed or short-term Some programs or opportunities are new or in development 4 points Organization's contributions to the local creative ecosystem describes activities or partnerships, but support for creative workers is unclear Examples are vague or minimal Limited evidence of sustained benefit or ecosystem contribution 2 points No clear evidence of organization's contirbution to the creative ecosystem. No specific examples provided 1 point Offers relevant examples, but they may be limited in detail Sharing appears occasional or developing, rather than built-in Shows a general intent to support other creatives 7 points Mentions sharing, but examples are vague or minimal Sharing appears informal or one-time, with unclear benefit to others Impact on other creatives is not well explained 4 points No clear examples of sharing resources Response is unclear, off-topic, or missing No evident connection to helping other creatives thrive 1 point Creative space is sometimes shared, but mainly used by groups outside the Austin MSA Booking or cost structure is unclear or inconsistently accessible Some community benefit is shown, but wrap- around services are limited or not described Creative Space is occasionally shared, but not a core part of the organization’s work May lack affordability or transparency in access No wrap-around services, or use is limited to basic rentals Community support is minimal or incidental No mention of creative space use by others No evidence of sharing, access, or community engagement Draft