Funding source denies grant application over technicality

COEUR d'ALENE — Downtown Coeur d'Alene arts nonprofit Emerge has launched a "Help from Friends" campaign after being denied grant money this budget season due to an application technicality.

The goal is to raise $45,000 by Dec. 10.

"We did feel we really did need to put it out there to the community and let them know we're struggling right now," Emerge Executive Director Jeni Hegsted said Thursday.

The Little Rock-based Windgate Foundation annually provided Emerge with about $50,000 in grant funding for the past four years. This year, however, the foundation rejected its application for including plans to expand performing arts programming, which is outside Wyndgate's funding areas.

Hegsted said she and her grant proposal team, which includes a professional grant writer, overlooked this detail.

“We had all looked through the website and the criteria again. It states that they fund contemporary craft and visual arts,” she said. “It does not say what they do not fund; the technicality is that we had included some support for musicians. I would consider music a craft, but they don’t support the performing arts.”

Although Hegsted was quick to request a modification to the application, the foundation was not able to make any changes. Emerge will be able to apply for the funding next year, “which is a huge silver lining for us because they are not even accepting new applicants at all," Hegsted said.

“Just the fact we are able to still apply is huge,” she said. “We’re really thankful for that, but we have to figure out, ‘How are we going to overcome this?’” 

Some small events are in the works, she said, and a few local businesses have already contacted Emerge to offer support. As of Thursday, Emerge had raised close to $10,000.

"We have something really exciting that we want to share," Hegsted said. "For the next $15,000 that is raised, we have a match."

That match will be provided by nearby neighbor and longtime downtown Coeur d'Alene business Clark's Diamond Jewelers.

"As a local business owner, I believe it's critical to have a consistent draw for people to visit our city center," owner Jane Clark said Friday. "A thriving downtown is important and it’s a sign of a healthy community."

She said Emerge offers a space that's unlike any other in the area.

"It supports local artists, it's a warm, welcoming space," Clark said. "There's really nothing else like it."

She said turnover and shuttered businesses affect all of downtown. By supporting Emerge, she is supporting the nonprofit's longevity.

"I thought the match could motivate people to contribute as well," Clark said. "It's doubling their investment."

According to data provided by Hegsted, Emerge so far in 2024: employed four staff members and provided numerous hours of experience for volunteers; used $40,000 to throw community events; displayed the works of 250 local artists; supported over 40 artists and makers through Emerge's retail and online stores; held 95 art classes and workshops; and provided paid internships for those seeking experience in the art field.

Without the $50,000 that makes up a large slice of Emerge's $325,000 operating budget, the nonprofit will have to deeply examine its finances.

"We would have to look at all of our expenses and see where we can cut," Hegsted said. "We're really lean here anyway, but there will be things we just won't be able to do for a bit."

Hegsted remains optimistic about Emerge's resilience and hopes word of the Help from Friends campaign reaches far and wide.

“We’re going to make it through this,” she said.

Info: emergecda.com

    People gather outside of Emerge in downtown Coeur d'Alene during a community event. The arts nonprofit has launched a fundraising campaign to make up for a $50,000 loss after a grant application was denied.