Grant Appeals Process

SCAC Grant Appeals Process

The appeals procedure allows for a review of the implementation of the decision-making process concerning a grant proposal. It is not intended to impose a different panel’s choices over the original panel’s decision. Instead, it provides an opportunity to ensure that the decision was reached in a manner consistent with the applicable review guidelines.

Dissatisfaction with the denial or amount of a grant is not sufficient grounds for an appeal. Grounds for appeal are evidence of at least one of the following:

1. The proposal was reviewed based on criteria other than those appearing in the relevant published guidelines.
2. The panel was influenced willfully or unwilfully by members who failed to disclose conflicts of interest.
3. Inaccurate information was knowingly provided to the panel during its review of proposals.

Incomplete proposals or errors contained within proposals do not constitute grounds for appeal.

The first step in the appeals process is to consult with the program director to review the considerations that went into the panel’s decision.

If the applicant wishes to pursue an appeal based on the criteria above, a request must be made in writing to Deputy Director Ashley Brown, within 30 days of the date the decision notification was received stating the Commission’s approval of panel decisions. The letter must cite evidence to support one or more of the grounds for appeal.

The appeal will be determined at the discretion of Deputy Director Ashley Brown, who may make a final ruling or refer the matter to the Arts Commission board. In the event Deputy Director Ashley Brown makes a final ruling, she will make a report to the Arts Commission board at the earliest opportunity.