Question: What are "NISP" codes?
Answer: NISP refers to the National Standard for Arts Information Exchange Project. Documentation of federal and state funds used to support the arts is through the use of National Information Systems Project (NISP). This standardized collection of information promotes compatibility in the collection of information about the arts.

Both application forms and final report forms request statistical information to assist public funders in tracking requests and grants. Standard (NISP) Codes have been established for data processing purposes. The NISP Codes are the codes that the State Arts Council asks applicants to select and enter onto their application forms.

For more information and a full list of the NISP codes, click here.

Question: Where are your offices located?
Answer: We are located at 172 Pembroke Rd, in Concord.

Question: What are your hours?
Answer: The Arts Council is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We are closed all State and most Federal holidays.

Question: How does someone get to be a member of one of the grant review panels?
Answer: Panelists are drawn from the community, both in New Hampshire and out of state. To nominate yourself or someone else, fill out the Panelist Nomination Form

Staff and State Arts Councilors review nominees for consideration. Panelists are selected with consideration of their availability; lack of conflict-of-interest; and the need to achieve balance a variety of factors: in-state and out-of-state perspectives, appropriate range of expertise in arts disciplines and arts administration, and a representative range reflective of the population at large.

Question: Where can I find tips on how to submit my online grant application?
Answer: There is lots of information on our Grants Basics page, with specific information regarding the online process here - Online Grant Application System - including tutorial videos.

Question: If we are awarded a grant, when will we get our money?
Answer: NHSCA disburses funds appropriated from public sources, both federal and state. Checks are issued by Administrative Services of the State of NH, not the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources or the State Arts Council.

Upon receipt of properly executed grant forms, the State of New Hampshire generally pays organization grants under $10,000 to grantees within four to six weeks. If an organization is awarded $10,000 or more or has received other State Arts Council funds which bring the cumulative total received for that fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) to $10,000 or above, grants must be approved by Governor and Executive Council; consequently, payment can take up to 10 weeks.

Upon receipt of properly executed grant forms, the State of New Hampshire generally pays individual grants of under $2,500 to grantees within four to six weeks. If an individual is awarded $5,000 or more or has received other State Council on the Arts funds which brings the cumulative total received with the state’s fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) to $5,000 or above, grants need to be approved by the Governor and Executive Council; consequently, payment can take up to ten weeks.

Question: How do I find out who my state legislator is?
Answer: Look up your legislator (House and Senate) by going to this link on the State’s website: The New Hampshire House of Representatives ; Executive Council: Welcome | New Hampshire Executive Council

Question: How do I set up a non-profit organization so we can apply for grants?
Answer: There are a few basic steps to setting up a non-profit organization. Click here for more information.