Financial Assistance for Allied Cultural Activities

Financial Assistance for Allied Cultural Activities is a scheme by Ministry of Culture, Government of India that gives money support to not-for-profit organizations. It helps these groups buy modern audio-visual equipment to improve live cultural shows at popular tourist sites and festivals. The scheme is still open, and organizations can apply through the official website culture.gov.in.

This scheme is a sub-component of the broader "Financial Assistance for Building Grants Including Studio Theatres," which comes under the scheme for creation of cultural infrastructure. The main aim is to give organizations the money to buy audio-visual gear so they can create immersive spectacles for visitors. This works well in open or closed spaces where large numbers of tourists gather, especially during major festivals where attendance reaches lakhs.

Financial Assistance for Allied Cultural Activities - Introduction

Financial Assistance for Allied Cultural Activities, launched by Ministry of Culture, Government of India, exists to help organizations create better cultural experiences for the public. It is a sub-component of the broader "Financial Assistance for Building Grants Including Studio Theatres," which falls under the overarching scheme for creation of cultural infrastructure.

Its primary goal is to give organizations the money to purchase audio-visual equipment. By using this technology, they can create immersive spectacles that give visitors a first-hand look at live performances. This is especially useful in open or closed spaces where large numbers of tourists and visitors gather, particularly during major festivals where attendance reaches lakhs.

Benefits

This scheme provides big money backing to help organizations improve their cultural infrastructure. The table below shows the maximum support available:

These grants are non-regular, meaning they are given once and not repeated. If an organization has ongoing running costs, it should manage those on its own. The government will cover up to 90% of the project cost, including taxes and duties. The organization is responsible for the remaining 10% as its matching share.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this money support, a project should focus on buying technical gear such as microphones, audio-visual transmitters, mixers, cameras, and LED display controllers. For example, if Ananya manages a local cultural society, she can apply for funds to purchase line array speakers and broadcast cameras if her society has been active for over three years.

Requirements for Organizations:

• The organization must be a not-for-profit entity registered as a society, trust, or company for at least three years.
• It must have a track record of presenting cultural spectacles that provide live audience experiences.
• It should get a recommendation letter from the local District Authority, District Collector, or the relevant state or Union Territory government body to support the application.

Application Process

Organizations can find the official application form on the culture.gov.in website. The form is available as a PDF that can be downloaded and filled out.

STEP 1 - First, make sure the organization registers with the NGO Darpan Portal to obtain its unique ID. This ID is required for the application.

STEP 2 - Download and fill out the application form clearly and legibly. The form can be downloaded from the official website at culture.gov.in.

STEP 3 - Make sure every page is serially numbered and signed by an authorized signatory of the organization.

STEP 4 - Submit the application along with all required enclosures via email to director@nscd.gov.in or nscdl01@gmail.com. Alternatively, it can be sent by post to the Director, National Science Centre, Near Gate No. 1, Bhairon Road, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi - 110001.

Evaluation: National Science Centre will scrutinize the application for completeness. If the application meets all criteria, an Expert Committee will review the technical merit and cost estimates of the project proposal.

Documents

When preparing the application, the following documents should be included:

• A detailed project proposal and profile of the organization describing its activity level over the last three years.
• A clear cost estimate based on actual quotations for the requested equipment.
• Proof of organizational registration, such as a Society Certificate or Trust Deed.
• The names and addresses of the current board members.
• Audited income, expenditure, and balance sheets for the last three years.
• The last three years of income tax assessment orders.
• Evidence showing the matching share of the funds has been arranged.
• A resolution from the board authorizing the application.
• A signed bond on the required stamp paper.
• The NGO Darpan Unique ID.
• PAN card of the organization and bank authorization details for payment.
• An undertaking confirming compliance with noise pollution rules and completion of the project within one year.

References

Official Guidelines | Official Website | Download Application Form

FAQ's

What is the objective of the scheme?

The scheme provides money support for the creation of assets, specifically audio-visual spectacles, to give visitors a high-quality live performance experience at popular tourist sites.

Which ministry manages this scheme?

Ministry of Culture, Government of India, manages this scheme.

Is the grant provided as a one-time payment?

Grants are released in two installments: 60% upon approval and 40% after the required progress reports, use certificates, and audit statements are submitted.

What is the deadline for project completion?

The audio-visual equipment project should be completed within one year from the date the first installment of the grant is received.

Are there specific rules for equipment?

Yes, the project must follow the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and make sure all audio-visual equipment is branded as per the original proposal.