Christmas came early Wednesday when the Summit County Commission doled out grants worth $729,131 to 21 local nonprofits.
A portion of the Recreation, Arts and Parks Tax, from sales-tax coffers, is earmarked for groups promoting cultural events for Summit County residents, said Parkite Tom Fey, chairman of the RAP Tax Cultural Advisory Committee.
About $4 million has gone to arts and cultural groups since Summit County created its RAP Tax seven years ago, Fey said.
“These organizations make life better,” Fey said.
But three groups that applied did not qualify for grants this year, he said.
Because the Writers at Work organization wanted money to host a convention in Park City, that group was excluded, Fey said.
The fledgling Park City Gallery Association had not yet received its certified non-profit tax status from the federal government, he said.
“In order for an organization to get RAP Tax funds, they have to be a not-for-profit, publicly-supported charity,” Fey said, adding that 24 groups requested about $1.3 million this year.
The third denial was the Utah Music Festival, which is a for-profit event, Fey explained.
Meanwhile, three groups received first-time funding in 2008.
A grant for $12,294 was approved for the Park Silly Sunday Market to assist with operating costs for the weekly summer fair on Main Street.
The Spiro Arts program at Silver Star in Park City was awarded a $6,363 grant, and the Summit County Conservatory received $2,266.
Summit County Commissioner Sally Elliott praised members of the RAP advisory board for recommending the Mountain Spirit Heritage Festival receive $7,858, which was approved.
“I just love the Mountain Spirit Festival,” Elliott said about the summer rendezvous at Rockport reservoir near Wanship.
A grant for $23,739 was approved for the Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation at Utah Olympic Park. The funds are for administrative expenses and exhibit upkeep, according to Fey.
Since admission at the museum became free, the number of visits at the Olympic Park has climbed 40 percent, he added.
Cultural groups this year received more than two percent more money from RAP Tax than in 2007, Fey said.
Other recipients of RAP grants in 2008 include:
Arts-Kids — $26,423
Echo Community and Historical Organization — $2,500
Egyptian Theatre Company — $66,000
KPCW — $25,089
Kimball Art Center — $54,775
Mountain Town Stages — $61,625
Norwegian Outdoor Exploration Center — $44,375
Park City Chamber Music Society — $21,435
Park City Film Series — $23,985
Park City Historical Society and Museum — $62,250
Park City Jazz Foundation — $46,593
Park City Performing Arts Foundation — $76,750
Park City/Summit County Arts Council — $42,166
Sundance Institute — $64,150
Swaner EcoCenter — $14,625
Utah Symphony and Opera — $43,870