Excellence:

• Goals vs. Objectives:
  • Goals, which are stated, should be broad & encompassing terms under which specific objective are stated to achieve each goal.  
  • The measurable objectives here are subjective in nature.  "offer repertoire of popular works" Such as?  Use specificity.  Why is this important?  "Rare operas"  How often does this organization perform operas that are not readily performed by other companies across the country? "Satellite programs"  This could be huge, what is the scope, why will this expand participation. "Create programming that is meaningful"  This is completely subjective and not quantifiable as is the rest of the statement.  This is not a negative objective, but HOW will the organization sell programming of this nature to community.  Measuring lifetime involvement in cultural life is a goal and not a measurable objective.  The organization will be best off to revisit this topic in a board retreat or similar activity to set vision.
  • "Youth opera" Why are students not able to participate and how is the organization fostering participation?

Impact:

• I find it very hard to believe this organization services EVERY county in Florida.  Does the organization have data to support this?
• Economic impact data is available, but relying upon the study completed by Americans for the Arts is not enough.  How much of your budget is spent on local talent (musicians and staff) and how many out of town patrons stay in hotels or eat out at restaurants?  This is important data for an organization to collect.
• The youths reached is an impressive number.
• The M/P plan needs more specific details.  Items to include may be: size of mailing list, number of direct-mail campaigns, social media likes/followers, post reach, etc

Management:

• The egregious size of the deficit in FY16 is very concerning.  While this is small compared to the size of the budget, completing an artistic project while sacrificing fiduciary responsibility in unconscionable.  Indeed, the current fiscal year is also showing a deficit.  Much more explanation here is needed. (FY16 $-552,910 vs FY17 $-233,294)

Accessibility: Completing the 504 Self Evaluation is an easy way to garner points on this grant application as per the provided rubric.  Points had to be removed despite excellent ideas in other areas due to the lack of the 504 plan self evaluation.