National Endowment for the Arts  
Grants: Manage Your Award
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions/Tips for Literature Fellowships

  1. When will I get my award funds?

    After you mail or fax (not both!) your payment request form to the Grants & Contracts Office, you should allow up to 30 days for receipt of funds. If a progress report is not required and the form is completed correctly, you can often expect payment within 3 weeks. NOTE: Payment can only be made through an electronic transfer of funds to your bank.

  2. How will I know when my money has been transferred to my bank?

    You can track receipt and processing of your payment request form online at www.arts.gov/mygrant. You may expect payment no later than 20 days after the "date approved."

    You must call your bank and ask whether the bank has received an ACH (automated clearinghouse) payment to your account. If you use any other terminology, the bank may not be able to give you the information you want.

  3. Is my fellowship considered taxable income?

    Yes. The Internal Revenue Service considers Endowment grants to individuals taxable income for the year in which they draw down their award funds. Note: the NEA will not issue you a 1099 form. For additional information, talk with a tax advisor or contact the IRS (http://www.irs.gov/individuals/index.html).

  4. Can I draw down a portion of my award in different calendar years to offset the tax burden?

    You may draw down your funds at any time during the period of support indicated in your award letter.

  5. Does the NEA collect royalties from the sale of my work created as a result of this award?

    Unless otherwise specified in the award letter, the NEA is not entitled to receive royalties from work supported or made possible by a grant. We do retain a royalty-free right to use all or a portion of your final report material for federal purposes.

  6. What is the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for my award?

    45.024

  7. I am moving to Bolivia to study the inspiring sonance of the Toco Toucan bird. How will this affect my award payment?

    Funds cannot be transferred to a foreign financial institution. If you are residing outside the United States, you still must provide account information from a U.S. bank (or a foreign bank branch in the U.S. that is tied into the American ACH network).