LEAP
(Learning Elders Arts Program)
Linking Island Seniors
and Island Artists
2009/2010
WHAT IS THE LEARNING ELDERS ARTS PROGRAM?        
The LEAP – Learning Elders Arts Program is a project-based initiative designed to provide Island seniors
with the opportunity to learn various artistic disciplines from local artists.  This program is based on the
belief that the arts will greatly enhance the lives of seniors.  

LEAP program funding enables local seniors’ groups to hire professional and semi-professional artists to
teach various artistic disciplines such visual and media arts, dance, instrumental or vocal music, theatre or
musical theatre, literary arts, and folk arts and crafts.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
•        Create partnerships between active seniors’ organizations and experienced local artists.

•        Create new and innovative avenues for appreciation of Island art.

•        Increase social opportunities for seniors.

•        Provide opportunities for seniors to develop new creative skills.

•        Assist seniors in developing or discovering personal confidence.

WHO FUNDS AND ADMINISTERS THE LEAP PROGRAM?
The LEAP program is administered by the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Inc. and is made possible through
funding from the PEI Department of Tourism and Culture.
   

GRANT INFORMATION
Applications for the LEAP program must be submitted by eligible seniors’ groups in conjunction with local
artists on or before the deadline.  The maximum LEAP grant is $3,500 per project.

WHAT’S NEW
Those who have applied for LEAP grants in a prior year will notice a few changes:
•        The maximum LEAP grant has been reduced from $4,000 to $3,500 to allow more groups to   
participate.
•        A new application form has been created for 2009/2010.
•        The program objectives have been streamlined.
•        Additional documentation is required with the application for funding.

ELIGIBILITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program funding is available to seniors’ groups and artists who meet the eligibility criteria.  This includes,
but is not limited to groups who are members of the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Inc., public and private
manors, retired professional groups.

Eligible Seniors’ Groups:
•        Must be an established seniors’ group based on Prince Edward Island.
•        Have been actively operating for a minimum of twelve months prior to making application to the    
program.
•        Have a purpose and activities compatible with the LEAP program.
•        Must be actively participating in the planning and delivery of the project.

The Artist(s):
•        Must have completed training in their discipline through formal studies or apprenticeships or maintain
a professional practice.
•        Should have experience in teaching and in the discipline being taught.
•        Must be directly involved in estimate labour and materials for the project.  
•        May not be a member, employee, volunteer or otherwise associated with the applicant.
•        Are asked to consider issues of public safety, durability, and maintenance in the design of the project.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants are responsible to:
1)          Read the application package, including the Application Guide and Application Form.
2)          Locate an artist(s) and plan the program with the artist.
3)          Complete the application form and attach the required additional information as directed.
4)          Ensure a representative from the organization and the project director reads, accepts the conditions
of, and signs the declaration (at the end of the application).
5)          Deliver completed application and required additional information to the PEI Senior Citizens’
Federation office on or before the deadline.

After the deadline, applications will be sent to members of a jury panel for adjudication.  The jury will make
funding recommendations to the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation based on the adjudication criteria (below)
and availability of funds.   Applicants will be notified of the grant competition results within 30 days of the
deadline.  Approved applicants will be asked to submit a current criminal record check for each artist, a
schedule of sessions, sign a contract, and sign a promotion agreement.  

DEADLINE
Completed applications must be received on or before October 15th and must include the following:

•        Completed original signed copy of the LEAP Application Form and four (4) photocopies.
•        List of current Board of Directors, Executive Committee Members, Managers and/or Owners.
•        Artist’s resume and brief biography.
•        Application Checklist.  

The completed application and all supporting documents must be delivered to the PEI Senior Citizens’
Federation Inc. office by the close of business (5 pm) on October 15th.  Extended deadlines will not be
permitted.  

Applications must be delivered/mailed to:

                                     Linda Jean Nicholson
                                     PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Inc.
                                     40 Enman Crescent, Suite 117
                                     Charlottetown, PE  C1E 1E6
                                     e-mail: peiscf@pei.aibn.com
                                     Phone: 902-368-9008
                                     Toll Free: 1-800-368-9008
                                     Fax: 902-368-9006

RESTRICTIONS AND GENERAL NOTES
Some LEAP projects may evolve into ongoing programs, but LEAP is not intended to fund existing
programs. Funding from this grant may not be used for the following:  purchases of property, equipment or
collections; capital improvements including restorations of existing art works; publications or recordings for
commercial purposes; activities primarily aimed at fund-raising; hall rental fees, food lunches or snacks,
promotional costs; or projects located outside of Prince Edward Island.

PROJECT PROMOTION
Seniors’ Groups with approved projects must promote their project and submit copies of advertisements,
public service announcements, articles and other informational and promotional publicity with the LEAP final
report.  

APPLICATION FORMS AND PROGRAM GUIDE
- Voice for Island Seniors
The LEAP Program is a partnership between the
PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Inc. and the PEI
Department of Tourism and Culture.