If you aren’t already aware, part of the federal recovery package that applies to the arts provides funding to protect jobs threatened by the economic downturn.
What is really helpful is that you can apply for funding through the NEA, your regional arts organization (New England Foundation for the Arts, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, Southern Arts Federation, Western States Arts Federation) and your state arts council (each state may vary). I don’t see anything on the Arts Midwest or Mid-America Arts Alliance sites, but there isn’t anything on the Western States site either and I know they are distributing funds so it is worth an inquiry if you are served by those groups.
If you get awarded by more than one entity, you can only accept one. But the ability to submit to three different places does increase the opportunities for getting an award and choose among the best funding.
The regional and state arts groups have different criteria for awards within the umbrella of the NEA guidelines. If you are interested in applying, you better move quickly. Of those I have seen, the deadlines are end of May/first week of June.