Eligibility change: Magazines that received an operating grant in 2007 or 2008 are now also eligible to apply for the 2009 Flying Squad Program.

2010 Application Deadline TBA

All eligible magazines and associations are invited to apply for the 2009 Flying Squad Program.

The Flying Squad program awards funding that can be applied to consultants and projects that address internal organizational challenges, explore growth opportunities and chart future developmental directions.

Objectives and Criteria

The program has been designed to:

• assist literary and art magazines in targeted organizational development
• assist publishers and other magazine professionals to develop skills, networks and support systems within the publishing community and the community at large
• assist groupings of magazines and magazine associations that propose innovative organizational development activities

Magazines may apply for:

• Component 1 - Consultancy for Organizational Research and Planning
• Component 2 - Mentorship
• Component 4 - Professional Development

Associations may apply for:

• Component 3 - Collaborative Initiatives

Please note: Magazines may apply for Components 1 OR 2, along with the other components, but may not submit applications for Components 1 AND 2 in the same competition.

Eligibility
Applications may be made for research, planning, professional development, mentoring or collaborative initiatives assistance in the following areas of magazine publishing:

• Advertising (sales strategies, value-added packages, media kits, readership surveys, online sales, etc.)
• Brand Extensions (reprints, merchandising, licensing, source books, special events, trade/consumer, etc.)
• Circulation (renewals, subscription promotions, fulfillment, newsstand, digital marketing, etc.)
• Design (covers, layout, page hierarchy, design components, etc.)
• Editorial Administration (improving copy flow, stretching budgets, increasing readership, etc.)
• Financial Management (cash flow, budgets, financial tracking strategy, general business management, etc.)
• Fundraising (direct marketing, donations, events, major gifts, etc.)
• Governance (strategic planning, board of directors role, direction, leadership and not-for-profit management, etc.)
• Human Resources (staff issues [paid, intern, volunteer] around recruitment, compensation, policies and procedures, etc.)
• Production (scheduling, pre-print and print coordination, negotiations, etc.)
• Web Content
  (repurposing editorial and graphics, postings, rights, timing, etc.)
• Web Development (design and management, marketing strategies, digital opportunities, etc.)

The eligibility criteria, as well as the expense guidelines, differ somewhat for each component. Please see the detailed eligibility and expense guidelines in the application package for each component. Should you decide to apply, please read through the application package carefully.

All eligible applications will be reviewed and assessed based on the following:

• The Magazine or Association’s analysis of its organizational needs
• Suitability of chosen mentor/consultant/professional development program
• Quality of the workplan
• Impact of the project

For more information, please contact Flying Squad coordinators: Edra Sefton, Professional Development Manager, 416.504.0274 x224 or Gwen Dunant, Program Manager, 416.504.0274 x225.

Ce programme est aussi disponible aux périodiques de langue française. Veuillez consulter La brigade volante: Programme d’aide aux périodiques d’art et de la littérature.

A separate program is available for French-language applicants; please refer to La brigade volante: Programme d’aide aux périodiques d’art et de la littérature.