Excellence:

• The Mission was straight-forward and aspirational
• The Objectives and Activities are reasonable and appropriate
• Consider referencing how quantitative and qualitative measures will be assessed in this section (e.g., include specific statistical data gathered from prior events).
• Establishing a target and stretch target goal to, for example, increase volunteerism by 5% might also be useful to evaluators and your team.
• Expanding the descriptions of Partners and their roles and impact would be helpful.

Impact:

• The festival has a positive impact on the community (re: $3-4M in local revenue). Including the source used in this section would drive home this value-added achievement. For example, consider emphasizing and/or expanding your organizations contributions creative economy by citing the American’s for the Arts, Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 report is embedded with rich statistical data, testimonials, case studies and affiliated economic prosperity calculator that is very useful. Creative Placemaking by Markusen and Gadwa, is also an acknowledged source.

• The marketing and educational outreach plans are effective for the scale of this organization/event

Management: 

• The 43 year history is impressive
• MCDA uses generally accepted accounting principles    
• Consider setting numerical target and stretch target goals to enhance data analysis and actions in the Evaluation Plan

Accessibility:

• Appears to meet ADA accessibility criteria (504 Self Eval, compliance staff person, etc.)

Festival appears to have genuine economic impact. Quality and ambition in programming could be stronger.

Application appears to be for festival only, excludes year-round costs, esp. personnel.

Excellence: Nationally rated the last ten years. Very strong, clear, measurable mission, goals, and objectives. More detail would strengthen timeline.

Impact: Large impact numbers. Strong economic impact. Any future outreach plans? Bus in visitors who otherwise can't attend?

Management: 43 years of producing event. Want more details concerning strong financial position. Cash reserves, endowment, debt, long term liability.

Accessibility: Appreciated the inclusion of future plans. Any accommodations for artists with intellectual disabilities?

Would like to see more support materials

This is clearly a popular and well run event; I'd recommend re-branding it as a craft festival though based on the scope of participants