What is an independent component?
An independent component must be a unit that is both programmatically and administratively distinct from its parent organization, has its own staff and budget, and generally has an independent board that has substantial responsibility for oversight and management. To qualify as independent, a component should be equivalent to a separate institution with a separate mission. For example, a university with an art museum wishes to submit one application on its own behalf and one on behalf of the art museum. The university serves a student population and grants degrees. The university trustees manage the university’s budget, staff, and programming. The art museum serves the general public and mounts exhibitions. The museum board, not the university trustees, manages the museum’s budget, staff, and programming. In this example, the art museum essentially is a stand-alone organization and qualifies as an independent component.
