Category Archives: The Arts

NAEF Mary McMullen Grant

The National Art Education Foundation supports projects that advance instructional practice, research, and leadership in visual arts education.

The Mary McMullen Grant provides up to $3,000 for classroom-based action research that promotes art education. The deadline for applications has been extended to October 16, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. Matching funds are not required, but are highly encouraged and will receive preference.

Eligibility

Applicant

This grant is open to individuals who have been members of the National Arts Education Association since October 1, 2022 or before, NAEA state or province associations, and recognized NAEA special issues groups.

Project

Mary McMullen grants support projects that:

Promote art education as an essential part of the total educational experience
Establishes and/or increases art instruction at all levels of education in the United States (Elementary through Higher Ed.)

Class-Based Action Research

Grant funds are intended for testing new models in the classroom through:

Curriculum Models emphasizing student-centered solutions or global perspectives
Pilot Projects focusing on NAEA goals
Models to promote quality art education to those in a position to influence future decisions, such as educators, policy makers, and business leaders

Application Requirements

All applications must include:

Resumes for key personnel
Letter of endorsment from the school principal, department chair, or other supervisor

JustFilms from The Ford Foundation

The JustFilms grant program from the Ford Foundation funds documentaries and other innovative storytelling projects. Past grantees have been awarded as little as $1,786 to as much as $10 million.

Applications are accepted year-round for projects that delve into relevant social issues, particularly reducing inequality.

Eligibility

Both individual filmmakers and artists as well as the organizations who support them may apply. Applicants from anywhere in the world are welcome.

Application Process

The initial application is an online form with options for attaching supplemental materials. After a 60-90 day review of your application, Ford may invite you to submit additional information. If you have not received an invitation after 90 days, your project has not been accepted.

Evaluation Criteria

All entries will be evaluated based on:

Artistic relevance
Creativity and innovation
Relevance
Alignment with the Ford Foundation’s mission and values
Potential impact
Potential to change stereotypes and prejudice
Potential to give a voice to marginalized groups

To Consider

JustFilms encourages all potential applicants to consider the application questions to ensure that their film project fits with the goals of this grant. Aspects to reflect on include:

What makes the topic of your film important or relevant? This may include cultural, social, historical, or political significance.
What is the anticipated or potential impact of your film?
Why are you or your team the right people to tell this story?

Classics for Kids Foundation Grants

The Classics for Kids Foundation was established in 1998 in response to nationwide budget cuts to music education programs. Through their grants program, they have awarded over $2.6 million to 429 programs in all 50 states to purchase string instruments.

Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis. Remaining due dates in 2023 are September 30 and December 31. This grant does require matching funds and can not make up more than 50% of the total budget.

Eligibility

This grant is open to organizations in the United States with a nonprofit status who work with youth in Kindergarten – Grade 12.

Allowable Expenses

This grant is to be used exclusively for the purchase of quality string instruments. CFKF works with Kirk Violins and prefers to place orders through them. If you choose to order through a different company, CFKF will need to see a price list to ensure that they are comparable to Kirk’s.

Application Requirements

All applications must include

A copy of the applicant’s IRS Letter of Determination
A letter of support from the applicant organization’s governing body
A letter of support from someone outside the applicant organization such as a parent, school administrator, or music educator

Submission

Completed applications can be emailed to info@classicsforkids.org or mailed to CFKF, P.O. Box 5977, Holliston, MA 01746.

The Les Paul Foundation

The Les Paul Foundation upholds the legacy of legendary inventor and guitarist Les Paul by supporting music education, innovation in music production, and hearing related medical research.

Applications are due twice a year on January 15th and September 15th. First time grants are generally $1,500 – $2,000, but there is no maximum or minimum.

Eligibility

This grant is open to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in the United States, such as:

Music education organizations
Public and private schools
Museums

Program Types

Examples of programs eligibile for funding under this grant include:

STEM/STEAM programs that emphasize innovation and align with Les Paul’s work
After school science and music programs that align with Les Paul’s work
Music recording and music industry education programs
Museum exhibits about Les Paul with collaboration with Foundation
Medical research on hearing impairment and tinnitus

All applications must describe how their project will be used to share Les Paul’s story.

Submission

Completed applications can be emailed to info@lespaulfoundation.org or faxed to 212-687-4457. Please include a copy of your IRS determination letter.

Hearst Foundations

Since their founding in 1946, the Hearst Foundations have awarded over $1.4 billion in grant funding to 6,300 organizations in the United States. Their focus areas are Culture, Education, Health, and Social Service.

Applications are accepted on a continual basis for awards of $100,000 or more. The Board meets to approve grants in March, June, September, and December

Eligibility

This grant is open to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations with annual operating expenses of more than $2 million.

Allowable Expenses

Allowable expenses vary by focus area. However, grant funds may not be used for:

Seed money or pilot programs
Advocacy or public policy research
Established programs without proven long-term impact
Festivals, tours, conferences, workshops, or seminars
Radio, film, or television production
Special events, tickets, tables, or advertising for fundraising events

Focus Areas

Culture

Supported organizations under Culture include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters. Grant funding may be used for programming, capital expenses, and general and endowment support, on a limited basis.

Preferred projects include:

Arts education that fills the gaps in K-12 arts programming
Artist development and training
Projects that advance learning in science, technology, engineering, environment, arts, and math

Education

Support under Education is primarily directed to higher education, but exceptional projects in early childhood and K-12, as well as professional development, will also be considered. Grant funds may be spent on programming, scholarships, capital expenses, and general and endowment support, on a limited basis.

Preferred projects include:

College access and college success programming
Higher education programs and scholarships
Programs for the next generation of health professionals
Programs that develop career pathways in STEM
Professional development for educators

Health

Supported organizations under Health include top regional hospitals, medical centers, and specialized institutions serving high-needs communities. Programs that increase the number of healthcare educators, practitioners, and researchers are also eligibile. Grant funds may be used for programming, capital expenses, and endowment support, on a limited basis.

Preferred projects include:

Increasing healthcare access for low income and/or rural populations and veterans
Providing mental health care
Scaling more efficient healthcare delivery methods
Developing and providing specialized care for the elderly

Social Service

Supported organizations under Social Service are directly addressing the roots of chronic poverty. Priority will be given to programs that have proven effective at increasing economic independence and strengthening families and that can be scaled. Grant funds may be used for programming, capital expenses, and general operating costs.

Preferred projects include:

Affordable housing
Youth development
Job creation and training
Legal aid
Assistance to domestic violence survivors

Evaluation Process

Step 1 – Program staff will review each proposal and discuss which will be forwarded to the Board. This generally takes 4-6 weeks.
Step 2 – An in-person or virtual site visit will be conducted and relevant experts will be consulted.
Step 3 – The Board meets in March, June, September, and December for final approval
Step 4 – Grants are awarded

Applicants should expect the entire process to take approximately 6 months.

Sony Corporate Giving

Sony is dedicated to improving people’s lives by fostering innovation through creativity and technology. Their corporate giving primarily focuses on Art, Culture, Technology, and the Environment, particularly education within those focus areas.

Requests are accepted on a continual basis. No minimum or maximum amount is listed.

Eligibility

This grant is open to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in the United States.

Sony does not make donations to:

Partisan political committees, organizations, or candidates
Religious activities
Labor unions
Lobbying groups

Allowable Expenses

Donated funds may be spent on:

General operating supporting
Program support

They may not be spent on:

Endowments
Capital campaigns
Testimonial dinners

Pillars of Giving

Arts/Culture
Civics/Community
Disaster relief
Education
Environment
Health/Human services
Social justice/Diversity, equity, & inclusion

Film Independent Sloan Distribution Grant

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation funds projects in science, technology, engineering, math, and economics as well as public understanding of those topics. Their Film Program supports movies that present a more realistic depiction of science and technology and challenges stereotypes about scientists.

The Sloan Distribution Grant is a $50,000 award for films entering the distribution phase. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through Film Independent. The winning filmmaker must become a member of Film Independent.

Eligibility

Applicant

Applicants must be:

Legal residents of the United States
Producer of a narrative, fiction feature film

Film

Eligible films must:

Be at least 70 minutes long
Be entering the distribution phase
Prominently feature science, technology, or math OR
Have a leading character who is a scientist, engineer, or mathematician
Have an innovative marketing and distribution plan

Application Materials

All applications must include:

Cover letter
Film history and status
Logline and synopsis
Bios of key cast and crew, including sales agent and publicist if applicable
Proposal for distribution and marketing
Link to view the film online
Non-refundable application fee ($45 for Film Independent Members, $65 for non-Members)

Selection Criteria

All applications will be reviewed based on:

Uniqueness of vision
Original, provocative subject matter
Economy of means
Percentage of financing from independent sources
Well-conceived plan for how to use the grant funds to maximize the audience for one’s film

NEA Grants for Arts Projects: Arts Education

The National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Arts Projects program funds activities all over the United States to expose as many people as possible to the arts. The Arts Education grant is based on research that shows arts experiences help underprivileged youth overcome those disadvantages. They are more likely to succeed socially and academically.

Arts Education grants are given in three categories – Direct Learning, Professional Development, and Collective Impact. All grants require a 1:1 match of nonfederal funds for requests between $10,000 and $100,000. Part 1 is due through Grants.gov by July 6, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. Part 2 can be submitted through the NEA Applicant Portal July 11-18, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. Grantees will be announced in April 2024, at the earliest, and projects will begin June 1, 2024.

Eligibility

This grant is open to:

501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
State and local government entities
Federally recognized Native American Tribes

Grant Types

Direct Learning

Direct Learning grants are intended to support arts instruction, typically to youth in Pre-K through 12th grade. Funded projects should engage with participants over an extended period to increase their knowledge of different art forms and to create their own works of art. Learning should be assessed in accordance with state or national arts education standards.

There is, however, a good bit of flexibility in how Direct Learning projects can be carried out. They may take place:

In person or virtually
During or after school
At school or other locations such as arts organizations, community centers, makers spaces, or juvenile detention centers
Through the school district, arts organizations, or other agencies in partnership with artists

Professional Development

Professional Development grants fund opportunities for educators of all types and community leaders to increase their own knowledge and skills. Projects should include arts experiences and in-depth study of the subject matter. The goal is, of course, to grow their capacity to provide high quality arts instruction.

Collective Impact

Collective Impact grants fund transformative projects that provide access to and participation in the arts over the long term. These projects are large scale and involve a broader range of students such an entire school, school district, community, or state. They should also have the potential to be shared and replicated.

In the application, identify your project as Emerging or Sustaining and what phase you’re in. All phases are eligible for funding.

Data – Data collection and presentation helps to identify inequities and inform key stakeholders of the needs that should be addressed.
Partnership – Partners from different sectors bring different skills and knowledge to the project. It’s important that partners represent the population to be served and their needs.
Planning – Logic models and strategic plans provide a blueprint for the project with specific goals, established roles for each partner, and shared strategies.
Shared Measurement – A shared measurement system creates assessment tools for all partners to evaluate the success of the project.
Programming – The final phase is the execution of the project plan including activities with students and evaluation.

Allowable Expenses

In addition to arts supplies and materials, grantees may use funds for technology upgrades necessary to provide virtual programming. This includes:

Hardware
Software
Audio-visual equipment
Increased bandwidth

Grant funds may not be used for:

General operating support
Publishing not focused on modern work and authors
Social activities
Awards
Commercial enterprises
Construction or renovation

Application Process

Part One

The Application for Federal Domestic Assistance/Short Organization Form must be completed and submitted to Grants.gov by July 6.

Part Two

Part 2 of the application will contain by far the majority of the information about your project plan and budget. Applicants will receive a link to the NEA Applicant Portal after they have submitted Part 1. Application questions as well as instructions on how to complete the entire application process are available to help you prepare at: Arts Education.

Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant

The Pollock-Krasner Foundation was established by artist Lee Krasner to provide financial support to individual artists while they create new work. She did this in recognition of the assistance she and Jackson Pollock, whose estate she managed, received from the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression and the lack of similar programs in the modern era.

Applications for the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant are accepted on a continual basis. Artists may apply for up to $30,000 to cover expenses for one year.

Eligibility

This grant is open to painters, sculptors, and artists who work on paper, such as printmakers.

Applications will not be accepted from:

Photographers
Graphic artists
Video artists
Performance artists
Filmmakers
Crafts-makers
Students

Application Requirements

All applications must include:

Cover Letter explaining why you are in need of financial assistance and how this grant will help further your career. Cover letters must be in English and saved in the format, “LastNameCoverLetter.docx.”
Resume listing previous grants, awards, exhibitions, and residencies. Documents should be saved in the format “LastNameResume.docx.”
Artist Statement describing the 10 photos included with your application. Please save in the format “LastNameArtistStatement.docx.”
Image Identification List detailing your name, the number of the digital file, when the work was created, dimensions, and medium used for each image. (For example, John Smith, image # 1, 2010, Abstraction, 20 x 30 inches, oil on canvas.) Please save in the format “LastNameImageList.docx
Digital Images of completed pieces created in the last decade. This should be solo work unless you are applying with your collaborator. Two of the ten images may be a more detailed view, a different vantage point, or of an exhibition of a work featured in one of the other eight images. Each image must use the following format for the file name: YourLastName_YourFirstName_No.jpg

Selection Process

The Foundation’s Officers and Directors will review applications under the advisement of a Committee of Selection made up of recognized experts. Professional exhibition history will be taken into consideration.

Staff may contact the applicant for further information, including financial statements. The entire review process may take 9 – 12 months.

The Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant

Since 2016, the Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant has assisted writers in the completion of creative, intensely researched nonfiction books. It was designed to provide assistance to writers in the midst of a multi-year project to encourage them to complete their work.

The grant was established in keeping with Flora Ettlinger Whiting’s lifelong commitment to culture and who endowed the Whiting Foundation with $10 million upon her death in 1971. The Foundation believes that well written, skillfully researched books are culturally beneficial to us all and should be supported.

Up to ten $40,000 grants will be awarded. Applications are due by 11:59 PM ET on April 25, 2023.

Eligibility

Writer

This grant is open to writers of creative nonfiction in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom who are under contract with a publisher in one of the three countries. Self publishing companies are not eligible.

Genre

Works intended for a general, adult audience are eligible for this grant. Examples include:

Auto/Biography
History
Politics
Science
Food
Travel
Personal Essays

Not eligible are:

Academic writing
Textbooks
Self-help
Children or Young Adult

Applications Requirements

All applications must include:

Up to 25,000 words from your draft
A statement of work for writing yet to be done
The original proposal submitted to your publisher
A signed and dated contract
A letter of support from your editor or publisher
A plan for grant funds
A current resume
A list of other funding for this specific work

Application Process

Two initial readers will evaluate the incomplete work for substance and execution
A panel of judges will evaluate finalists on need as well as substance and execution
Grantees will be announced in the fall

Readers and judges will be anonymous experts in the topic field of the submission.

Two virtual information sessions will be held to assist applicants.