Deadline: 30-Mar-21
The Arts Work Fund is currently inviting proposals for the Explore Grants Program to provide arts organizations that have fully developed ideas with the resources to test and implement the concept.
These grants hope to foster the creativity and risk-taking that is essential to creating new and better ways of operating in the current COVID-19 world and addressing some of the aspects of arts organizations that were not working well before the pandemic.
Priority will be given to projects that have maximum potential benefit for the organization and the field.
Criteria
- Clear identification of challenges to be address.
- A clear and appropriate plan that informs implementation.
- Appropriateness of the proposed budget.
- The capacity of the organization to carry out the project.
- Methods for tracking process and progress.
- A system for assessing the potential impact on the organization(s).
- Potential to impact the organizations(s).
- Potential to inform the field.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant organization must have an arts-based mission.
- A current IRS 501(c) (3) public charity designation determination letter.
- Arts organizations led by, for, and about black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), with operating expenses of $2 million and below.
- Any arts and culture organization with operating expenses of $800,000 and below.
- Located in and serving Chicago and Cook County.
- If a former Arts Work Fund grant recipient, you must have submitted a final report for previous grant activities.
Grant Process and Criteria
- At least 65% of grants will be allocated to arts organizations by, for, and about BIPOC communities.
- A review panel will make decisions of artists, arts leaders, and AWF funders. People associated with organizations that are eligible for this grant opportunity are ineligible to serve on the review panel.
- Applicants will determine the use of grant funds (e.g., salary, consultants). In the past, AWF asked arts organizations to use their funds to hire consultants. This is no longer the case. The review panel will look for budgets that reflect the work being proposed.
- Applicants do not need to present a “new” idea. Funds can support an existing effort or be used as part of a larger effort that has funding from several sources. However, the review panel will consider how an AWF grant helps propel the project forward.
- Organizations decide whether to apply for a THINK or EXPLORE grant. An organization can apply for an EXPLORE grant without having received a THINK grant.
- Collaborative applications are highly encouraged and will be considered a priority. Collaborative proposals can include organizations that fall outside AWF’s budget guidelines but must show how they advance the work of eligible organizations. For collaborative projects, prepare a budget that provides for equitable resource distribution for all partners.
- Cross-sector proposals (working with a non-arts organization or individual) are eligible. For cross-sector proposals, describe the benefit to the arts organization and prepare a budget that ensures the arts organization benefits from most of the funding provided.
For more information, visit https://artsworkfund.org/explore.html
