Welcome to the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod’s (AFCC) online application for our Grants for Creative Individuals. The mission of the Grants for Creative Individuals is to equitably advance creativity throughout Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket with grants to individuals who demonstrate achievement of creative expression and commitment to their artistic/cultural practice.
We welcome applications from Barnstable County, Dukes County, and Nantucket County artists, culture bearers, and creative practitioners in all artistic/creative disciplines. Please read the 2024 Artist Annual Grant Program Guidelines before completing this application.
Grant awards are between $5,000 and $10,000. Artists will be asked to create a budget, including income and expenses, with clear detail on how funds will be used (output).
Please note, the Grants Review Committee will be evaluating each application based on this rubric (click here).
Timeline
Applications open: January 8, 2024 at 9 AM
This application will be completed and submitted through an online system using Submittable.
Application Deadline: April 8, 2024 at 11:59 PM
Please note: No exceptions will be made past the deadline.
It is highly recommended that you begin your online application process well before the deadline to ensure there is proper time to submit your application.
The most successful applications we have received have clear evidence that significant time was spent in preparation of the narrative, the budget, and all sections of the application. We advise applicants not to wait until the final day to start their application process or to submit their application in the last few minutes before the deadline.
Grants Awards: Late April 2024
Award notifications are expected to be announced via email by the end of April 2024 with checks mailed shortly thereafter.
Grants Funding Period: April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025
A mid-year progress report is due October 4, 2024. Grant recipients will be expected to complete their grant activities by March 31, 2025, and submit a final report 30 days after completing the awarded project or initiative. All reports are due no later than 30 days after the end of the funding period or by April 30, 2025. Final reports will be completed and submitted through the online application system.
Support to individual artists is not a one‐time monetary recognition award. Awards to individuals must include providing presentations, workshops, research, and/or creation of artwork, with tangible outcomes required by grant requirements. This is considered a stipend to the artist for the work undertaken and completed.
Funding Focus: You may apply to one and not both. Review the guidelines for clarification before finishing this application.
1. Building Capabilities
Building Capabilities funding supports opportunities which pertain to the recipient’s effectiveness and overall growth as a practicing artist. Requests must be made for a particular initiative, not for general support.
Sample initiatives that may be eligible for this funding include:
- Infrastructure (studio space improvements, equipment to increase productivity and output, prepping for exhibits). Output must be clearly stated.
- Improving technology related to practicing your specific art discipline. Output must be clearly stated.
*These are illustrative examples and are not all-inclusive. Building Capabilities grants awards are between $5,000 and $10,000. Artist will be asked to create a budget, including income and expenses, with clear detail on how funds will be used (output).
All requests for Building Capabilities must show a clear impact to the community with tangible outcomes. As hypothetical examples, funding allowed artist to produce more shows, exhibitions, etc. that the public attended; or added capacity for artist, which in turn, allowed them to increase staffing. These are illustrative examples and not all-inclusive.
For a comprehensive list of unallowable costs, please see Appendix A.
2. Community Equity Grants
Community Equity funding provides a stipend to artists conducting an arts and culture project or program that elevates and/or successfully engages underrepresented populations based on race, ethnicity, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, geography, or religion. The project or program could also address community challenges such as immigration, social justice, youth development, housing, mental health, addiction, food insecurity, water quality issues, or climate change.
The Arts Foundation is committed to championing efforts that create access to arts and cultural opportunities which remove barriers in order to maximize participation across the region. We also are committed to empowering all artists to have a voice in their communities.
Sample activities that may be eligible for this funding include:
- Innovative ideas that engage underrepresented audiences and/or community challenges through the power of culture.
- Art exhibitions, engagements, or presentations that highlight and promote the art and culture of a particular underrepresented community or community challenge in the region.
These are illustrative examples and are not all-inclusive.
Community Equity grants to artists are between $5,000 and $10,000. While the award is considered a stipend to the artist, artists will be asked to provide budget information showing how the funds will be used.
For a comprehensive list of unallowable costs, please see Appendix A.
Eligibility for Funding 2024
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for funding:
- Be a practicing artist. Grants for Creative Individuals defines a practicing artist as an individual recognized by their peers, critics, or other professionals as committed to producing art on a regular basis. Artists meeting this criterion are typically paid for their work, earning a portion of their living from their creative work. Artists of all disciplines (performing, visual, literary, media, etc.) are encouraged to apply.
- Be 18 years old or older.
- Students pursuing any degree are NOT eligible.
- Applicant has at least a two-year history of public engagement, presentation, or publication.
- Be the lead artist in every aspect of their project.
- Applicant (individual) cannot be disbarred, suspended, or have any other exclusions or disqualifications from receiving federal funding.
- Maintain a residence in Barnstable County, Dukes County, or Nantucket County and expect to do so through the grant period: April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025.
- Produce arts and/or culture that benefits and focuses primarily on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and/or Nantucket.
- Be a U.S. Citizen with a Social Security number to be provided upon notification of a grant award.
- Use funding within the grant year - April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025
Additional Eligibility Considerations:
- In line with the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod’s commitment to mitigate systemic inequities, the grants program will prioritize applications submitted by artists belonging to identified groups that have historically been underrepresented based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or socioeconomic status.
- Separate applications for the two focus areas (e.g., Building Capabilities, Community Equity) in the same cycle are NOT permitted. You must choose one or the other, not both.
- Grants will not be awarded for similar activities for more than two years.
- Applicants with incomplete or outstanding grant obligations or past-due reports from previous Arts Foundation grants are not eligible to apply. Feel free to contact us if you are unsure at info@ArtsFoundation.org.
- Grants will not be awarded to two or more parties for the same project, program, etc. Collaborative efforts will need to determine one eligible lead artist to be the applicant responsible for the application and disbursement of funds to partners and required reporting on the progress of the project, if awarded.
Mission
The Provincetown Performing Arts Fund (PPAF) strives to provide stability and life-saving support to our beloved community of performance artists who have been instrumental in making Provincetown a vibrant and diverse entertainment destination.
PPAF’s Vision
A Provincetown that supports its vibrant community of performance artists in order to encourage economic growth, build community and inspire creativity.
Who the PPAF Serves
The PPAF serves performance artists, musicians, theatre professionals, and technical production staff. PPAF strives to support those who earn their living within the performing arts as well as providing support for emerging artists committed to working and living in Provincetown. Performance Artists are an integral part of our community. These artists rely heavily on the already unpredictable ‘seasonal tourism’ for their income. Within the season they depend not only on tourism, but entertainment venues, bars, and most importantly social engagement in order to survive. It became apparent, especially during the Covid-19 crisis, that many of our local and treasured artists would suffer a staggering loss of income based on necessary social distancing guidelines. The PPAF was created to support these individuals whose contributions make up the fabric of our community.
PPAF Supports performing artists in the following ways:
The fund will provide up to $1,000 per applicant per calendar year to support full or part time professional performance artists who have lost income used to sustain their creative practice due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Some Examples of what qualify as an urgent need:
• Food
• Rent
• Transportation
• Ferry Tickets
• Bus Tickets
• Utilities
• Necessary Performance Equipment
• Tools necessary to allow the artists to work
• i.e. Instrument and Equipment Repair/Maintenance
Documents needed - upload below:
- Proof of applicant’s primary residence in Provincetown (ex. tax/utility bill, car registration)
- One (1) jpg image, video or audio file of your work
- Brief artist statement, including its connection to broader community
Funding and Support
- Payments of up to $1,000 will be made to qualified applicants.
- An applicant may apply and receive funding more than once, but no more than one time per calendar year.
- Funds will be distributed starting end of September 2020 until funding runs out.
- Applications are reviewed weekly.
- Applicants will be notified of status within 10 business days.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by PPAF's review committee and members of the AFCC Board of Directors, and are subject to approval and available funds.
Questions? Please email:
Jwake@ArtsFoundation.org
Julie Wake
Executive Director
Arts Foundation of Cape Cod
Welcome to AFCC Access. This form is the first step in connecting a child in your life to quality arts programming here on Cape Cod. Your child or mentee must be associated with one our community partners: YMCA Achievers; Big Brothers, Big Sisters; Greater Hyannis Supporting Our Youth Task Force; Cape Cod Child Development; Grandparents Raising Grandchildren on Cape Cod; and Cape Cod Children’s Place.
Please note:
The AFCC works with community partners who have systems in place for assessing financial need and will give preference to partners with mentor programs or committed leadership to create a successful match between student and cultural organization.
The cultural organization providing the programming will be paid directly, not through the student, his or her family, or any community partner. Funding may be available for additional expenses related to class and will be coordinated through the cultural organization.
You will hear back from the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod in a timely fashion, within 5-10 days or sooner. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions to Julie Wake at jwake@artsfoundation.org
School Bus Funding from the AFCC Access Fund
AFCC School Bus funds will provide grants up to $250 to help schools with the transportation costs of student cultural field trips. The field trips must be in the arts, sciences, or humanities. Examples: art and science museums; historic sites; and music, theater, and dance performances.
Eligibility
- Any Barnstable County school (public, charter, parochial, or independent) serving grades K-12 can apply.
- The field trips must be focused in the arts, but trips that combine science or humanities with the arts will also be considered.
- Types of field trips that DO NOT qualify for funding are trips to sporting events, amusement parks, or other similar outings.
FAQS
When is the application deadline?
There is no deadline, but applications must be in at least 30 days prior to the trip. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Grants will be awarded until funds run out. Our goal is to spread the funding equitably among all Cape schools that apply.
Can an independent or faith-based school apply?
Yes, all Barnstable County schools serving grades K-12 are eligible to apply.
Someone else in my school already received a grant for this school year. Can I apply too?
Yes, the AFCC may award more than one bus grant to the same school and/or teacher. However, the AFCC reserves the right to approve or deny application in order to distribute the funding equitably so all schools may benefit.
What types of trips do no qualify for funding?
Types of trips that DO NOT qualify for funding are trips to sporting events, amusement parks, and outdoor activities such as class beach trips. Field trips to performances put on by students are not eligible, as the goal of the program is to provide students with a professional cultural experience. The trip must meet the mission of providing access to arts and culture for all students.
Can we get a grant to travel to a destination outside of Massachusetts?
Yes.
What is the maximum amount of money we can ask for?
$350.
We want to go on more than one field trip in this school year. Can we apply for another grant?
Yes, however you should also research funding through Mass Cultural Council as well as your local cultural council for funding for additional field trips.
How will we know that the AFCC has received our application?
Once you have successfully submitted your online application, a confirmation email will be sent.
How will we know if our application was approved or not?
Within three weeks of submitting your application, you will receive an email from the AFCC telling you whether or not your application has been approved. Be sure your email account is set to allow messages from jwake@artsfoundation.org. All funding decisions are final.
How do we get the money?
A check will be made out to the school and will include the teacher and department along with a note stating that funds are restricted for the specific field trip. The check will go out USPS. Applicant contact will be notified check has been sent. It is up to the applicant to follow through on receipt of funding.
Who arranges for the bus and pays the bus company?
You or your school are responsible for making all bus arrangements and payments. The AFCC is not liable for school bus arrangements or contractual services made between the bus company and school/teacher.
Greetings!
It's grant report time. Would you kindly fill out the 2022 AFCC/NEA Fall Grant report as soon as possible? We are looking forward to hearing how these funds supported your organization in its pandemic recovery.
The deadline to submit your report is: Friday, November 10, 2023.
Because your grant was funded through federal dollars via the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), it is critical for future funding that we receive your report.
Once you submit your report you will be eligible to apply for our 2023-24 round of funding.
The Arts Foundation will open its next round of grant applications for arts projects at the end of 2023 with a Letter of Intent (LOI). While the application process will be similar to previous years, any organization seeking funding will be required to have a UEI. If you do not have a UEI, we encourage you to apply for one as soon as possible as the process can be lengthy.
Best wishes and thank you for all you do to support our creative community!
Best,
Julie Wake