Applications are now being accepted for the Black Rock City Temple Grant Program.
Donor Name: Burning Man Project
State: Nevada
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/31/2025
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Temple is an ephemeral structure created annually at the Burning Man event in Black Rock City. It serves as a sacred, communal space for contemplation, reflection, celebration and remembrance, before its ceremonial burning at the culmination of the event.
Temple Design Considerations
While they like for each Temple to have its own unique characteristics, there are a few things that they look for in a successful proposal:
- Visual appeal
- Adequate niches or smaller spaces for participants to place small offerings, plus sufficient wall space for written and hanging offerings
- Protection from the elements at ground level so the wind doesn’t blow offerings away
- A central gathering place, possibly with smaller alcoves for more private reflection
- Multiple entrances/exits
- A design that incorporates ways for unskilled volunteers to contribute creatively in meaningful ways
- While not required, they do suggest including some kind of fence, enclosure, or markings to:
- Keep bikes out
- Hold mutant vehicles at a distance
- Signal to participants that they are entering a reflective, quiet space
- A design that is not based on a particular religion, belief, or theme, as the Temple is meant to be inclusive for all Black Rock City citizens
- In the spirit of sustainability, they are especially interested in moderately scaled designs; bigger isn’t better.
Funding Information
Burning Man Project awards $150,000 for the Temple Grant.
Eligible Expenses
- Materials and supplies, including tools, consumables, hardware, fuel, and Leave No Trace supplies
- Transportation of your materials and supplies to and from the playa
- Specialty services such as welding, laser cutting, etc.
- Build space rental.
Eligibility Criteria
The lead artist(s) of the Temple must have been to Black Rock City at least once and they must have participated in building something while there, preferably a relatively large or complex project. The environment and culture in BRC is unlike anywhere else, and having build experience on playa will ensure greater success for the Temple artist and crew. Ideally the lead artist will also have significant experience leading a team and fundraising.
For more information, visit Burning Man Project.
