Think grants give arts organizations the time and space to think through a question, analyze challenges and opportunities, and develop plans or small tests of change.
Donor Name: The Arts Work Fund
State: Illinois
County: Chicago County (IL), Cook County (IL)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 12/15/2024
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Competitive proposals will demonstrate how and why the organization selected the challenge or the questions to be examined and how they will structure their exploration. Priority will be given to groups of organizations working together to share and explore answers.
Eligibility Criteria
- Organizations with an arts-based mission and IRS 501(c) (3) public charity designation or a fiscal agent that has this designation.
- 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 serves Chicago and Cook County.
Grant Process & Criteria
- At least 65% of grants will be allocated to arts organizations by, for, and about BIPOC communities.
- Proposals are reviewed by a panel of artists, arts leaders, and AWF funders.
- Applicants do not need to present a “new” idea. Funds can support an existing change effort or be used as part of a larger effort with 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 receiving a THINK grant. Organizations can only apply for one grant at a time.
- 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.
Selection Criteria
A panel made up of artists, arts administrators, and AWF funders reviews applications using the following criteria:
- Idea/Need: The clarity of the question or issue to be addressed and a case or why it is important to the organization or group of organizations right now.
- Adaptation: The request represents an adaption in organizational process or practice related to the Idea/Need.
- Plan: The clarity and appropriateness of the proposed plan as it relates to the organization’s stated Idea/Need and Adaptation
- Capacity: The appropriateness of the proposed budget and the ability of the organization to undertake the project.
- Impact: The project’s potential to have a meaningful impact on the organization and its potential to create more sustainable operating structures and processes.
For more information, visit AWF.
