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Our definition of an artist considers many disciplines, mediums, formats, educational backgrounds, and life experience. Those who self-identify as artists; and those who identify their creative practice as art-based, are included in our definition.

While the Grit Fund supports interdisciplinary practices, projects should be strongly connected to the visual arts. Performing or media arts are eligible when visual art is a key component of the finished project.

All Grit Fund proposals and awarded projects should be led by a person or collaborative that identifies as an artist(s) and/or centers art-based practices in their work. While we ask that the project is artist-led, we also encourage projects to involve people from different disciplines and backgrounds. Not everyone engaged in the production of the work needs to identify as an artist.

For the purposes of this grant the lead organizer(s) should identify as an artist. It is not a requirement that all members of the project self-identify as artists, or work in the visual/performing arts. Please tell us more about the roles of all the people involved in the project in your application.

You can apply as an individual provided your project serves as a platform for other artists to exhibit, publicly present, or publish their work, etc.

The lead organizer is the primary contact for the project. Lead organizers and collaborators envision, organize, and implement the project. Participants do not play an administrative role. An artist who is supported by the project (i.e., their work will be presented) but does not play an organizing role is considered a participant.

Because The Peale is managing the Grit Fund grant, it would be a conflict of interest for The Peale to be a project partner listed on the proposal. Likewise, Peale staff cannot be lead or support applicants for Grit Fund Project Grant proposals.

No. However, the lead organizer must have a social security number (SSN) in order to receive payment of the award. If you have any further questions please contact us at gritfund@thepealecenter.org

Yes. Past Grit Fund grantees may apply as lead applicants, but priority will be given to projects that have not previously received funding.

Yes! We believe that artists and cultural organizers, deserve to be paid for their time and labor. When creating your budget for Grit Fund it is important to include an artist’s fee. This figure should account for the scale of your project, the value of your time, the resources available to you, and the total budget for your project.

No. We understand that projects can grow and evolve from the application phase through the production period and beyond. We do not require you to have confirmed venues, or written commitment from any service, affiliate, presenter, or space you choose to engage.

Yes. Equipment that is necessary for the completion of your project is an allowable expense, but the focus of your funding should support the production of the work, and its public facing display.

No. This grant is not meant to fund general operating costs.

You can view past Grit Fund projects from 2019 on our website at https://www.gritfund.org/grantees/.

To view projects from 2015-2017 go to https://contemporary.org/gritfund/.

The maximum amount of funding that can be applied for is $10,000. If the cost of your project is more than $10,000, please specify what the amount requested from Grit Fund will be supporting. If Grit Fund is one of several funding sources, please submit the additional income (actual or projected–grants, donors, artist contribution, crowdfunding, etc.) in your budget.

The Grit Fund award period is one year from the date funds are awarded.

The grant will be disbursed in two payments. 80% of funding will be released upon receipt of the signed grant agreement. The remaining 20% will be released halfway through the grant period once grantees have their midterm meeting with the program manager. The date for the midterm check in will be determined by the grantee(s) and program manager and will be included in the grant agreement.

Reporting for Grit Fund happens at two points during the grant process. There is a mandatory in- person midterm check in meeting with lead applicants and the program manager. This conversation is an opportunity for grantees to reflect on the process of their project thus far, and to discuss the successes and challenges of the work. After this meeting, the remaining 20% of project funding is issued. The final report due at the end of the grant period is the only formal report that is required in order for projects and lead applicants to be considered for future funding. This is a narrative based report that can be submitted in writing or via audio/video.

No Grit Fund does not require projects to secure matching funds in order to be awarded. If your project will cost more than what the Grit Fund will cover, please include where you plan to get additional income from.

All monies received through a grant are considered taxable income. Grit Fund advises awardees to consult an accountant or tax professional for the most current information regarding obligations for taxable income.

Reach out! We would be happy to connect via:

• Email: gritfund@thepealecenter.org
• Phone: (667) 222-1814

You may also register to attend one of our information sessions.