Mini-Grants

Apply Here

Opportunity

Car broke down, kids need school supplies, or just got an exhibition invitation but don’t have funds to make new work? Artists on the Indigenous Creatives Roster can apply for small grants of $499 during times of personal emergency or unforeseen opportunity. Awardees will be selected through a random lottery process.

Eligibility

  • Open to artists on our Indigenous Creatives Roster

  • Must be 16 years of age or older

  • Up to one grant per person per year

Application Process and Timeline

Complete the short application form linked above. We accept applications on a rolling basis, with quarterly reviews at the end of February, May, August, and November, and notifications sent early the following month, with grants processed soon after. If you need funds more urgently please contact us to let us know your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What counts as an emergency or unforeseen opportunity? We leave that up to artists to define, and trust that you need the funds you are applying for. We ask for a short description in the application so we can better understand and shape our programs to meet community needs, but what you write does not impact whether you will receive a grant or not - grantees are selected via lottery.

  • Why are grants $499 instead of $500? We have to send 1099 tax paperwork to anyone we pay $600 or more in one year. New roster artists receive a $100 one-time stipend, and with an additional $499 mini-grant, that total take home pay of $599 is below the IRS reporting threshold - which means less paperwork for you, and for us.

  • How many grants will you fund altogether? This program is funded by the interest we earn on our savings account. That means the number of grants available will fluctuate based on the financial health of our economy and the available cash flow of our organization, allowing us to scale this program sustainably. Our goal is to fund 5-10 mini-grants a quarter.

  • What if I’m not on the Indigenous Creatives Roster? You can apply for the roster and this mini-grant program at the same time, we will review submissions for both programs together.

  • I’ve applied, what if I’m not funded? If we run out of funding and are not able to meet all grant requests, we will automatically roll your application over to be reconsidered the next quarter. We’ll start fresh each calendar year, but you can reapply.

  • I’ve received a grant, can I get another? One person can receive up to one grant per year. Past funded or unfunded applicants are welcome to reapply each year. Artists who have not yet received a mini-grant from us will be prioritized.

Questions?

Contact Asia Tail at info@indigenouscreatives.org or ‪(253) 336-6477‬ with any questions.