How to Apply for a Grant
There are several parts to the grant application. Please read each section below before you begin writing your application. If you have an idea and are not sure it's appropriate for the Festival, or just need feedback, please submit a brief interest form by November 15.
Your proposal must connect with one or more themes of Brandeis' 75th anniversary: our founding Jewish values, innovation in education, repairing the world, or community. Artworks and performances may be interactive: a place where the public can learn or create.
Students only: If you are awarded a grant, we will discuss with you the possibility of enrolling in CAST 198a, Project Design Practicum. In this two-credit course, students will have open studio hours in Goldman-Schwartz and learn safe shop use and fabrication strategies from Tory Fair, professor of sculpture. You will also receive guidance in project management and planning from Ingrid Schorr, director of Arts Engagement and producer of the festival. If you are currently enrolled in Senior Studio or have equivalent studio experience, there is no need to take the practicum.
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State three concrete goals for your project. To develop your goals, you might ask yourself: What does your project communicate? What will make your project personally satisfying? How will I know that this project engages people? These are just examples. Your goals are particular to your project.
This is an estimate of your expenses. Download sample budgets for performance and visual arts.
Because we may not be able to give you the full amount requested, we want to know what other sources of funding you have, including department funding, other grants, and your own money. Will you be receiving some services free of charge, such as rehearsal space, donated supplies, volunteer labor? Please be clear whether the funding or donations are confirmed or anticipated.
Your budget should not be used to purchase major pieces of equipment or software that Brandeis already owns.
If your proposal is accepted, you will develop a more detailed budget.
Your proposal should be no more than 800 words long. It is an in-depth, organized description of your project. Explain how it relates to the festival theme. Use plain, easy-to-understand language rather than academic jargon. You may describe historical precedents, academic connections, or a community desire for this kind of work.
Be sure to explain how the project will be carried out. For example: What is your timeline? Where will you rehearse or build? How will you recruit participants or performers?
Is it site specific? Have you researched the feasibility of your desired location? We cannot guarantee that there will be space available in any location, particularly Slosberg or Spingold, which may be already booked for department activities.
For performances or film, we would like to know that you have a production team in place. Please list your producer, director, stage manager, and designer(s). How will you promote the project?
Anticipate questions and concerns: Is your subject matter potentially sensitive or provocative? Explain who your audience is. Don't propose an adult-themed performance for Super Sunday, which is attended by many families. Are there possible safety concerns such as weight-bearing structures or hazardous materials? Address them in your proposal.
Grants typically range from between $50 and $500. Your budget is an estimate of what you will need to spend on the project, and what you are spending it on. The budget also includes other resources, such as grants from other departments. If your project is approved, you will refine the budget.
Grants are awarded as reimbursements. When you purchase supplies or services, you will be reimbursed by Brandeis. Alternatively, you can ask Arts Engagement to make the purchases for you, so you don't need to pay out of pocket.
We are committed to producing a sustainable festival and request that you use sustainable materials and methods. Visit the Festival of the Arts website for resources.
Students only: Give us the name of a Brandeis faculty or staff person who can speak about your ability to complete the project. Be sure to tell your reference about your plans and that the Arts Engagement staff will follow up with a request for brief comments (not a written recommendation).
Your supporting materials can be photographs of visual works; recordings of musical compositions; videos or photographs for those involved in dance, acting, directing, musical performances, etc.
You will upload these files or provide a link to a website with your application. A link to a social media or YouTube account is fine.
If you are not sure what to submit, talk with a professor or grad student. Submitting work samples is standard practice in the arts, and they will have good advice for you.
