ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND
1. New Works
Grant Size: up to $5,000
These grants support the development, completion and/or presentation of new work by Vermont artists. All disciplines and media are eligible. Applications will be accepted from Vermont artists or organizations interested in commissioning new work by Vermont artists. Priority for new works funding will be given to projects which involve artists experimenting and/or proposing to move their work in new directions.
Applications for new works will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Quality of the artist's work (as demonstrated in work samples)
- Feasibility of the proposed new work
- Demonstration that proposed work involves moving the artist's work in new direction
- Plans for public presentation, particularly evidence that the new work will be seen, read, or heard by Vermont audiences
- Ability of the organization or artists to carry out the project for which funds are requested
- Reasonable and appropriate budget
2. Technical Assistance
Grant size: up to $5,000
These grants support arts organizations interested in assessing their needs and upgrading their structure and programs. Applications will be accepted for hiring consultants who may be engaged for:
- audience development
- marketing and promotion
- board development
- physical and/or program accessibility
- curatorial advice or guest curators
- program development
- exhibition design
- research and/or design of cultural facilities
- fiscal development
- short and long range planning
Applications for technical assistance will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Appropriateness of request to the needs of the organization
- Quality of the consultant and appropriateness for the job
- Ability of the organization to carry out recommendations of the consultant
- Reasonable and appropriate budget and timeline
- How this project will enhance the organization's ability to present its programs
3. Performance
Grant size: up to $10,000
These grants support arts organizations that perform Western classical music in Chittenden County. Funds are limited to support of performances (not music education or other programs).
Applications for a performance grant will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Compatibility with the guidelines (grant must support performances of Western classical music in Chittenden County)
- Support of the overall priorities of the Vermont Community Foundation, including meeting the needs of the underserved
- Ability to support unique opportunities for the organization, including (but not limited to) additional collaborations or unique partnerships
- Ability of the organization to carry out the project
- Reasonable and appropriate budget and timeline
- How the project will enhance the organization's ability to present its programs
Eligibility For All Grantmaking Areas
Artists and organizations are eligible to apply to the Arts Endowment Fund. Applicants without 501(c)(3) nonprofit status will be issued any necessary tax documentation as required by the IRS if awarded a grant. No student projects will be funded.
See 2008 grants awarded.
See 2007 grants awarded.
How To Apply For All Grantmaking Areas
Application letters with appropriate enclosures should be submitted to: Vermont Arts Endowment Fund, C/O The Vermont Community Foundation, P.O. Box 30, Middlebury, Vermont 05753.
Type all narrative materials on 8 1/2 x 11" white paper. Copies should be made back to back. Applications should include six collated copies of the following:
- Completed cover sheet
Download the Microsoft Word version of the cover sheet
Download the cover sheet in Adobe Acrobat format - MAXIMUM two-page letter addressing each of the criteria listed above and signed by the artist or organization's executive director. The letter should include:
- Project description with goals and objectives
- Relevant background information on the artist(s), organization’s staff and/or consultant
- Timeline for the project, including project completion and presentation if relevant (The Arts Fund cannot support projects occurring before grant notification in July)
- Plan for public presentation, if relevant
- Plans for additional fundraising
- One-page project budget, including income and expenses
- One copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) IRS letter, if applicable
NOTE: All accompanying materials must be placed on a CD or DVD in a universally readable digital format. All visual arts must be photographs in JPG or TIFF format, all music and spoken word must be in MP3 format, all video and dance must be in mpeg or a link to an online video, and all samples of literary artistry must be submitted in a standard word processing document.
1. For New Works Applications: Include one copy of supporting materials that demonstrate artistic quality. Lack of examples may jeopardize your application. A list of works submitted is helpful and should include size and date of work presented, as well as the materials used in work's creation. It is also important to note the date of the work in a video, manuscript, etc.
2. For Technical Assistance Applications: Include the name and pertinent biographical information of consultant.
3. For Performance Applications: Include dates and locations of performances, names of special guests (if any), and works to be performed. Supporting materials which demonstrate artistic quality are optional, but recommended.
Deadline and Notification
Completed applications should be submitted to the Vermont Community Foundation office and POSTMARKED by May 1st. The Vermont Community Foundation will notify applicants by mail by August 1st. Grants are reviewed by a committee selected by the Vermont Community Foundation. The Board of the Vermont Community Foundation gives final approval for the committee's recommendations.
We're here to help
If you have any questions, contact Peter Espenshade (pespenshade@vermontcf.org).