Here are the answers to some questions you might have about tinygrants if you are a casual observer, an applicant, a grant recipient or donor. If something you’d like to know isn’t addressed here, please email hello@tinygrants.ca.
The Basics
What is tinygrants?
tinygrants is the undergraduate thesis project of Marissa Neave. In a nutshell, tinygrants will distribute a number of small grants (maximum $300) to artists working with relational practice.
Who owns the projects that are funded?
The artists own 100% of their projects. tinygrants does not assume any creative control whatsoever.
Why should I donate to tinygrants?
Think of it as a new way to buy contemporary art. Instead of paying to put something up on a wall, you will contribute to the production of an interactive, participatory or collaborative event.
Who can apply for tinygrants funding?
Anyone! Artists, non-artists, collectives, duos, students, professionals, novices. You are required to submit a CV and sample images if you apply; this can include sketches of your idea if you don’t have previous work.
Why is the maximum grant amount only $300?
tinygrants is an experiment in microgranting. The maximum is $300 because it is less than the average grant amount offered by established funding bodies that are available to Toronto-based artists.
Why do projects have to be in Toronto and happen before February 22, 2010?
The bottom line is that tinygrants is a project for school. Once the funded projects are complete production of video documentation and a catalogue will begin. The entire project needs to be completed by early April, 2010.
Why do projects have to last no longer than eight hours?
A time limit has been implemented for two reasons. First, to allow for artists to be compensated for their time without labour costs accounting for majority of the grant. Second, to ensure that projects can be documented in a reasonable amount of time.
Where does the money come from?
The money comes from a combination of private donors, community partners and my personal money.
Why do the projects have to be relational works?
Relational works are an under- or un-funded “medium” that usually isn’t given much support by schools or granting bodies. You can read more about the rationale behind this here.
For Applicants
When is the deadline to apply?
The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 22, 2009. No late applications will be accepted.
How do I apply?
Read the guidelines here and download this application (246kb PDF). You can fill it out in Adobe Acrobat and email it to hello@tinygrants.ca along with your CV and images of your previous work. Alternatively, you can mail hard copy forms to:
tinygrants
c/o YYZ
140-401 Richmond Street West
Toronto, ON M5V 3A8
Your package must be postmarked on or before Sunday, November 22, 2009.
How much can I apply for?
The maximum grant amount is $300, however, your project might only cost $100. Apply for what you need, up to $300. Remember, if your project costs exceed $300, tinygrants is not for you. As this is an experiment in microfunding for the arts, tinygrants funding must be the primary source of project funding. Supplemental funding (including other grants, sponsorships or personal contributions) must not exceed 25% of the tinygrants amount received.
What can I spend the grant on?
You can spend the grant on whatever you need to make the project happen. Here are some things you might need: project materials, promotional postcards, venue rental fees, equipment rental fees. Don’t forget to allot some funds to pay yourself for your time.
Who selects which projects will be funded?
I will be selecting which projects receive funding. Because tinygrants is, after all, a project for school, I feel that executing project selection on my own will allow me to exercise my curatorial skills, ensure that the tinygrants mandate is upheld, and that the projects can take place during a time when I am available to observe and document. Grant recipients will first be selected based on their accordance with the tinygrants mandate, creativity and ingenuity, and plausibility/logistics. However, in the case of any logistical conflict, I intend to work with the applicant to find mutually agreeable alternatives in order to make the best projects work. Although you should provide as firm details as possible in your application, please be aware that some flexibility may be required.
When are successful applicants announced?
You will be notified of grant results by email by Tuesday, December 1, 2009.
Why am I asked to fill out a survey?
Surveys provide me with quantitative data that will be used to measure various factors of all stages of the tinygrants project, including the application process. I am interested in learning about how users interact with the tinygrants applications. Although the survey for applicants is optional, it would provide me with valuable information. Please consider filling one out when you apply. You will receive a link by email with your application confirmation.
For Grant Recipients
How do I claim my grant?
A meeting will be arranged between myself and grant recipients in order to distribute the grant (via cheque with written notification) and a recipient package that includes guidelines and instructions for completing the required reporting forms.
What do I need to do once I receive my grant?
Make your project happen! (And keep me very posted!)
What additional support does tinygrants offer?
For each project selected, tinygrants will contribute promotional support if desired for your project. Each project will receive an additional $50 in the form of an Akimbo Posting. Additional promotions may be arranged.
For Donors
How can I donate to tinygrants?
You can donate to tinygrants by going to the Donate page. Cheque or cash donations are accepted by mail; Credit Card and Debit donations are facilitated by PayPal (you don’t need a PayPal account to donate using this method).
How much should I donate?
The amount of your donation is completely up to you, however, the donation form suggests $10, $25, $50, $100 or $200.
What is my donation used for?
Your donation will primarily go toward funding relational projects. Up to 40% of your donation may be used for operational costs (such as promotions, catalogue printing and documenting the funded projects). This figure is determined according to my personal investment and fluctuates based on donations received. The tinygrants budget is available here. As of November 17th, it is still a working budget.
Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?
Unfortunately, I cannot offer a tax receipt for any donations, as this is a project for school and not a registered non-profit organization.
What’s in it for me?
By donating, you will help to enable the facilitation of relational projects in the Toronto area. Your name will also appear on the Supporters section of the website (you can remain anonymous if you prefer). A copy of the tinygrants catalogue (to be printed April 2010) will be mailed to those who donate $100 or more.
Still have questions? Please email me at hello@tinygrants.ca. All questions will be answered in a timely manner.
