ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND
The VCF's Arts Endowment Fund was established in 1990 through a generous gift from an anonymous Vermonter and a matching grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Fund was created for the specific purpose of supporting new work by Vermont artists and technical assistance for Vermont arts organizations. In 2005, the Concert Artists Fund was added to the Arts Endowment Fund grant round. The Concert Artists Fund was funded through the estate of Charles Goetz to support performances of western classical music in Chittenden County.

Through the generosity of these individuals, the VCF's Arts Endowment Fund supports the efforts of Vermont artists and arts organizations in three areas:

  1. creation and production of new work
  2. technical assistance
  3. classical music performance in Chittenden County

Grants are reviewed by a committee familiar with the Vermont arts scene. The committee is selected by the VCF in consultation with the Vermont Council on the Arts. The Board of the VCF gives final approval for the committee's recommendations.

See Arts Grants awarded by the VCF in 2007.

Grantmaking Areas

New Works
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.

Grant Size:  Up to $5,000

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 experimenting, moving 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; if an artist is hoping to produce a show of the new work, it would be useful to make an inquiry (in advance of the proposal) to the institutions where work might be exhibited and note this in the proposal to the Vermont Arts Fund;
  • Ability of the organization or artists to carry out the project for which funds are requested;
  • Reasonable and appropriate budget.

Technical Assistance
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 curatorships
  • program development
  • exhibition design
  • research and/or design of cultural facilities
  • fiscal development
  • short and long range planning

Grant size:  Up to $5,000

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; and
  • How this project will enhance the organization's ability to present its programs.

Performance
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) of Western classical music within Chittenden County.

Grant size:  Up to $10,000

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 VCF, including meeting the needs of the underserved;
  • 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; and
  • 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; i.e. grants will not be made to fund projects while a student is in school fulfilling school requirements.


How To Apply For All Grantmaking Areas
Application letters with appropriate enclosures should be submitted to Pat Menduni, Community Philanthropy Steward, 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:

  • 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; and
  • Plans for additional fundraising.
  • One-page project budget, including income and expenses.

In addition, one copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) IRS letter (if applicable) must accompany the application

NOTE:

For New Works Applications: Include one copy of supporting materials which demonstrate artistic quality. Examples include slides (if the project involves visual arts), manuscripts (if the project involves writers), audio or visual tapes/CDs/DVDs (if the project involves media or performing arts). Examples of previous work are strongly encouraged; lack of examples may jeopardize your application. If slides or photos are sent, a list is helpful and should include size and materials of work presented, as well as the date of the work's completion. It is also important to note the date of the work in a video, manuscript etc.

For Technical Assistance Applications: Be sure to include the name and pertinent biographical information of consultant.

For Performance Applications: Be sure to include dates of performances, names of special guests (if any), works to be performed and location of performance. 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 1. We are unable to accept late applications. The VCF will notify applicants by mail in July.

We're here to help
If you have any questions, please contact:

Pat Menduni
Community Philanthropy Steward
pmenduni@vermontcf.org
802-388-3355 extension 285

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