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Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants
What types of projects are funded?
What expenses are eligible for funding?
How precise does my budget need to be?
How are the applications judged?
Will I get all the funding I ask for?
Can artists who make a donation to Idea Capital also apply for a grant?
What if my application is late?
I already received an Idea Capital grant. When can I apply again?
Is there a workshop or an Idea Capital Steering Committee liaison to help with applications?
What if my grant-funded project can't make it to realization?
What version of Acrobat should I prepare my PDFs for?
Is there any way to exceed the word limit to explain my idea?
What do you mean by "How do you want to be held accountable?" Is this a question about the budget?
What types of projects are funded?All creative projects will be considered, including but not limited to: visual art, performing arts, installations, literature, digital media, independent curatorial projects, films and festivals.
Return to top What expenses are eligible for funding?
Because grants are for research and development of new ideas, Idea Capital funds should be used to pay for expenses related to new works, such as materials, equipment, shipping, fabrication costs, artist fees and professional fees. Idea Capital funds cannot be used for completed work.
Return to top How much can I request?
Idea Capital awards range from $500 to $1,500.
Return to top How precise does my budget need to be?
A more complete and exact budget demonstrates to the panel that your project has been well-thought through. The budget does not need to be exact to the penny, but a budget asking for $500 for "general materials" will be less competitive than one that shows careful consideration and research.
Return to top Who is eligible to apply?
All working artists 18 years and older living in metro Atlanta can apply. Students may apply, but must show an on-going commitment to the Atlanta arts community. Student applications should be for an endeavor that is outside of the academic process. Awards may not be used to support thesis projects or exhibitions.
Return to top How are the applications judged?
Idea Capital applications are reviewed by the Idea Capital Steering Committee. In addition, a guest panelist drawn from our pool of investors serves on the panel. Applications are judged based on several criteria, including the quality of the idea and its relevance to Idea Capital's goal to support new and innovative work; project feasibility, including a realistic budget; and overall quality of the application. Panelists determine the final dollar award. All decisions are final, and cannot be appealed.
Return to top Will I get all the funding I ask for?
While we try to fund as many qualified applications as we can, each year the number of requests of merit outstrip the funds available. Many of those funded will be only partially funded. Although we do not require matching funds, proposals that reflect other sources of income are more competitive, and also demonstrate commitment to the project.
Return to top How is Idea Capital funded?
Idea Capital is a grassroots initiative, entirely funded by people concerned about our community. We award grants each year based on the success of our annual fundraising campaign.
Return to top Can artists who make a donation to Idea Capital also apply for a grant?
Yes. We pool our money together--sort of like a community bank--so we encourage artists to both invest and to apply. Contributions will not affect your chances of winning positively or negatively.
Return to top What if my application is late?
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered for funding.
Return to top I already received an Idea Capital grant. When can I apply again?
Artists must wait two years after receiving an award to apply again. For example, if you received a grant in 2008, you may reapply in 2011.
Return to top Is there a workshop or an Idea Capital Steering Committee liaison to help with applications?
At this time, we are all volunteers and do not have the ability to assist in all the ways that we might like to. There are, however, some resources on this site that may help you. Read through the FAQs on this page, download and review successful applications from previous funding cycles, and research previous grant winners to get a better idea of the kind of work we're likely to fund. There are also many ways to research "how to write grant proposals" online--NYFA.org, Chicago Artist Resource.org are just a few. You could also contact local and regional art commissions for additional support. Jackie Battenfield's The Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love (Da Capo Press) is another great resource.
Return to top What if my grant-funded project can't make it to realization?
If the project does not reach fruition, we do not ask that the funds be returned. However, Idea Capital encourages cultural producers to be serious about ideas and commitments.
Return to top I produce theater events and Equity rules forbid recording of performances. Are still photos and playbills acceptable as work samples?
Yes. Plus any other supporting material you think helps your case such as a script excerpt or set design drawing.
Return to top What version of Acrobat should I prepare my PDFs for?
Make sure your PDF files are readable by Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.
Return to top Is there any way to exceed the word limit to explain my idea?
No. We prefer concise explanations, and more verbose writing will not help your application.
Return to top What do you mean by "How do you want to be held accountable?" Is this a question about the budget?
Not necessarily. This question is intentionally open ended. We realize that art projects sometimes go in unintended directions. Therefore, we want to know what your idea of success is. How will you know you've succeeded?
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Fall 2011 Investors
Allison Rentz Anne Sterchi Anne Tracht Annette Cone-Skelton & Bob Hipps Anonymous Antonio Darden ArtsGeorgia Basheerah Ahmad Brenda Massie Cheryl Adams Odeleye Christopher Campbell Cinqué Hicks Daniel Gaetan-Beltran, Shay Nichols David Schuster Elizabeth Chapman Elyse Defoor Felicia Feaster Flora Maria Garcia George King Greta Mandell Jeff Vanderlip Joey Orr Joseph P. Peragine Judy Lampert June M. Grant Katherine M. Barringer Klimchak Kwanza Hall Lisa Alembik | Lisa Tuttle Lisa Frank Loran Hamilton Louis Corrigan Louise Shaw Lubo Fund Lucha Rodriguez Mark Basehore Martha J. Whittington Mary O'Horo Mary Stanley Matt Sigmon Melissa Snyder Nancy Floyd Nicole Livieratos Oronike Odeleye Pamela Rogers Paul Hagedorn Paul Boshears Robert Brawner Rocio Rodriguez Shannon Turner Steve Jarvis Susan Krause Susan Bridges Thomas Swanston Waduda Muhammad Your Name Here! |
Fall 2010 Investors
Allison Rentz Amy Miller Anne Dennington Anne Sterchi Anonymous ArtsGeorgia Brenda Locke Chris Campbell Cinqué Hicks Cosmo Whyte David Schuster David Hamilton Dorian McDuffie Flora Maria Garcia George King Jeani Elbaum Jeff & Julia Guy Judy Lampert Julia Myers Leatrice Ellzy-McNair Lisa Alembik Lisa Tuttle Louis Corrigan | Louise Shaw Lucha Rodriguez Lucinda W. & Robert Bunnen Machiko Ichihara Marianne Lambert Mark Basehore Mary Stanley Mary Ohoro Michael David Murphy Morolake Odeleye Nancy Floyd Nicole Livieratos Opal Moore Oronike Odeleye Pam Rogers Priscilla Smith Sarah Emerson Stacie Lindner Steve Jarvis Susan Krauss Susan Bridges Susannah Darrow Wesley Chenault |