UMass Arts Council Grants

The UMass Arts Council is an educational outreach department of the Fine Arts Center that provides funding and grant support to student organizations and academic departments whose projects enhance the UMass community through art. The council aims to support proposals that address contemporary issues and visions that elevate cultural awareness. The council believes accessibility to diverse and sometimes unexpected forms of artistic expression is indispensable to a multidisciplinary education.

Female student playing violin

Resources

A well-crafted grant application can be the key to determining whether you receive funding. Whether you are considering applying for funding from the UMass Arts Council or you are looking to apply to other funding sources, we hope these resources can be helpful in guiding your process. 

The UMass Arts Council offers the following types of grants

Single Project/Event Grants

  • Support a single arts-related project, event or series
  • Maximum award of $2,000 per event
  • Please note, individuals are not eligible

Mini-Grants

  • Support small art events on campus
  • Maximum award of $750
  • Individuals may be eligible to apply if they meet all other requirements


Eligibility

Grants are awarded to

  • Groups and organizations that are affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Amherst and involve UMass students through program management, participation and/or as an audience in arts-related events
  • Applicants with a general operating fund or revenue-accepting fund


Examples of eligible organizations include registered student organizations, academic departments, and cultural centers.

Although individuals are not eligible to apply for grants, those who are sponsored by academic departments, registered student organizations, and other campus groups that meet all other criteria may be eligible for mini-grants (though not single projects/events grants).

The arts council is not able to support fundraising and profit-making events.

Funding criteria: The council prefers to fund proposals that

  • Demonstrate strong artistic merit
  • Originate with student groups
  • Are held on campus, except in unusual circumstances
  • Involve several different organizations
  • Demonstrate good organization and planning
  • Have realistic budgets that have multiple funding sources
  • Have the support of an academic department, RSO or other campus group
  • Have a high impact to the UMass/arts community and/or contribution to the art form
  • Take accessibility into consideration (could include approachability, access, and/or ability)
  • Speak to the mission of the arts council
  • Accurately measure the number of students attending/visiting the event/exhibition

 
Restrictions

  1. Council funds may not be used to support wages, salaries or honoraria for UMass students, staff or faculty; hospitality, such as transportation, receptions, and hotel accommodations; and fundraising activities.
  2. Applicants may not apply for the same program or event in both the single projects/events category and the mini-grant category unless referred by the council.
  3. Grants are awarded to groups and organizations that are affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and have a GOF or revenue accepting fund (speed type, department ID, and fund numbers are requested on cover sheet). Funds are processed and dispersed only through the University accounting system.
  4. Incomplete applications are unlikely to be funded.
  5. Applications must be received by noon on the due date to be considered. Late proposals will be considered at the next funding cycle, provided the project does not begin before the notification date of that cycle.
  6. Council funds may not be used to support events associated with Fine Arts Center presentations/exhibitions.
     

Application Process and Deadlines

Determine your eligibility

  • I represent a UMass group/organization whose project involves UMass students
  • I represent a UMass group/organization that has a GOF or revenue-accepting fund
  • I am an individual applying for a mini-grant who is sponsored by an academic department, RSO or other campus group and who meets all other criteria

Note the application deadline. Applications must be received by noon on the due dates listed on this page.

Complete the on-line application. Make sure to have:

  • Completed online form (incomplete applications are unlikely to be funded)
  • Project narrative
  • Accurate and balanced budget (must use provided form)
  • Letter(s) of support      
  • Faculty or Center for Student Development advisor approval
  • Business manager approval
              

Grant Application


***The deadline is noon on the specified date***
 

Previous Grant Recipients: Mini Grants

Previous Grant Recipients: Single Project/Event Grants

 

Tips for applying for funding from the UMass Arts Council

  • Make sure you submit all of the required information
  • Double-check that your budget is balanced and you are using the correct form
  • References are recommended, even if not required

Do

  • Focus on the impact of the project/event (instead of just logistics)
  • Highlight how the project impacts the UMass/arts community
  • Clarify the quality of the arts experience
  • Carefully review your complete application before submitting it
  • Use the budget form provided
  • Describe how you will count the number of students attending/visiting your event/exhibit/performance

Don't

  • Ask for funding for food or receptions.
  • Ask for funding for fundraisers.