The Grit Fund, administered by The Contemporary, supports unincorporated and collaborative artist-organized activity that contributes significantly to Baltimore's arts landscape but seldom qualifies for traditional funding. The fund provides 8-12 grants in amounts between $1,000–$6,000, totaling $50,000 annually.

The Contemporary will lead 4 free information sessions and 3 free workshops in different venues throughout Baltimore City. Each of the 4 info sessions will cover the same information and provide details on the Grit Fund application process, guidelines, eligibility, funding priorities, and more. Each of the 3 workshops focuses on a different topic outlined below. You are welcome to attend just the info session or workshop portion of each event, or both. While attending an info session and/or workshop is encouraged, attendance is not required to apply for funding. No RSVP necessary.

Submissions open: December 8, 2015
Submissions close: January 29, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST

gritfund.org

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Established with generous support from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the Grit Fund expands Warhol’s Regional Regranting Program to the Mid-Atlantic, encouraging projects that generate opportunities and create platforms for artists to engage with each other and with the public. Funded activities could include but are not limited to: exhibitions, publications, public events, public art, film screenings, the ongoing work of an existing arts venue or collective, and the founding of a new arts venue or collective.

The Grit Fund provides 8-12 grants in amounts between $1,000–$6,000, totaling $50,000 annually. The Grit Fund will accept proposals from non-incorporated, artist-organized initiatives that work collaboratively and reside in Baltimore City or Baltimore County. Projects must take place in either Baltimore City or Baltimore County and be accessible to the general public. The Contemporary’s mission is inspired by three guiding principles: artists matter, collaboration is key, and audience is everywhere. In keeping with this mission, the Grit Fund values risk-taking, encourages collaboration, and seeks to expand points of access to contemporary art.

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Information Session #1 + Grant Writing Workshop
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Info session 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Grant Writing Workshop 7:00 - 8:30 PM
The Contemporary
429 North Eutaw Street, Suite 1S

The Grant Writing Workshop is led by Tamar Cloyd, a fundraising and communications consultant, and board trustee of The Contemporary. This workshop provides strategies for writing a compelling and competitive grant narrative.

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Information Session #2
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Jubilee Arts Baltimore
1947 Pennsylvania Avenue

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Information Session #3 + Budget Workshop
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Info Session 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Budget Workshop 7:00 - 8:30 PM
The Motor House
120 West North Avenue

The Budget Workshop is led by Rebecca Chan, program officer for the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation. This workshop offers a detailed look at the Grit Fund Budget Form and tips on preparing a realistic budget that is consistent with your grant proposal.

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Information Session #4 + Tax Workshop
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Info Session 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Tax Workshop 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Creative Alliance
3134 Eastern Avenue

The Tax Workshop is co-led by Chris Ryer, director of the Southeast Community Development Corporation and coordinator of Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District, and Jessica Lanzillotti, general manager of Everyman Theatre, treasurer of Iron Crow Theatre Company, member of the Finance Committee of the Bromo Arts District, and board treasurer of The Contemporary. This Workshop covers tax incentives for designated Arts & Entertainment Districts and offers a tax primer for practicing artists, including tips for tracking deductible expenses.