UMEZ Mertz Gilmore Seed Fund for Dance

Geographic Scope: Upper Manhattan (Central Harlem, West Harlem, East Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood)

Focus Areas:

• Grassroots dance projects
• Individual dance artists
• Dance ensembles and collectives
• Nonprofit organizations
• Dance genres including tap, fusion, jazz, Afro-Cuban, improv, Lindy Hop, contemporary, and folk

Eligibility:

• Individual dance artists
• Dance ensembles and collectives
• Nonprofit organizations with annual budgets of $250,000 or below
• Projects must be available to the public

Project Types Funded:

• Performances
• Workshops and trainings
• Arts education activities
• Community engagement through dance ventures
• Artist fees are encouraged uses of funds

Geographic/Community Requirements:

• Projects must take place in Upper Manhattan
• Specific timeframes required for project activities

Contact Information:

• Website: umez.org/seed-fund-for-dance
• Email: info@umez.org
• Phone: (212) 410-0030
• Address: 55 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027

Background:
Created in partnership with the Mertz Gilmore Foundation to reach deeply into the Uptown dance community in search of talented artists and organizations not usually eligible for other grants. The program features a streamlined application process, high-touch technical assistance, and deep local engagement.

Application Process

Cycle Information:

• Cycle 1 has concluded with eight awardees
• Cycle 2 application window: January 11, 2022 - April 1, 2022 at 5 p.m. EDT
• Project activities for Cycle 2: August 1, 2022 - February 28, 2023

Required Materials:

• Application form (available at umez.org/seed-fund-for-dance)
• Project description
• Budget information
• Artist/organization information

Application Format:

• Online submission via umez.org/seed-fund-for-dance
• Deadline: Friday, April 1, 2022 at 5 p.m. EDT for Cycle 2

Support Available:

• High-touch technical assistance provided
• Streamlined application process
• Local engagement and support throughout process