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UMEZ Mertz Gilmore Seed Fund for Dance

UPPER MANHATTAN EMPOWERMENT ZONE

Foundation Annual Grants for ArtsGrants for DanceGrants for Grassroots Organizations
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Funding Amount

$5,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

UMEZ Mertz Gilmore Seed Fund for Dance

Status: Active grant program with multiple cycles

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

Funding Amount: $5,000 per award

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.

    How to Apply

    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

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    artsdancegrassroots

    Categories

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