Please thoroughly read this page before filling out a Grant application.
What is considered a Grant?
To support members with the projects they initiate, the LEA provides grants to support some of the funding needed to get these projects off the ground. Grants provided by the LEA are directed to projects fully owned and operated by the grant recipient.
How many grants are awarded?
Grants are awarded quarterly, based on the amount of the LEA budget allocated to grants each year. Grants are awarded on a case by case basis, so the number of grants and the amount of funding provided will vary.
When may I apply for a grant?
Grants are awarded quarterly, and application deadlines are as follows:
- March 31
- June 30
- September 30
- December 31
When will I know if I’ve been awarded a grant?
Following the application deadline, the LEA Board of Directors will review all applications received during that quarter and will determine which grants will be awarded. You will be notified of the status of your grant within two weeks of the quarterly application deadline.
Should I be awarded a grant, how much will I receive?
This will vary between projects, however, grants normally will pay for only a portion of a project’s production costs. We pay for material costs, but not for time/labour. Artists should be ready to seek out and show proof of other methods and sources of funding. As a matter of policy, we also prefer that you develop various kinds of non-monetary resources to help support your project. We believe that such an effort on your part encourages collaboration and cooperation within our extended community.
How much money should I ask for?
Our annual budget fluctuates each year depending on surplus from revenue generating Initiatives. We typically fund between 10-25 projects. Grants over $1,500 are rare.
Following the submission of your application, you cannot revise the funding amount requested.
If you are looking for partial funding for a project, you must bring this to our attention in your grant application. For example: tell us that your project will cost $2,000 but that you’re asking us for $800 and you will fundraise the balance. Another option is to give us budget tiers. For example, a small, medium and large version of your project at corresponding prices. Please be clear what it means if we fund one tier versus another one.
Every dollar saved on one funded project is used to help other projects. We want to help as many of our members as possible to make projects happen.
When and how will I receive money?
This will also vary from project to project as a separate schedule of payment is developed for each awarded applicant. Generally, the total funds for a project will be disbursed within two weeks of the receipt of all final documentation and reporting requirements. You will also be required to sign a contract agreement prior to receiving any funding. The agreement describes how your grant will be disbursed. The money you receive may be taxable.
Disbursements for grants are made in 2 tiers.
- Grants under CAD $2,000. Upon completion of the project the awarded applicant(s) are required to provide to the LEA a final financial report, receipts, and a grant summary report, including photos if possible. Following the submission of all documentation, awarded applicant(s) will receive the remainder of awarded funds. The awarded applicant(s) will only be disbursed funds equivalent to those expended on the project, up to the total grant amount.
- Grants over CAD $2,000. The awarded applicant(s) are required to provide the LEA with a progress report with receipts, and upon approval will then receive installment amounts of the awarded funds as discussed with the Grants Officer. The installment amounts are decided case by case. Upon completion of the project the awarded applicant(s) are required to provide to the LEA a final financial report, receipts, and a grant summary report, including photos if possible. The awarded applicant(s) will then receive the remainder of awarded funds. The awarded applicant(s) will only be disbursed funds equivalent to those expended on the project, up to the total grant amount.
What are your criteria for awarding grants?
- It fits the mandate and ethos of the LEA.
- Interactivity with participants and the environment. We are interested in interactive work that brings people together, provokes action, and transforms participants into active contributors to creative processes and community building.
- The thoroughness of your proposal. We will not review and consider proposals that are not complete (e.g. they do not contain all the requested information). If you don’t include a detailed budget, a construction schedule, or at least one drawing, it is difficult for the Board to fully consider your project.
- Impact of your project. We want as many participants to see and enjoy your project as possible. This does not mean we only fund large projects, but we do select installations that can have a broad reach.
What kind of projects do you fund?
We will consider providing grants for projects such as:
- Interactive and visual art
- Events or activities that have difficulty funding themselves (i.e. Sunday 4 Play)
- Mutant vehicles (mobile art)
- Community building or development projects
- Civic minded projects (for non-profit organizations, outreach programs, relief programs)
We do not provide funding for:
- Performances
- Costumes
- DJs and amplified sounds
- Domes, tents, teepees, yurts, or stages
- Theme camp, soundstage, or bar infrastructure
- Food or beverages
- Wages for time, labour, shop time, etc.
- Anything illegal
While we will provide funds for material costs of projects, we do not provide funds to purchase or build infrastructure components of theme camps, soundstages, or bars. For example, while we will consider funding visual or interactive art pieces that will be publicly displayed at a soundstage, bar, or theme camp at Burning Man or Freezer Burn, we would not provide funds for their basic infrastructure, such as structures, speakers, etc.
We also do not provide funding for the basic infrastructure pieces of mutant vehicles, such as the vehicle chassis or engine components, but may fund the materials that contribute to visually and artistically transforming the vehicle from its original form to its mutated form.
Send an email to leagrants@gmail.com if you have questions about whether your project would qualify for an LEA grant.
Who is responsible for the project?
You are responsible for the project for which funding has been awarded. This means you are also responsible to pay for any insurance necessary to cover any risks or liabilities. You also assume liability for any claims for damages arising out of this grant.
What other terms and conditions are awarded applicants responsible for?
Upon completion of the project the awarded applicant(s) are required to provide to the LEA a final financial report, receipts, and a grant summary report, including photos if possible. The awarded applicant(s) are also expected to return any excess funds.
You are also responsible for all terms and conditions outlined in the contract agreement.
Be sure to photograph your work!!!
Any awarded grants will be publicized on LEA websites and other social media pages.
What is the process for applying for a grant?
Follow the link below and complete the grant application form. The Board of the LEA will review the application after the quarterly deadline, and will approve a number of grants.
Before you apply for a grant, please pay close attention to these points:
- Are you signed up as an LEA member?
- Are you ready to fill out the application?
- Have you had a meeting with your team?
- Have you reviewed the application in full?
- Have you completed a budget for your project?
Please make sure your application is as complete as possible. If you don’t know how to answer a question, do your best. The more quality information you provide, the better your chances. Good luck!
For further information on grants, send an e-mail to leagrants@gmail.com.