UPDATE OCTOBER 24, 2023
Q: Are for profit dance businesses or individual dance artists eligible to apply?
A: No. To be eligible, all applicants must have current 501c3 nonprofit status, as verified by the IRS Tax Exemption Organization Search, or be fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit.
Q: Are pre-professional youth dance companies or studios eligible to apply?
A: No. This program is intended to support dance organizations that have a history of employing danceworkers over the age of 18 as performers, either as W2 employees or 1099 contractors.
Q: Do applicants need to have a current membership with Dance Source Houston to be eligible to apply?
A: No. There is no membership requirement to apply or receive funding. We do encourage grantees to become members so we can further amplify the work they’re doing, but it is not required.
Q: How should we complete the equity matrix if we do not have demographic information on our key leadership, board, and staff?
A: We understand members of your team and board may not provide demographic information. Complete the matrix to the best of your ability and mark “Prefer not to answer / Unknown” where necessary.
Q: What is the timeline for applications?
A: The application deadline is Monday, November 20, 2023, at 11:59pm CST. Staff will review applications for eligibility following the deadline. Panelists will then remotely review applications in December, followed by an in-person panel meeting to make funding decisions. All applicants will receive notification in January 2024. Grantees will attend a mandatory orientation following notification.
Q: What is the grant term?
A: The grant term is calendar year 2024.
Q: How much will the Groundwork Grant awards be?
A: Selected grantees will receive awards in amounts between $3,500-$5,000.
Q: What is the total amount of funds available for Groundwork Grants?
A: A total of $85,000 will be distributed through the 2023 Groundwork Grant program.
Q: Who will be reviewing the applications?
A: First, all applications will be reviewed by DSH staff to confirm eligibility. Next, applications will be reviewed by panels comprised of members of the Greater Houston dance community. Prospective panelists who represent a broad range of artistic and cultural perspectives are encouraged to apply.
Q: Can I submit a choreography reel for my work sample(s)?
A: We do not recommend choreography reels for work sample documentation. Work samples that provide continuity through the video and context through the work description give panelists the best overview of your work. You can submit a compilation video from a single work to showcase a range of moments within a piece.
Q: Is this a project grant?
A: No. Groundwork Grants provide operational support for calendar year 2024. Rather than focusing on one specific project or performance, your application should reflect the entirety of your organization’s activities during that time, including but not limited to research, development, creation, and presentation.
Q: Because of the size of my organization’s budget we do not submit a Form 990 to the IRS. What should we submit with our application?
A: Organizations who are not required to submit a full 990 should include whatever they submit to the IRS, either a 990EZ or 990N.
Q: Can Dance Source Houston review a draft of my application?
A: Dance Source Houston is unable to review application drafts due to staff capacity. Specific application questions should be sent to [email protected].
Q: If I have a question, how should I contact Dance Source Houston’s staff?
A: Please send all questions to [email protected] with “Groundwork Grant Question” in the subject line to ensure your email is prioritized. Questions should not be directed at individual staff members’ email addresses.
Q: How quickly will I receive a response?
A: Emails will be returned within 3 business days and will be answered in the order they are received.
Don’t see your question listed above? Additional questions should be directed by email to [email protected]. Do not direct questions to individual staff members’ email addresses. Please put “Groundwork Grant Question” in the subject line to ensure your email is prioritized. As appropriate, responses to questions received will be added to the FAQ page.
Limited Office Hour sessions are available to speak one-on-one with a member of the Dance Source Houston team through Friday, November 17. To request an Office Hour session click here.