APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FROM THE 1st - 15th of EVERY MONTH!
Grants are awarded February through November, with a special youth recipient every December.

Keep scrolling to meet more than 40 previous Microgrant Awardees!

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The CSAW Microgrants for US Circus Artists of Color Program was launched in September of 2020 when CSAW became an official non-profit. CSAW Microgrants for US Circus Artists of Color are monthly $1,000 grants which are available to BIPOC artists to help fund ANY immediate circus related need. The intention of the program is to provide an easy application and no-strings attached grant for individuals in need of assistance with their circus pursuits - performing, learning, teaching, costuming, equipment or any other funding need that qualifies as circus.

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CSAW's Microgrant Program was founded upon the recognition that people of color have historically not been given the same opportunities as white people to fully pursue circus. This program strives to provide BIPOC circus artists with more opportunities and more abundance in order to promote and achieve a more inclusive circus industry.

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Since 2020, CSAW has awarded over $40,000 through the Microgrant Program. To date, the program has been funded by crowdfunding among the circus community.​​​

 

Please review the following before applying:​

 

OVERVIEW

The CSAW Microgrant for U.S. Circus Artists of Color provides $1,000 in direct financial support to circus artists of color with an immediate need for funding related to circus education, projects, performances, or professional development.

 

Open to applicants of all ages across the United States, this program aims to reduce financial barriers and support artists at any stage of their circus journey. Grants are awarded monthly at the discretion of the selection committee, with priority given to applicants demonstrating a clear and timely funding need. Applicants are encouraged to apply more than once and to contact admin@csawcircus.org with any questions.

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APPLICATION ACCESSIBILITY​

• Applicants may access an audio recording of the full application text here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UJczCN7HiLx3di4E8zHVGJX-WxFl4Lnj/view 

• If you need this application in another language, email admin@csawcircus.org and we will work to provide one.

• CSAW accepts application responses via text, audio, or video. Please choose one format only, as multiple formats will not receive special consideration. If submitting recorded responses, be sure to link your media under each question (timestamps encouraged) so your application does not appear blank.

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DEADLINE

• The application opens the 1st of every month and closes the 15th of every month at 11:59pm EST.
  All applicants will be notified of their status on or before the first of the following month.

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ELIGIBILITY

To apply, you must:

• Identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color)
  (CSAW uses a broad definition, including anyone who identifies in part or whole as non-white.)

• Be a U.S. citizen, resident alien, or permanent resident

• Be seeking funding for an immediate, circus-related need

• Complete the application fully to the best of your ability

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You may apply as an individual or on behalf of an organization or company. 

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HOW CAN I USE MY MICROGRANT?

 

Funds may be used for circus-related expenses, including but not limited to: classes and training, travel and housing for auditions, application or tuition fees, equipment, props, or costumes, private lessons, show creation and venue fees, other circus education or project-related costs

 

Applicants must demonstrate a clear and immediate funding need. Requests tied to upcoming or time-sensitive expenses may be prioritized by the selection committee.

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PREPARE BEFORE APPLYING

You will be asked to submit:

• Basic personal information

• A headshot (viewable on any device)

• Questions regarding, your passion for circus, your personal journey and goals, and your dreams for the circus industry as a whole.

• An explanation of why you are applying for the $1,000 grant, what the funds will be used for, and by when the funds are needed.

• A detailed budget proposal (uploaded file)

• 1–3 photos or still attachments of past work

• 1–3 videos (30-90 seconds) of past work (Professional quality not required)

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CAN I APPLY MORE THAN ONCE?

• Yes! Applicants may reapply monthly, with no limit, as long as they can demonstrate an immediate funding need.
  * Please note: If you have received a CSAW Microgrant, you are not eligible to receive another until 12 months have passed.

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CLICK THE APPLICATION BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION

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