Council for the Arts at MIT Announces IAP 2021 Arts Funding Opportunities for Undergrads and Student Groups

The Council for the Arts at MIT will offer two art funding opportunities for IAP 2021 focused on undergraduates and student groups. 

Special IAP Arts Funding for Undergraduates and Student Groups

This one-time special funding opportunity will provide up to $2,500 for undergraduate arts projects, with a special interest in fostering community and/or collaboration during IAP 2021. Arts-based student organizations that are pursuing innovative ways to work together and/or are proposing projects that bring multiple student groups together to explore collaborations are especially encouraged to apply. Funding is limited. 

• Beginning December 1, applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
• Applications will be accepted through the end of IAP, however, funding is limited and interested students are encouraged to apply early. 
• All registered MIT undergraduate students and arts-based student groups are eligible to apply.
• Project should be planned to launch during IAP.

• Fill out an application form, which includes writing a brief project description and budget.  
• Have questions? Contact Lydia Brosnahan, program coordinator: council-arts@mit.edu

Students and student groups seeking arts funding for activities that would begin in the spring semester should apply to the CAMIT Grants Committee for its spring funding round, which will launch in early March, 2021.

Undergraduate Mini Grants

Current MIT undergraduates and undergraduate student groups seeking funding of up to $500 for an artistic project are eligible to apply for an Undergraduate Arts Project Mini-Grant.

•  Undergraduate Arts Project Mini-Grants are awarded at any time during the academic year. Preference will be given to proposals that engage the MIT community.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants can expect to be notified of the decision within two weeks of the date their proposal is submitted.

• To apply for an Undergraduate Arts Project Mini-Grant, please complete Undergraduate Arts Project Mini-Grant Application.

What expenses are funded?

(We have updated our list of eligible expenses in keeping with MIT’s COVID-19 guidelines.)

• Materials
• Equipment rentals; equipment purchases if borrowing/renting is not possible, particularly due to COVID-19 restrictions. Equipment purchased should be donated to an MIT department or returned to the Arts at MIT after the project is completed.
• Publicity (paid social media advertising capped at $200).
• Event software/online venue expenses.
• Payment to professional performers (appearing remotely) or technical assistants, as project requires.

Are there any expenses that won’t be funded?

• Food and beverages
• Stipends for the applicant’s own time or work in creating the project
• Events designed as fundraising efforts for other non-profit organizations
• Projects requiring retroactive support
• Routine curricular activities
• Travel and/or accommodation expenses for the applicant(s)