The typical grant is between $1,000-5,000. The maximum is $20,000. Applicants may apply for more than one grant each year.
Application and Selection Deadlines: Applications are accepted throughout the year, and grants are awarded twice a year. Grant decisions will be made on April 1 and October 1 of each year. Application and grant periods are as follows:
Applications submitted: January 1 to June 30
Will be considered for the following grant date:
October 1
Applications submitted:
July 1 to December 31
Will be considered for the following grant date:
April 1
Any applications not awarded a grant will be considered in the next grant period. After a year, any applicant not awarded a grant is invited to submit a new application.
Criteria: All grants are awarded for artistic potential, work ethic, and financial need. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and residents of San Diego County, California. Applicants must demonstrate potential for success in his or her chosen field by submitting letters from instructors and samples of their artistic growth demonstrated in works of art, which may include videos of performances.
Selection Process: The selection committee reviews all applications and selects the grant recipients on an objective and non-discriminatory basis pursuant to a procedure approved by the IRS. The selection committee may request an interview with the finalists before making a decision. WMF will notify the grant recipients in writing once a decision has been made.
Duties of Grant Recipients: Grant recipients will be required to submit reports annually, no later than January 31 of the year following the award year, and upon completion of the purpose for which the grant was awarded. If the purpose is completed in one calendar year, only one report will be required. The report will include a list of the expenses paid with grant funds, receipts of such expenses, transcripts or progress reports, and a statement by the grantee regarding the progress made toward the purpose of the grant.
Reapplication: Those who have previously received grants are encouraged to apply for a grant renewal.
Ineligibility: The following individuals are not eligible for WMF grants: officers, directors, employees, managers, grant selection committee members, substantial contributors to WMF or their family members.
Records Retention: WMF retains records pertaining to all grants awarded, including contact information for the grant recipient, the application used to evaluate the grantee, the amount and purpose of the grant, and the grantee reports regarding usage of the grant funds. Records will be retained for at least three (3) years or as may be required by law.
Taxes: The grant recipient should obtain independent tax advice regarding any grants received.
*For more examples of how grant funds can be used, click here, and to see how past recipients have used grant funds, click here.
