Project Grants

Application Deadlines
Guidelines
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Eligibility

• projects that involve a primary focus on Harvard College undergraduate collaborative artmaking taking place on the Harvard Campus.
• Who can apply:
  • Groups who are registered student organizations and in good standing with the Dean of Student Office and comply with all guidelines set by that Office.
  • In special instances: individuals seeking funding for non-academic solo art projects
• All projects seeking funding are expected to be open to all students to participate/engage in.
• Student organizations that receive funding from the Office for the Arts must be open to all students in good standing currently enrolled in Harvard College, regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. Marketing and outreach should clearly state that events and activities are open to all.
• Independent student organization leaders are expected to abide by the guidelines set by the Harvard College Student Handbook and the Student Organization Resource Guide. Harvard University and Harvard College are not responsible for the operations of student organizations.
• The Office for the Arts is available to provide advising and support to student organizations but is not responsible for decisions made by ISO student leaders.

Funding award amounts

Most funding awards typically fall in the $200-$800 range. For budgeting purposes, funding for digital programs and publicity budget line items will be capped at $100.

What we ordinarily fund

In considering applications, the OFA values projects that

• are collaborative
• have potential to involve many students in making or observing the finished work
• are either original or demonstrate a creative approach to existing work (a play, musical work, ballet, etc.)

Grants typically fall into traditional categories such as drama, literature, music, dance and visual art. The OFA welcomes these and also welcomes forms that are hybrids of various types and/or are less easily defined.

What can be considered in special circumstances

• individuals seeking funding for non-academic solo studio art projects
• groups seeking funding to support instruction/mentoring by professionals

Please note that applicants must present evidence of compelling or exceptional reasons why funding should be approved.

If applicants are interested in guest artists, applicants should explore the OFA’s Learning from Performers webpage for more information, or contact the OFA.

What we do not ordinarily fund

• senior theses
• fundraisers, charity benefits, or tours away from campus
• fees for Student Services
• fees for professional technicians, such as a lighting or sound operator, or performer fees
• presentation of performing groups from outside the University
• projects that offer minimal exposure to undergraduates
• political magazines or events that are not primarily artistic
• film projects, summer projects, or ongoing classes
• equipment purchases, though grants can cover expenses incurred from equipment rentals
  • Note: As students find themselves creating art in new technologies, the OFA acknowledges that some new types of funding requests may be presented for consideration, including but not limited to equipment purchases. Such requests will be considered in the context of the entire budget proposal and on a case-by-case basis.
• receptions, including flowers, gifts, food, or drinks
• video or audio documentation recording of concerts or other performances

Other funding resources

We encourage producers to research other available funding resources made available to Harvard Events. The Harvard Undergraduate Association provides a listing of resources on their website.