Populus Fund - Resources for Applicants

Artists applying for 2025 Populus Fund Project Grants can make use of the several resources below when developing their application.

FAQs

Follow the link below to find answers to the most common questions concerning Populus Fund.

1:1 Application Feedback Sessions // April 8-13 + 15-20 + 24

Artists interested in applying for Project Grants can meet directly with Union staff (on Zoom) to discuss the grant, application materials, or aspects of their project proposal. Feedback Sessions are for in progress applications, not yet submitted to Submittable. Union staff cannot review applications once submitted. Feedback Sessions have an open format - the structure of each session is different for each applicant and is based on the questions they have, and support they need within their application.

Follow the link below to register for a time.

*Union staff do not participate in the application jury process. Attending a feedback session does not guarantee funding. Feedback Sessions are limited to one per applicant.

Application - Plain Text Version

The goal of this document is to be a resource as you draft your application. You will still need to input responses to questions into the application on Submittable. **Please make a copy of this document. Once you have made a copy, you will be able to edit and draft responses to questions.

Application Scoring Matrix

Follow the link below to see the application scoring system used by the jury.

Sample Budget

The Union has created a sample budget as an example of possible use of funds for Project Grants. You can view or download the sample budget at the link below.

(Note: the link provides a "View Only" spreadsheet, if you would like to edit and personalize this budget for your project proposal, please download or make your own copy.)

Income Tax Liability

Populus Fund Project Grants are subject to both state and federal income taxes. Artists are encouraged to consider both this tax expense and any potential cost in paying for tax preparation services. Because tax rates vary by individual, the sample budget provided above does not account for taxes. In that budget, $300 is estimated for the cost of tax preparation services (please remember this is just an estimate). Your project budget may include a line item for both these tax expenses. Please contact a tax advisor for specific recommendations on your personal tax liability.

Need help with filing your taxes or estimating what you will owe? Brass Taxes is a pretty helpful service for artists, freelancers, and other folks who may not have a degree in finance.

Sample Solo Artist Application

Follow the link below to view or download a sample application submitted by a previous Populus Fund grantee. (Artist names have been removed.)

Sample Group Artist Application

Follow the link below to view or download a sample group application submitted by a previous Populus Fund grantee collective. (Artist names have been removed.)

Creative Capital Curriculum

Creative Capital Curriculum is a professional development tool for artists focused on practical, concrete techniques for writing about, speaking about, and otherwise representing your practice across a variety of professional contexts, including grant applications, artist talks, and social media. Visit the Curriculum registration page and sign up for an account! The platform is FREE to all artists/users and all that is needed is an email address to sign up and start accessing the modules.

Modules within this curriculum include:

• Art, Politics, and the Stakes of Representation
• Self Presentation: Artist Statement + Bio + Resume
• Professional Writing: Project Proposals + Descriptions
• Career Documentation: Work Samples + Archiving
• Practical Administration: Timelines + Budgets + Planning
• Articulating Your Practice: Artist Talks + Elevator Pitches
• Promoting Your Work: Press Releases + Interviews
• Online Presence: Website + Social Media

This resource is provided to us by The Andy Warhol Foundation