THE GATSBY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION FUND APPLICATION

Want to produce a short film festival? Curate a photo exhibition from your journeys around the world? Showcase your culture through dance and music? Stage a musical? Create an arts-related marketing campaign for Columbia's green initiatives? Learn how to apply for a grant by reading through the links below!

• What is the Gatsby Charitable Fund? 
  
  
• News & Updates 
  
  
• Am I Eligible?
  
  
• How Do I Apply?
  
  
• Application
  
  
• Frequently Asked Questions
  
  
• Who Are Past Recipients of Gatsby Grants?

What is the Gatsby Charitable Fund?

Every year, Columbia engineering, medical, economics, and history students showcase their arts to the Columbia community... And every year, we enjoy helping students such as these and from the whole of Columbia bring their projects to life. Why not try your hand at being the next Spielberg, Leibowitz, Mamet, Lang, or Hopper? Start now and give them a run for their money.

Maybe you’re brainstorming an idea for how to use the arts to build community among graduate and undergraduate Columbians? Past projects have included radio broadcasts, student television series, film festivals, photography exhibitions, musicals, cultural dances, websites and music videos. We are always looking for students who can think outside the box and reach all Columbians with their creativity.

**2011-2012 Gatsby Application Updates:**

• The deadline for Fall 2011 applications is Monday, October 17th, by 11:59pm
• The deadline for Spring 2012 applications is Monday, February 27th, by 11:59pm

If you are part of a student group that has applied for multiple projects throughout the year, we encourage you now to think of your multiple projects as a season of events as the reviewers will only consider one application per group or per individual applicant. 

If your event takes place before the application deadline, please submit at least 3 weeks prior to the event date and state the timeline of your event in the description. You will be notified prior to your event if you (or your group) have received funds. The Gatsby Student Art Fund does not retroactively award funds. 

Eligibility:

• You must be a current Columbia student or a group comprised of at least 50% current Columbia students.
• You may apply as an individual student OR as the representative of a student organization.
• Neither you nor any other student involved in the project can receive academic credit from any institution or department for the project. This includes senior theses and projects.
• Columbia students must have a direct hand in the shaping of the artistic event/project receiving support.
• The final project must be accessible to all Columbians.

Application Guidelines:

• The application is an experience in grant-writing. Please do all your preparation and homework prior to submitting the form. Your application should be as detailed and precise as possible.
• Your application should demonstrate a clear connection to the arts and be open to the Columbia community.
• We strongly encourage multi-disciplinary and/or collaborative projects with other Columbia organizations and schools. Project leaders should reach out to their own colleagues, as well as students from other schools and departments to join in the project. Projects should also reach out to other departments for help with their area of expertise: Columbia Business School students for the marketing of the project, similar interest groups for networking opportunities and shared invite lists.
• The application should provide the full scope of the project: logistics, resources needed, and any details related to the project that have already been confirmed.
• If you are an individual applying for the first time, we require an in-person meeting so that we can help you through the process and answer any initial questions or address any issues you may have. Meeting requests should be submitted to cuarts@columbia.edu with "Gatsby Request" in the email subject header.

Download a sample Gatsby budget here.
See a list of rehearsal and performance venues here.
Submit your application here.
For Gatsby recipients reference, you can download a copy of the contract here.



If approved:

• You will need to make an appointment with Abigail Santner, ats2130@columbia.edu, to review the terms of the contract and to sign it.
• You must include the Arts Initiative logo on all printed materials and electronic materials, as well as language that will be provided to you in the contract. This includes websites, posters, programs, as well as Facebook. A failure to adhere to these requirements will result in your funds being withheld. 

How much can I apply for?

Students applying as individuals may request up to $750. Columbia-recognized student groups consisting of at least 50% students (undergraduate or graduate from any school) may apply for more than $750. If the applicant does receive funds, the grant will be designated for specific line items (i.e. posters and postcards). You should apply for only as much as you absolutely need. Click here for a sample budget.

Do I have to be a part of a student group to be eligible to apply?

No, students of the university may apply as individuals for up to $750.

My group is producing multiple events, should I apply for each individually or all at once?

Groups with multiple events in one semester should consider these as a 'season' and consolidate the events into one application. Please applications are reviewed once per semester after a posted deadline.

How can I use the funds?

Your application should highlight a specific amount requested and we will approve a specific line item, i.e. for costumes or tech fees. You may not use your grant for anything other than what has been stipulated in your contract. Please note, Gatsby Student Art Fund does not fund food items, travel costs, honoraria, or any payment for services provided by individuals outside of Lerner Tech fees.

How is the grant money distributed to its recipients?

The Gatsby Student Art Fund is distributed on a reimbursement system. Post event you must reconcile your award with Abigail Santner (ats2130). Projects not reconciled by June 1st of each year is considered void.

Can I apply for funding for my thesis or senior project?

Unfortunately, no. The Gatsby Student Art Fund is only for non-academic endeavors.

Do I have any obligations to CUarts if I receive and accept a Gatsby Grant?

Yes. You will be required to set up a meeting with Abigail Santner (ats2130) to review and sign your contract. By signing that contract you will agree to include the Arts Iniative logo and following language in all marketing material (electronic and print): Sponsored [in part] by the Arts Initiative at Columbia University. This funding is made possible through a generous gift from The Gatsby Charitable Foundation. The contract will lay out specific reconciliation materials each individual/student group must supply after the event takes place. The funds will be transferred to the group/a check cut to the individual after the event takes place.

Will Gatsby Student Art Fund underwrite my whole project? 

Applicants are strongly discouraged from only seeking funding from the Gatsby Student Art Fund. If you or your group needs help finding other funding sources though, you should check out CUArts guides to producing and funding events on campus.