FAQs

Why do the Snapdragon Fund Project Grants need Lead Organizers?

The Snapdragon Fund team needs one to two points of contact for each project throughout the application, review, and project lifetime. This person will receive any awarded grant funds and will be responsible for the final project report. Lead Organizers are allowed to share the responsibilities of carrying out the proposed project throughout the grant period. Lead Organizers are compensated for their time based on the budget submitted with their applications.

Can my project have more than one Lead Organizer?

Yes, a project can have Co-Lead Organizers who share responsibilities. If funded, Co-Lead Organizers will determine which one will receive and manage the funding and complete a provided W9. VAE will communicate directly with both of the Co-Lead Organizers during the grant period.

Why won’t funds be granted to 501(c)(3) non-profits, commercial galleries, and incorporated businesses?

This regranting program aims to fill a regional gap by providing funding directly to artists for their individual ideas.

What areas of North Carolina are eligible?

The Snapdragon Fund is funding projects developed by artists and organizers that live in one of the twelve North Carolina counties: Cumberland, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Nash, Orange, Wake, Wayne, Wilson.

What if I do not know all of the artists/collaborators who will be involved when I apply?

There will be an opportunity for you to let the jurors know how you will determine who will be involved with your project. If you will be inviting individuals to participate/collaborate, mention the individuals you would ideally like to work with and your connection to them. If you plan to use a call for submissions, let the jurors know how you will select the individual artists.

Do I need to have a location/space confirmed when I apply?

No, confirmation is not required. In order for our panelists to understand the scope of your proposed project, we ask that you provide possible locations in your proposal.

Can my project take place at an existing arts venue?

Yes. Projects may also happen in existing art venues as well as temporary or non-traditional art spaces, community centers, public spaces, etc. Please ensure that community health is prioritized in whatever location you choose to host your project. Please do not list VAE Raleigh as your project site to avoid any conflict of interest. We encourage you to engage with other venues in your community.

Can these funds support an existing project?

Yes, but applicants must demonstrate how the project will be significantly further developed or enhanced by the grant funds. Snapdragon Fund grants cannot be used to remount a previously-completed project.

How will my project and my work be evaluated for the criteria "eligible project activities must function primarily within, or have a strong connection to, the visual arts?"

Snapdragon Fund supports artists and projects that operate in a visual arts context. This can mean visual arts mediums, art gallery or museum contexts, and conceptual ties to visual arts. Examples of what we do not fund without a visual arts context: strictly musical projects, strictly social-justice projects, or literary projects.

What qualifies as publicly accessible?

It is the responsibility of the Lead Organizers to determine how to make their project accessible to their audience. Some facets of accessibility include free admission, free distribution of supporting materials (pamphlets, brochures, and things of that sort), and digital aspects for further participation. 

You may include a component of your project that raises additional funds to continue the project, such as selling t-shirts, publications, or other goods. Still, the primary activity of the project must be free of barriers for artists and community members to participate.

Does my project need to be ADA-Accessible?

We expect the physical location(s) you choose for your project to be ADA-Accessible and encourage you to consider providing accessibility accommodations for public events. VAE is here to assist you in understanding those guidelines.

How do I submit visual support materials if the project has not already begun?

Your visual support materials should help the panelists envision the overall project. If your project involves working with artists, we recommend that you submit images or videos of works by the artists you would like to work with. You could also show images of activities that inspire what you would like to do. You could submit a drawing or diagram if it makes sense with your project.

How do I determine fair pay for artists involved?

VAE can help you determine what fair pay for the artists involved is. Your budget must be feasible, showing that you can cover all costs associated with the project (materials, space rental, event/reception costs, etc.) while also compensating those involved. Lead Organizers are encouraged to budget up to $1,500 each for their time overseeing the project; others involved with the project’s production should also be compensated fairly for their time.

As a Lead Organizer, will I be responsible for paying taxes on the grant funds?

Yes. If you are awarded a grant and have been determined as the Lead Organizer who will accept the funds and complete a provided W9 form, you will be responsible for reporting the grant funds. With most of the funds being paid out to produce the event and pay others involved, you will only be liable for taxes on the amount that you keep as your fair pay (up to $1,500). The Snapdragon Fund team offers guidance on best practices for tracking and recording expenditures associated with the grant and filing an IRS Schedule C (Form 1040). We encourage applicants to contact a tax professional with specific questions about filing their taxes as an artist.

Am I still eligible to apply as a Lead Organizer if I have received funding in the past from VAE?

Yes