ACE Mini Grant Guidelines

The ACE Mini Grant Program is designed to support artists, artist-led projects, and small creative collaborations through a more accessible entry point into ACE funding. The program is intended to strengthen the local arts ecosystem, encourage partnership, and create a pathway for artists and emerging projects to grow into future ACE opportunities, including Foo Foo Fest and other grant programs.

Award Structure

• Three grants awarded annually (provided the funds are available)
• Up to $5,000 each
• Total funding pool: $15,000

Purpose

The program is intended to:

• Support emerging and developing artists
• Encourage partnerships with 501(c)(3) organizations
• Expand access to community-based arts and cultural programming
• Provide a pipeline into larger ACE grant opportunities
• Offer visibility for projects that may align with Foo Foo Fest, while not requiring all projects to occur during the festival

Eligibility

Applicants may be:

• Individual artists
• Artist-led teams
• Small creative groups
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

All applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization OR include a partnership with a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, which will:

• Serve as the fiscal recipient
• Provide oversight and accountability
• Sign off on the project
• Receive and distribute awarded funds

The partnering nonprofit must be based in Escambia County. Preference will be given to projects that contribute to the local arts community.

Eligible Projects

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Exhibitions
• Installations
• Performances
• Music
• Dance
• Theater
• Literary arts
• Film or media-based work
• Multidisciplinary or socially engaged projects
• Artist talks, screenings, workshops, or public programs connected to an arts project

Restrictions

• A project receiving a Foo Foo Fest grant may not also receive a mini grant for the SAME project or event
• No match requirement is proposed at this time
• Funding is intended as an entry point for newer and developing applicants, not as an additional funding stream for already well-resourced projects

What Applicants Will Need

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Project concept
• Proposed venue or location
• Project timeline
• Budget and funding request
• Nonprofit partner information
• Community impact statement
• Artist background and support materials
• Plan for acknowledgement of being a grantee through event marketing materials, announcements, and use of ACE logo

Review Priorities

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Artistic strength and clarity
• Feasibility
• Community impact
• Strength of partnership
• Value to emerging artists and smaller-scale projects
• Potential for long-term growth within the ACE grant ecosystem

Application Available Soon