Are you interested in applying for the Rocket Relief fund but have a few questions? Don’t worry, this is the page for you. Read through our FAQ page and even watch through a Q&A video to quell those concerns. If you still have questions, you can reach out to us at [email protected] and we will answer your question within 24 hours. Good luck with your application!
How are decisions made about who is funded?
Grantees will be selected through a weighted lottery system. The process will be implemented digitally using an algorithm that makes random selections from the full pool of applications, prioritizing applicants with greater financial need, and ensuring that 60% of the applicants selected are representative of artists from Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color (BIPOC) communities most impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.
The staffs at Charlotte Street and Spencer Museum do not make the selections, but will review the applications that have been randomly selected through a weighted lottery system in order to confirm eligibility.
Will I be notified when the lottery has been run weekly if I am not selected or if I am not eligible?
Yes, Rocket Relief will email you periodically to let you know that you are still in the pool.
What if additional funds are added to the pool? Will you give more grants weekly or extend the timeline?
The Rocket Relief Fund is actively seeking additional funds. If we can make more grants or extend the timeline, we will. Check our website for updates.
I have never received any funding or program support from Charlotte Street or the Spencer Museum before. Am I eligible?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements. You do not have to have past involvement with Charlotte Street or the Spencer Museum. We’re glad that you’re reaching out to us, and glad to meet you.
If I am selected, how quickly will I receive my funds? How will funds be distributed?
Funds will be distributed by check and mailed to you within two weeks after you are notified that you are selected for a grant and have digitally submitted an Acceptance Letter and a W9.
If I am a Theatre or Performing Artist what images should I upload?
This is a requirement for the system we are using and it also allows us to confirm current creative practice during the last two years. Theatre and Performing Artists applying for a grant can satisfy this requirement by posting your resume, photos and audio. The CaFE system requires five images, this can be your head shot or photographs of you on stage or backstage.
What are these demographic questions? Do they have any bearing on the selection process? Do I have to answer them? Who has access to this data?
The information artists provide in the application is confidential and will be used in cycle 3 to help us award at least 60% of the grants to artists who come from BIPOC communities most impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Information will also be used to report demographics without identifying information.
Demographic questions are optional.
Do I apply again if I applied in previous Rocket Relief cycles but did not receive a grant?
Yes, you will need to complete a new application to be considered for a Rocket Relief grant in cycle 3. If you applied in 2020 your application will not transfer over to cycle 3. If you received a Rocket Relief grant in 2020 you are not eligible to receive a Rocket Relief grant in cycle 3.
What about Rocket Grants? Will they happen this year? Will they happen in the future?
This year’s Rocket Grants program has been realigned with and funds have been reallocated toward Rocket Relief. Rocket Relief has been made possible by the generosity of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts through its regional regranting program. Charlotte Street Foundation and Spencer Museum of Art are distributing the $60,000 annually allocated toward Rocket Grants as emergency grants to artists in the Rocket Grants region during cycle 3. The Rocket Grant program will resume its intended project-based funding framework in 2022.
The majority of my financial support does not come from my artistic practice. Am I eligible?
Yes, as long as you can establish that you are a practicing artist that is making your work publicly available in exhibitions, publications, or performances.
I own or run a nonprofit entity, artist collective or LLC. Am I eligible?
Organizations such as non-profits, artist-run collectives and independent art businesses are not eligible for funding as entities, however individual artists associated with entities are eligible as individuals. This Emergency grant is intended to support the creative practice of individual artists.
I have received a grant from Rocket Relief already and still have financial need. Am I eligible to reapply for additional funds from this program?
Unfortunately, no. We recommend that you review this list of other resources: https://charlottestreet.org/2020/03/covid-19-updates/
Am I guaranteed to receive funds if I qualify?
Unfortunately, no. We anticipate that we will receive more qualifying applications than we can support. Cycle 1 & 2 saw a total of 700 applications and we awarded 210 Rocket Relief grants. Please refer to Question # 2 regarding how selections for funding will be made.
What do I do if I apply and my circumstances change?
Please email [email protected] with an update about your circumstances, and we will respond as soon as possible.
If I do not receive funding in the first week that I apply, do I need to reapply to be re-entered into the pool for the weeks that follow?
No, your application remains in the pool for all of the remaining weeks of the Rocket Relief opportunity.
Is consideration of need a part of this grant process?
Emergency need is the priority of this grant. There may be many qualifying applications from people in need, but those with the highest level of crisis, or emergency need, will be prioritized through the weighted lottery system.
What will you require to issue my grant?
If your application is selected for a grant, you must be able to provide a W9 and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and a mailing address at which you can receive a paper check. We will provide grantees with a digital link to complete and sign the W-9.
Is this grant taxable?
You will not receive a 1099 form from Charlotte Street as the Rocket Relief emergency grant is tax exempt. However, given each applicant’s unique circumstances, we cannot advise on individual tax matters. Please consult your personal financial manager or tax accountant should you have questions regarding how to proceed with filing.
What can I use this funding for?
There is no restriction on usage of funds. Once granted, artists may use the award however they see fit. There will be no final report required.
If I receive a grant, will you make my name public?
No, grant recipients will be kept anonymous. Due to the potentially sensitive nature of circumstances regarding eligibility for this grant, grantees for this award will not be announced publicly.
Does the grant require a Final Report?
No final report will be required.
This grant helped me. Can I provide a Testimonial to help you raise more funds and help more artists?
If you wish to provide a Testimonial, please email it to [email protected] with “Testimonial” in the subject line. Please indicate the type of artist you are. Some language from the testimonials will be made public, but we will keep the grant recipient anonymous.
I’m having trouble with the online application form. Can I submit a paper application, or email it to you?
No, unfortunately although we do usually make accommodations with paper applications, in this instance current limitations of the Covid situation require us to only receive applications digitally. If you need assistance to complete the online application, please contact us at [email protected].
What are the boundaries of the 80-mile radius?
Please refer to this map: https://charlottestreet.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/kc80mile.jpg
What if I lived in the 80-mile range until I was displaced due to COVID-19?
Unfortunately, if you have permanently moved away from the 80 mile radius indicated in this map (https://charlottestreet.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/kc80mile.jpg) then you are no longer eligible.
What should I do if I have to move after I’ve submitted an application?
If you are selected as a grant recipient, please include your new address in your email response to the notification, along with your W-9. It is not necessary to contact anyone about a change of address prior to being selected.
What if I am selected and need an accommodation for payment installments due to disability or other status?
We will make every effort to accommodate selected recipients with alternate payment arrangements. If you are selected for a grant, please include your accommodation request in your response.
How can I support this fund financially? Are contributions tax deductible?
If you or your organization would like to contribute additional funds to this emergency grant program, please contact Charlotte Street Foundation’s Director for Development at [email protected] and indicate that you would like to contribute to the Rocket Relief fund.