The 2023 application period is now closed. The press release and complete list of the SCI Artist-Innovator Fund 2023 grantees can be found HERE. The SCI Artist-Innovator Fund will offer ten grants of up to $8,500, for a total of $85,000, to individual artist-entrepreneurs with spinal cord injuries who are inspired to innovate by the possibilities and benefits that are offered through the experience of pursuing a creative practice and living with spinal cord injury. Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) recognizes that having the unique perspective of living with challenging circumstances and applying a creative practice can yield meaningful solutions not only for the innovator but also for the benefit of society. This opportunity to recognize the powerful combination of SCI populations, craftsmanship and creative practice, and positive social impact is made possible by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, whose founder lived with SCI and whose legacy is as an entrepreneur. This is the third round of the SCI Artist-Innovator Fund, which was first offered in 2019 and has since awarded $150,000 to 20 grantees with SCI. The 2023 funding round has increased the total award amount to $8,500 from $7,500. In addition, CCI has partnered with the Minneapolis College of Art & Design’s Entrepreneurial Studies program to provide SCI Artist-Innovator Fund grantees with opportunities to test their ideas, build their networks, and seek guidance from practitioners and peers. Grantees may participate in individual and group online coaching sessions with Minneapolis College of Art & Design (MCAD) faculty to address specific business needs and questions around their developing project. Grantees may also present their projects and solicit feedback/ideas from MCAD faculty and students from Entrepreneurial Studies (and potentially other programs). Participation is optional. ELIGIBILITYTo be eligible for consideration, applicants must:
Eligible projects:
Priority will be given to entrepreneurs with a demonstrated need for capital, compelling projects backed by feasible business plans, and clear intentions for popularizing their innovation. The program also prioritizes projects that hold promise for improving the applicant’s financial sustainability; artistic, creative, or cultural practice; and social or end-user impacts. As a secondary-level consideration, we will also consider how projects may hold promise for shifting popular perception of those with disabilities positively. TIMELINE
APPLYThe 2023 application period is now closed. Application Preview Application Preview Business Plan Matrix Template (Fillable PDF) Business Plan Matrix Template (Word) Sample Project Budget Template Examples of Competitive Applicants
Applications will be accepted online ONLY through CCI’s Submittable platform, and applicants MUST create an account in Submittable before they are’’ able to access the grant application. If you require an alternative format for the application process, please contact us at grants@cciarts.org. SUPPORTCCI staff are here to help! For questions related to the grant guidelines or application, email us at grants@cciarts.org or give us a call at 415.288.0530 during our office hours on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm. (Office hour appointments are not required but encouraged! Find a time slot here.) If you need technical assistance (e.g., password or upload issues), request support at: https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/. Submittable’s business hours are 9 am – 5 pm MT. They aim to respond within 24 business hours. NEWSSCI PRESS RELEASE FOR 2021 GRANTEES SCI PRESS RELEASE FOR 2019 GRANTEES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTThe SCI Artist-Innovator Fund is generously supported by: The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation’s funding is dedicated to supporting both programs and scientific research to improve the quality of life for those affected by and living with spinal cord injury. CCI also wishes to thank program partner, the Minneapolis College of Art & Design. |
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