2025-26 Seed Fund Grant Proposal Guidelines

For the 2025-26 round, FFA is accepting applications for
performances and gatherings that meet the following criteria:

1. Must be available to the general public;
2. Must center the Flow Arts as the main focus of the performance, not as an accessory to other types of performance such as burlesque or circus;
3. A solo performer or troupe producing their own self-produced show can apply;
4. Funds received from Fund the Flow Arts may not be used to acquire flow tools or props but can be used to cover other overhead costs related to the production.

Grants are offered in the following tiers:

• Tier 1: up to $1,000
• Tier 2: $1,001 – $5,000
• Tier 3: $5,001 – $10,000

Tier 1 is intended for trying out new, bold, experimental ideas – it is the start-up level.
Tiers 2 and 3 are intended for projects that have a track record of public presentation or engagement, are more established and demonstrate collaboration with (or support from) community partners.

ABOUT THE SEED FUND – READ BEFORE YOU APPLY

The Seed Fund was created to support smaller, grassroots projects that fulfill Fund the Flow Arts’ mission to promote, spread awareness and appreciation of, and spread the practice of the prop manipulation-based Flow Arts, and fostering local Flow Arts communities. 

Projects that best fit this purpose will be public-facing activities that both engage local flow arts communities and encourage the participation of newcomers. Projects that center community participation, rather than an individual’s personal exploration or development, are more likely to be competitive.

As the Seed Fund is meant for projects that will expand the community, we do not fund projects that will only be seen at private events or benefit small groups of people exclusively. Additionally at this time, we are not funding projects based outside the United States. Exceptions can be made if your project is sponsored by a US-based institution or will have benefits that will be shared around the world, like research projects with publishable results, or resources that can be shared worldwide.

Examples of projects that would qualify for funding include:

• Promotion/creation of social spaces and activities for Flow Artists including, but not limited to, flow jams;
• Events or Festivals dedicated to the Flow Arts;
• Performances available to the general public;
• Documentary or film presentation focusing on flow arts/ flow arts film screenings/festivals.

Examples of projects that would not qualify for funding include:

• Creation of shows/performances for private parties, or private/corporate events;
• Promotion of a troupe for the purpose of getting hired for private events;
• Performances by troupes or companies based in non-US countries;
• Creation of technology or resources intended to be used/exhibited among a closed group of people.

To apply, complete the application form and include any applicable attachments.

Application Period:

• October 1 – December 31, 2025
• Deadline: December 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Pacific
• Awards announced early – mid March 2026

REVIEW CRITERIA

Criterion Maximum points

Grant recipients will be expected to have periodical check-ins to update the Fund on the progress of their project, as well as provide written and/or visual documentation. By the end of the grant cycle, we hope to have a compelling story to tell about your project.

Review Process:

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of community members.

Previously funded projects:

• 2024-25 grant recipients
• 2023-24 grant recipients