Freedom to Create Grants
Frequently Asked Questions1. What organisations does Freedom to Create fund?
Freedom to Create only funds projects run by registered not-for-profit organisations. We do not award grants to individuals or for-profit organisations.
2. What art forms does Freedom to Create fund?
Art is a form of human expression and manifestation of culture, and we recognise there are many different forms of art across the globe. Freedom to Create only provides grants for projects that use art to improve people's lives in a positive way. We welcome projects that use all art forms, where the art is used to Educate, Build, Heal or Inspire
The following are examples of art forms we have funded:
| Arts & Craft Art Therapy Ballet Creative Writing Dance Design Embroidery Felting Film (inc. documentaries) Folk Dancing |
Graffiti Illustration Mural Music Opera Painting Performance Arts Photography Poetry Pottery |
Puppetry Radio Drama Singing Sculpture Social Circus Story Telling Theatre Traditional Art Visual Arts |
3. What does Freedom to Create not fund?
Freedom to Create will not support organisations that discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation in policy or in practice. In addition, we will not fund programmes that promote sectarian religious activities or impermissible lobbying. Individual artists will not receive funding. Programmes which contravene the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are not eligible.
4. Why doesn't Freedom to Create fund individuals?
Freedom to Create was founded on "Performance Philanthropy" principles. We see the arts as a valuable tool to address the root causes of poverty, illness and conflict in developing countries. Freedom to Create strives to make the greatest impact possible with its capital in terms of breadth and depth of life improvement. Freedom to Create is not a "patron" of the arts. Projects based around the work of one individual rarely serve the needs of a group at the scale or depth which we find acceptable.
5. Which geographic areas does Freedom to Create prioritise?
Freedom to Create works across all countries in the developing world. We do not award grants to projects located in the developed world, such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the United States of America and the United Kingdom. However, please note that organisations based in these countries are welcome to apply for funding if their programmes are located in the developing world. To further assess whether your country will be eligible for funding, please see the list of Emerging and Developing Countries in the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook Report.
6. Does Freedom to Create have geographic restrictions?
As long as the project is located in the developing world, Freedom to Create will consider the grant application. We do not shy away from projects in the "hardest places" such as Iraq, Haiti or Central African Republic.
7. Does Freedom to Create fund projects from organisations not based in the developing world?
Yes. Your organisation may be based anywhere in the world but the project has to be located in one or more of our priority regions
8. What is the average (maximum/minimum) grant amount that Freedom to Create funds?
Freedom to Create assesses each application on a case by case basis. However, our average grant size is about US$ 40,000. Only in exceptional circumstances will we fund grants in excess of US$ 100,000. We have also in many circumstances co-funded projects with other donors when the project costs were significantly above our typical grant amount.
9. What legal status must my organisation have to be eligible for a grant?
Your organisation must be a registered charity. If you require a business licence to operate (for instance, as is required in China), then please inquire with an Freedom to Create Researcher before continuing with the application process.
10. What are Freedom to Create's deadlines for request submission?
Freedom to Create does not have specific deadlines for proposals. Researchers review applications on an ongoing basis. However, we advise you submit your proposal at least 14 weeks before the start of the project.
11. What project activities will Freedom to Create not fund?
Freedom to Create funds only budget items that are directly associated with the project's implementation. While we appreciate that organisational overheads are necessary for coordination, these will not be considered. For instance, we will not provide funds for fund-raising or organisational marketing campaigns. We will also not fund infrastructure costs such as land acquisition and construction of premises. In addition, we will not fund educational scholarships.
12. How often does the Freedom to Create Board meet?
The Freedom to Create Board meets each month.
13. How can organisations check on the status of their application?
Please contact an Freedom to Create Researcher who will update you on the status of your application.
14. May I submit attachments with my request?
We do accept attachments to each application but please only submit attachments which are relevant and necessary for Freedom to Create to evaluate your proposal.
15. Does Freedom to Create provide funding for projects which have already started?
It is our funding policy to provide no retroactive grants. However, if the project is a multi-year project which has already begun, we will consider applications for funding the new year of the project.
16. How long does it take to review a proposal?
It generally takes us between 4-12 weeks to evaluate a project and we advise you to submit your application at least 14 weeks before the start of your project.
17. Is it possible to set up an appointment to discuss project ideas or check if my project falls under Freedom to Create's scope?
We encourage you to read through our website which details our guidelines. You should also complete our self-assessment quiz as this will help you determine if your organisation is eligible for funding. If you are still unsure, please email info@freedomtocreate.com for additional advice.
18. If I submit my request to you on the Internet, will it be reviewed quicker than if I send it through the mail?
All applications are treated equally. There is no priority given to requests submitted electronically.
19. Is there a specific format to use for hard copy request submissions?
For hard copy submission, please use the form provided to you by the Freedom to Create Researcher.
20. Does Freedom to Create accept multiple grant applications from a single organisation?
Yes. However, please ensure that each application complies with our Grant Guidelines.
21. Is it possible that my organisation may be awarded less money than we applied for?
Yes. The Freedom to Create Board does at times only partially fund projects. This is usually in circumstances where the Board believes the project can be completed on a smaller budget or that the items being sought were not related to the project. If you are unable to complete the project on the grant amount given, we encourage you to notify the Freedom to Create Researcher and seek further funding from other grant-making bodies. The Freedom to Create Board will not consider appeals for more funds.
22. Can an organisation apply for a multiple-year grant?
Freedom to Create does consider projects which run for multiple years. However, please note the Freedom to Create Board will only commit to the first year of funding. Subsequent funding will depend on the organisation's performance, reporting procedures and use of the grant as well as the overall success of the project. If Freedom to Create considers your organisation for re-funding, we will invite you to submit an application. However, please note that this is not a guarantee that the application will be successful. We strongly urge organisations to apply for subsequent refunding from other sources.
23. If my request is declined, will you provide feedback?
We will provide general feedback as to why the Freedom to Create Board rejected the application.
24. If I have submitted a request which has been declined, can I resubmit?
Freedom to Create does not consider the resubmission of a rejected proposal until at least 12 months have lapsed.
25. Is there an appeal process in the event the application is rejected?
No. The Freedom to Create Board decision is final.
