Call for applications: Moleskine Foundation Creativity Pioneers Fund

The fund is intended for organisations that reinforce the critical role of creativity for driving social impact. It seeks to catalyse transformational social change by investing in, connecting and championing cultural and creative organisations that advance bold and unconventional practices for building a more just, inclusive and equitable world. Working with and alongside organisations, donors and other stakeholders across the creative ecosystem, the fund aims to mobilise a collective effort to advance creativity for social change.

The fund was launched in 2021 by the foundation to provide flexible funding in the amount of €5 000 (about $5 100) to creative and cultural organisations to help sustain their essential functions and programmes.

To submit an application, interested organisations should first register here before 12 August.

Applicants should first read the guidelines here before applying.

What is the Creativity Pioneers Fund?

• The Creativity Pioneers Fund supports organisations that reinforce the critical role of creativity for driving social impact.
• The fund aims to provide ongoing infrastructure to build a platform that will drive greater resources and partnerships to the field of creativity for social change.
• Unrestricted funding is available to organisations that demonstrate how they centre creativity in their mission and programmes. Organisations whose target audience is young people will be prioritised.

Eligibility

• The fund continues to support organisations that reinforce the powerful role that creativity can play in transforming communities. It especially welcomes applications from organisations that target youth from underserved communities.
• The fund is open to organisations from anywhere in the world with legal registration in the country(s) in which they operate and:
  • Place creativity at the heart of their mission and programming.
  • Target audiences that are underserved, marginalised and characterised as youth.
  • Have an affinity or interest in contributing to the development of a global network; and dedicated to creativity for social change.

Which organisations are excluded from applying?

• Organisations that were successful in the first round of grants are not eligible to apply for this call.
• Political parties and organisations that engage in lobbying activities.
• Organisations not legally registered or supported by a fiscal sponsor or sponsored project.

Note: Explore the organisations selected as the first cohort of the fund here.

What can organisations apply for and when?

• Unrestricted grants of €5 000.
• Funding will be available in late autumn 2022 (October to November).
• All funds must be expensed by the end of 2023.

What is an unrestricted grant?

The fund intends to invest in bold, inspiring and unconventional ideas, initiatives and programmes delivered by organisations that are closest to the challenges and communities they seek to address. The fund focuses on the organisation’s track record as well as its future potential to fulfil its mission and vision for change, as well as its future potential to fulfil its mission and vision for change. 

Expectations

This round of the fund involves a two-step process. Moleskine Foundation aims to complete the application process by late autumn and disburse funds by November at the latest.

• Expressions of interests (EOIs) will be accepted until 12 August. EOIs will be reviewed on a rolling basis and undergo a committee review.
• Due to the high volume of applications anticipated, the foundation aims to complete the review of all EOIs and notify applicants of the decision no later than 29 August.
• Organisations invited to prepare a full proposal must submit materials by 16 September.
• Full proposals will also undergo a committee review. Final award decisions will be announced in October/November.
• Agreements finalised and funds disbursed by December. 

“The Creativity Pioneers Fund is a collective effort by partners and donors believing in the transforming power of creativity and in the need of using a new philanthropic approach to social change,” the Moleskine Foundation said. “Leveraging the creative ecosystem of partners and stakeholders, the fund aims at offering a variety of opportunities for learning and development for its participants/recipients.”

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