Funding Futures Guidelines and Policies

The Funding Futures Guidelines and Policies

The purpose of Funding Futures is to encourage, support, and nurture students who are interested in the arts and may choose to pursue a career in this field. The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance focuses on elevating future artists by helping to build the next generation of creativity and innovation.  Funding Futures grants give school-age children, ages 10 to 17, with financial needs the opportunity to attend an arts summer program in St. Petersburg.

Each arts organization can receive grants of up to $2000, depending on its impact, program, and goals. We accept individual applications from students and art organizations that will seek attendees directly. All funds will be distributed directly to the arts organization.

Funding Futures Timeline

  • Selection Date: May 13, 2024
  • Grant Starts: May 26, 2024
  • Grant Closes: When all funds are gone.

Eligibility to apply to the Funding Futures Program:

Youth living in Pinellas County between the ages of 10 and 17 may be eligible for the Funding Futures Program if any of the following applies: 

  1.  Students must live in Pinellas County.
  2. *Receive free or reduced school lunch.
  3. *Go to a Title 1 School. (Use the link to review Title 1 Schools for eligibility: www.pcsb.org)
  4. Receive financial hardship tuition or scholarship.
  5. Attend a “transitional” or “transformational” school, according to the Pinellas County Board of Education, or an Individual Education Program (IEP) with Pinellas County Schools (www.pcsb.org) and are over 17.
  6. *Live in a group home or foster care.
  7. Live in a “transitional” housing situation. (About transitional housing: what-is-a-transitional-house)
  8. *In the custody of the Department of Children and Families.
  9. Receive aid through EBT or WIC.

Grant applications and eligibility does not guarantee a grant. Restrictions and funding availability may apply. * Families with demonstrated financial need may be required to provide proof of one of the following documents.

Funding categories:

  1. Visual Arts (of all kinds)
  2. Performance (including choreography, dance, music, voice, etc.)
  3. Theater Creation (acting, musical, etc.)
  4. Media Arts (film, photography, digital arts)
  5. Music (music of all kinds, including jazz, choral, and composition)
  6. Literature (poetry, fiction and non-fiction)

Guidelines

Statement of Interest from Student and Parent/Guardian

  1. Why are you interested in a Funding Futures Grant, and how will you use the funds? i.e., dance, ballet, instruments, theater, etc.
  2. What arts program or organization would you like to attend?
  3. How would attending an arts program benefit you in the future? Teens, in your own words, tell us why you are interested in continuing your arts education. Parents of young children, tell us why your child is interested in continuing their arts education.
  4. Click the St. Pete Summer Camp Providers link to see the participating providers). If your camp is not listed, add the camp name you are interested in attending. (SPAA will confirm eligibility.) All camps must be eligible for the program.

    a.      Name the type of camp you would like to attend, e.g., dance, visual arts, etc. 
    b.      Dates of the camp session you have selected. 
    c.      Cost of the camp session.

  5. Proof of residency ready to upload (e.g., Florida driver's license or FL Identification Card, Voter’s ID/Card, utility bill, etc.) 

Student Requirements:

1.      A Letter of Recommendation is required. Recommendations can come from a teacher, counselor, minister or pastor, a mentor, or a previous arts camp.

2.      Signed Agreement

a.      A signed permission form is required to promote and document the program. Additional promotions may require, press releases, photos to use a student's image, publications, interviews, and audio or video created during the grant funding period.

3.      Reporting

a.      Within 30 days of the program completion, students, parents, and camp providers must submit a post-grant report detailing their experience. The report will detail the project outcome, experience, and activities during the grant period.