Share Your Work With CANVAS + FAQs

CANVAS makes grants by invitation only to organizations that meet the criteria in one of our three grantmaking areas: Networks/Emerging Networks, Media, or Distribution. Before submitting, CANVAS encourages all interested applicants to carefully review CANVAS’s eligibility and review criteria.

If you feel your organization’s work is a good fit for prospective CANVAS funding, you may submit your work for consideration for a CANVAS grant by filling out this form. CANVAS staff reviews submissions on a regular basis, and will reach out for further conversation if your organization’s work may be a good fit for prospective funding in an upcoming spring or fall review cycle.

NOTE: This form should not be used to submit to the open call for CANVAS Amplify Grants; please see more about that grant opportunity here.

Before submitting, CANVAS encourages all interested applicants to carefully review CANVAS’s eligibility and review criteria.

All applications for CANVAS Network, Media, and Distribution Grants are by invitation only. 

What is the application and review process like for a CANVAS grant?

CANVAS staff typically meet with prospective organizations in advance of inviting a proposal to determine strong fit.

When an organization is invited to apply to CANVAS, they receive an email with a proposal form customized to their designated grant category (Networks/Emerging Networks, Media, or Distribution).

From there: 

      • Applicants have approximately six-eight weeks to submit an application, which consists of a series of narrative questions and requested financial information. 
      • Informational sessions and/or conversations with CANVAS staff are always available to support applicants in the submission process.
      • Following submission of the application, a Review Committee of field experts will assess the proposal’s materials. 
      • Applicants may also be requested to meet with the Review Committee and/or CANVAS staff for an interview. 
      • The Review Committee deliberates on funding recommendations for prospective applications.
      • Funding recommendations are then shared with the CANVAS Executive Committee for a vote before issuing awards.
How can I share my organization’s work for funding consideration?

All organizations are encouraged to review the CANVAS Eligibility requirements and Review Criteria before sharing your work. 

If you believe your organization or initiative could be a good fit for funding support, you may fill out this form, which will ask a few brief questions about your organization’s eligibility and for a short description of your organization’s mission and activities. 

CANVAS staff reviews submissions on a regular basis, and will reach out for further conversation if your organization’s work may be a good fit for prospective funding in an upcoming spring or fall review cycle. 

What amount of funding can I request from CANVAS?

Historically, CANVAS grant amounts range from $10,000–$75,000, and vary by grant category. CANVAS grant requests may not exceed 20% of the organization’s operating budget. Applicants are welcome to speak with CANVAS staff about the appropriate amount of funding.

What is the period of support for CANVAS grants?

CANVAS grants typically provide 1-2 years of funding at a time for prospective organizations. CANVAS aims to provide multiyear funding support for current Grantees whenever possible.

Why do CANVAS awards frequently include challenge grants?

CANVAS frequently makes challenge grants as part of its funding to organizations.  These are supplemental to the primary grant, typically offering to match, dollar-for-dollar, an additional 20%–30% to organizations who demonstrate a successful increase in their major donor giving. 

Challenge grants are motivating to organizational stakeholders (leaders, staff, Board), and also a good tool for energizing current and prospective donors. Since we started making challenge grants, CANVAS grantee partners have raised at least two dollars for every challenge dollar we have offered.

CANVAS is committed to strengthening the Jewish arts and culture sector, and we see challenge grants as one tool through which to encourage greater investment in the field, and to help organizations continue to grow their capacity. These grants are complemented by fundraising workshops and other offerings through our Leadership Development program to best support Grantees in meeting challenge grant goals.

Are there any restrictions on the types of funding support offered?

Grant opportunities are open for general operating support (if the organization’s overall activities/programs fit the review criteria), as well as for project support on a case-by-case basis. All proposed activities must fit within CANVAS eligibility guidelines, and must adhere to the principles laid out in the CANVAS Funder Collaborative Core Values, and CANVAS Community Standards.

In addition to funding, what else does CANVAS offer to grantees and the field?

In addition to funding the field, we nurture a community of practice among leaders in the field by providing ongoing Professional Development and capacity-building workshops, tools, in-person and virtual meeting opportunities for leaders and their teams, fieldwide conversations on rich, relevant topics, and access to one-on-one mentorship. The majority of CANVAS grantees participate in our Leadership Development Program, which provides practical professional development for Grantee leaders and staff, and nurtures a peer network and community of practice.

Do applicants need to identify as Jewish (or support artists who identify as Jewish) to apply or to receive CANVAS funding?

While CANVAS is dedicated to elevating the Jewish arts and culture ecosystem, applicants do not need to identify as Jewish, or support artists who identify as Jewish, to apply or receive funds. 

CANVAS supports qualifying organizations whose creative work includes ideas or themes inspired by Jewish religion, history, tradition, ritual, or culture. All applicants must clearly demonstrate how their organization’s work and/or proposed project aligns with CANVAS’s Review Criteria.

What else should prospective applicants be aware of when submitting our work to CANVAS?

CANVAS is a Collaborative Fund dedicated to supporting and elevating the ecosystem of Jewish arts and culture.  We value diverse perspectives and believe in open, transparent communication. We maintain that working together across differences makes us stronger and helps us advance the full potential of the arts.

We ask all prospective applicants to review the Core Values of the Collaborative Fund while submitting their work for review.