(MyKeeneNow) – Artists and creative businesses in the Monadnock region have until September 22 to apply for Arts Alive’s mini grants, which range from $50 to $250. These grants, available to artists, emerging artists, and creative enterprises, are intended to support projects that enhance professional skills or broaden access to artistic experiences.

Since the application process began on August 5, interested individuals have been encouraged to submit their proposals online.

The ways the grants are to be used are flexible: supplies, marketing, studio time, or personal needs like childcare being on the list so artists can focus on your project. The goal of the grants is to support artists in whatever ways are needed.

The application, which is accessible at monadnockartsalive.org/mini-grants, is designed to be straightforward, with most questions requiring only short answers or simple checkbox selections. Applicants are asked to describe their project, how the funds will be used, and who will benefit from the project’s success. A panel of local arts leaders will evaluate the applications in early October, focusing on the potential impact of the funding on both the applicant and the wider arts community. Grants are expected to be awarded by the end of October.

In the previous year, 10 out of 33 applicants received grants, with amounts ranging from $100 to $250. Data collected from that round showed that a significant portion of applicants were living at or below the poverty line, highlighting the critical role these funds play in supporting the region’s artists.

The mission of Arts Alive is to foster creativity and strengthen connections throughout the Monadnock region by supporting local artists and cultural initiatives. The mini-grant program is a key part of this mission, offering a financial boost to artists, particularly those facing economic challenges, to help them advance their careers and enrich the community.

Funds for the grants were raised during a NH Gives Day online fundraiser, which brought in $2,000. This amount will be used to award anywhere from eight to 40 grants, depending on the amount requested by successful applicants. Arts Alive has also partnered with local businesses in the past to sustain this fund and create professional development opportunities for artists.

Those interested in contributing to the mini-grants fund or partnering with Arts Alive can contact Executive Director Jessica Gelter at jessica@monadnockartsalive.org or visit monadnockartsalive.org/mini-grants for more information.