WIT/Other Under-represented Populations Events & Exhibitions Grant Application

The purpose of this grant is to help fund activities that promote diversity in woodturning and to encourage participation in the AAW by traditionally under-represented populations. Audiences include but are not limited to Black, indigenous, other peoples of color, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ and disabilities communities.  

  • Grant recipients are expected to disperse information about AAW and promote its activities.
  • Grants cannot be used for food, or to pay a stipend to, or personal expenses of the grant applicant.
  • These grants are not intended for an individual’s personal development or education, or for purchase of local chapter equipment. If that is the goal, one should apply for one of the EOG grants instead.

All creative and interesting ideas of how to achieve this stated purpose will be considered. Examples of activities that might qualify for a grant:

  • Women in Turning (WIT) exhibitions and events that promote the participate of women in woodturning
  • Support regional educational conferences to improve turning skills within under-represented populations
  • Support exhibits exclusive to an underrepresented population/group
  • Demonstrate at a gathering of members of another craft that traditionally include underrepresented populations
  • Bring individuals from your local arts community to see what turning is all about
  • Work together on a collaborative exhibit
  • Host a hands-on day before/after a regional symposium, or with your club
  • Organize a demonstration or hands-on class at a local high school, vocational school, or in the art department at a community college or university
  • Support local chapter outreach and membership drives aimed at increasing the number of under-represented groups into the club
  • Sponsor a turning class at a local woodworking store, college, school, inner-city recreation facility, museum, retail outlet, military facility, senior center, or other public institution
  • Sponsor an activity/class at a local Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, or after school program

 

Eligibility

All current AAW members and local AAW chapters are eligible to apply. In addition, non-affiliated organizations such as museums, galleries, schools, and arts groups will be considered if the proposed projects meet the grant standards.

Each applicant may submit only one application per year and may apply in successive years. Previous award recipients may apply, however higher consideration will be given to applicants who have not received grants in the previous two years.

The Grant Committee will determine the number of awards to be made during the application period, and the amount of each award. The dollar amount awarded will be at the discretion of the committee and based upon the merit of the proposal and the availability of funds.

Application Timeline

Awards will be made quarterly in February, May, August, and November. Deadlines for applications are January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31.

Events & Exhibitions Report

Recipients of grants will be given one year from the grant award date to use the funds for the intended purpose. When the project or event has been completed, grantees will be required to submit a report to the Grant Committee describing how the funds were utilized and the way it helped increase participation of women and/or other under-represented populations.