Artist Ally FAQ

Question 1

Can I apply if I've received other grants before?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you'll need to explain what support you've received and why you still need help.

Question 2

I have a full-time job. Can I still apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you're facing financial barriers that prevent you from creating.

Question 3

What does 'not for emergencies' mean?

Accepted Answer

We can't help with urgent crises like eviction, homelessness, or immediate medical emergencies. Our grants are small and selection can take a long time depending on the amount of applicants. If you're in crisis, seek emergency assistance programs that are more equipped for the situation.

Question 4

Do I need a certain number of followers?

Accepted Answer

No! Follower count doesn't matter. We use social media as verification and get a better understanding of your art journey, your popularity will not be judged.

Question 5

I don't have an art Instagram. Can I apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as you have another social media platform where you share your work. Including Cara, Bluesky, Twitter/X, Tiktok, or Deviantart.

Question 6

Can I use social media as my portfolio?

Accepted Answer

No, your portfolio must be a personal website or on a portfolio platform, such as Behance, Art Station, Vgen, or Carrd. Canva slides or PDFs will not be eligible. Please take time to learn how to make a portfolio if you don't know what it is!

Question 7

Can I apply if I was a past grantee?

Accepted Answer

You can apply again 6 months after receiving the grant.

Question 8

What countries is the grant open to?

Accepted Answer

Any country! We accept applications globally.

Question 9

Is there an age restriction?

Accepted Answer

You must be 18 years or older to apply. Application must be written and submitted by the artist who will receive the grant, not a parent or guardian.

Question 10

Do I need to be a full time artist?

Accepted Answer

No. We support anyone seriously committed to their art career, regardless of whether it's currently your full-time income.

Question 11

I'm new to art, can I apply?

Accepted Answer

No. These grants are for artists with an established presence. You should have a portfolio or work as well as an art social media account. If you're just starting, focus on building your skills and portfolio first!

Question 12

What experience is required for these grants?

Accepted Answer

You should be actively creating and sharing your work, building your portfolio, and working toward art as a career - not just casually exploring or just getting started.

Question 13

What types of artists are not eligible for our grants?

Accepted Answer

Non-illustration focused work such as photography, performance, music, fashion, crafts, jewelry, writing, or film making.

Question 14

Do you allow generative AI/AI-asset based portfolio submissions?

Accepted Answer

No, artists using generative AI or AI-generated assets in any capacity are ineligible for our grants.

Question 15

How do I receive the grant if selected?

Accepted Answer

Funds will be sent via Interac e-transfer (Canada only), Paypal, or Wise.

Question 16

Do I need to submit receipts?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to submit receipts, but we will need an update of how your art brand or project has progressed from the funding.

Question 17

Do I need to submit a budget?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will need to provide a general plan of how you plan to spend the funding for both Visibility Boost and Project Fund grants.

Question 18

What's the difference between Visibility Boost and Project Fund?

Accepted Answer

Visibility Boost is for growing your art brand or business, use it for ads, convention costs, merch production, marketing, etc. Project fund is for completing one specific project, such as a comic, animation, illustrated book, or a portfolio piece.

Question 19

What can I use the Survival Pack grant for?

Accepted Answer

Any basic living expense that helps give you some breathing room, such as rent, groceries, art supplies, software, bills, etc. No restrictions, no proof required.

Question 20

Can I edit my application after submission?

Accepted Answer

Contact hello@artistally.fund or notifications@forms.artistally.fund to request edits to your application.

Question 21

How will I know the application was received?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a confirmation email from notifications@forms.artistally.fund.

Question 22

How do I choose which grant to apply for?

Accepted Answer

Survival Pack ($200 CAD) - For artists with minor financial stress, need small relief. Visibility Boost ($350 CAD) - For artists with a plan to grow their audience/business. Project Fund ($840 CAD) - For artists with one specific creative project on hold due to lack of funding.

Question 23

Can I apply to all three grant types?

Accepted Answer

No, you can only submit one application per cycle.

Question 24

Can I apply in a language other than English?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time, all applications must be written in English. You can ask friends or use a translator, but please do not use AI to generate the text - the content becomes vague and difficult to understand compared to a human explanation.

Question 25

What grants are available?

Accepted Answer

Please visit the grant page for most up to date details on available grants.

Question 26

Can I reapply if I'm not selected?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may reapply once every cycle (3 months).

Question 27

Will I be notified if I'm not selected?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we don't have the resources to do so at this time, but selected grantees are always announced publicly on instagram.

Question 28

Why wasn't I selected?

Accepted Answer

We are a very small one person operated grant program, unfortunately difficult decisions have to be made during every selection as we simply cannot support everyone. Just because you're not selected, does not mean you don't deserve the help!

Question 29

When will I find out if I'm selected?

Accepted Answer

You will be contacted through email and there will also be an announcement post on our instagram.

Question 30

How are grantees chosen?

Accepted Answer

Grantees are selected based on the potential impact of our funding, where it would make the most meaningful difference to an artist's career. For Visibility Boost and Project Fund, we also evaluate how feasible the plan is and whether the applicant has previous skills needed to execute it successfully.

Question 31

Who reviews the applications?

Accepted Answer

Applications are reviewed by the founder of Artist Ally (creative director, artist, and business owner) with input from industry professionals depending on the grant type. For example, Project Fund applications are reviewed with those who have production experience, and Visibility Boost are reviewed with professionals with senior marketing experience. This ensures a realistic evaluation of feasibility and impact of our grants.

Question 32

I don't know how to create a portfolio. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Portfolio building is something you'll need to research and learn yourself, there's no one-size-fits-all artists! Start by looking at portfolios of artists who you admire, and explore free platforms like Behance or ArtStation to view more. There are many resources on YouTube and google that can give you tips and guide you through different ways to make a portfolio.

Question 33

How can I find grants that support emergency situations?

Accepted Answer

Search for '[Your city] artist emergency fund', '[Your country] financial crisis assistance', local arts councils or cultural organizations, or mutual aid networks in your area.

Frequently asked questions

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Frequently asked questions

Thank you!

Can I apply if I've received other grants before?

I have a full-time job. Can I still apply?

What does "not for emergencies" mean?

Do I need a certain number of followers?

I don't have an art Instagram. Can I apply?

Can I use social media as my portfolio?

Can I apply if I was a past grantee?

What countries is the grant open to?

Is there an age restriction?

Do I need to be a full time artist?

I’m new to art, can I apply?

What experience is required for these grants?

What types of artists are not eligible for our grants?

Do you allow generative AI/AI-asset based portfolio submissions?

What type of artists are eligible?

How do I receive the grant if selected?

Do I need to submit receipts?

Do I need to submit a budget?

What's the difference between Visibility Boost and Project Fund?

What can I use the Survival Pack grant for?

Can I edit my application after submission?

How will I know the application was received?

How do I choose which grant to apply for?

Can I apply to all three grant types?

Can I apply in a language other than English?

What grants are available?

Can I reapply if I’m not selected?

Will I be notified if I’m not selected?

Why wasn’t I selected?

When will I find out if I’m selected?

How are grantees chosen?

Who reviews the applications?

I don't know how to create a portfolio. Can you help?

How can I find grants that support emergency situations?

Can I apply if I've received other grants before?

Can I apply if I was a past grantee?

Can I apply in a language other than English?

Can I apply to all three grant types?

Can I edit my application after submission?

Can I reapply if I’m not selected?

Can I use social media as my portfolio?

Do I need a certain number of followers?

Do I need to be a full time artist?

Do I need to submit a budget?

Do I need to submit receipts?

Do you allow generative AI/AI-asset based portfolio submissions?

How are grantees chosen?

How can I find grants that support emergency situations?

How do I choose which grant to apply for?

How do I receive the grant if selected?

How will I know the application was received?

I don't have an art Instagram. Can I apply?

I don't know how to create a portfolio. Can you help?

I have a full-time job. Can I still apply?

I’m new to art, can I apply?

Is there an age restriction?

What can I use the Survival Pack grant for?

What countries is the grant open to?

What does "not for emergencies" mean?

What experience is required for these grants?

What grants are available?

What's the difference between Visibility Boost and Project Fund?

What type of artists are eligible?

What types of artists are not eligible for our grants?

When will I find out if I’m selected?

Who reviews the applications?

Why wasn’t I selected?

Will I be notified if I’m not selected?