1GRANT GUIDELINES
PURPOSE
The Foundation provides financial resources for visual artists to create new work, acquire supplies, rent studio space, prepare for exhibitions, attend a residency and offset living expenses.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
The Foundation welcomes, throughout the year, applications from visual artists who are painters, sculptors and artists who work on paper, including printmakers. There are no deadlines. Grants are intended for a one-year period of time. The Foundation will review expenditures relating to an artist's professional work and personal expenses and amounts range up to $50,000. The size of the grant is determined by the individual circumstances of the artist. Professional exhibition history will be taken into consideration. Artists must be actively exhibiting their current work in professional artistic venues, such as gallery and museum spaces.
GRANT RESTRICTIONS
The Foundation does not accept applications from commercial artists, graphic artists, video artists, performance artists, filmmakers, crafts-makers, or any artist whose work primarily falls into these categories. The Foundation does not have an open photography grant program. The Foundation does not make grants to students or fund academic study. The Foundation does not make grants to pay for past debts, legal fees or personal travel.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Officers and Directors are advised in the selection process by a Committee of Selection comprised of recognized specialists in the fields of the Foundation's concern. Artists are required to submit a cover letter, an application, and images of current work. Professional exhibition history will be taken into consideration. All completed applications will be promptly acknowledged and considered. If further information is required after the completed application has been received, the artist will be contacted directly by the staff. Further information including financial data may be requested at any time during the review process. The application process can take from nine months to a year.
REAPPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants may reapply to the Foundation. All reapplicants must send images of work not previously submitted. Grantees who reapply must wait 12 months from the end of their grant period. Reapplicants who were previously declined must wait at least 12 months from the date of their application letter to reapply.
FOUNDATION GOVERNANCE
The Directors reserve the right to review and redefine Foundation program guidelines according to the donor's original intent and their determination of how artists will be best served.
2APPLICATION FAQ
I have a paper application form from previous years. Can I use it?
We no longer accept paper applications. Artists wishing to apply for the grant should do so via our online application and guidelines.
Is my information kept private when I apply online?
All information provided to The Pollock-Krasner Foundation will be held in strict confidence. We use the information from your grant application solely to evaluate your request.
How secure is the Web site that is handling the online application process?
Very secure. We use the Internet Grant Application Module (IGAM), provided by MicroEdge, to enable us to accept applications and proposals via the Web. MicroEdge provides this service in the form of a hosted Web-based application service provider (ASP) solution. The MicroEdge hosting facility, co-located within one of AT&T's secure Internet data centers, was chosen because of AT&T's dedication to the highest levels of security. The communication from the end user's browser to the IGAM server is accomplished via the Secure Sockets Layer protocol, or SSL. SSL is used to ensure end-to-end security and encryption of all data traveling from the applicant's browser to the IGAM server.
What will I be required to submit with my application form?
The following items are required with your application. Attachments #1 - #4 must be sent as Microsoft Word Documents (.docx/.doc) or OpenDocument Text files (.odt). Digital images must be sent as JPEG (.jpg/.jpeg). Other file extensions will not work in the system. A legible font type and size must be used for all documents. Use the name you go by professionally (if it differs from your legal name) on your attached documents and for all file names.
- Cover Letter - A cover letter stating for what specific purpose (professional, personal and/or medical) you require funds and in what amount. Indicate how the funds you seek will be used to advance your artistic career and well-being as a creative artist. This letter and other materials must be completed in English. There is no length requirement for the cover letter. Make sure that you are sending a final draft of your cover letter. Your name must be included on this document. Please use the following format for the file name: LastNameCoverLetter.docx
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae - A current resume or curriculum vitae listing your exhibition record, grants, awards, residencies and other professional activities, including dates and locations. Your exhibition history must be in chronological order with the most recent exhibitions first. Separate solo shows and group shows into their own sections. Please be sure to include your name on this document. Please use the following format for the file name: LastNameResume.docx
- Artist Statement - A one page statement describing the 10 images you have included with your application. Please be sure to include your name on this document. Please use the following format for the file name: LastNameArtistStatement.docx
- Image Identification List - This list must include your name, the image number corresponding to the digital file (see how to name digital images files below), the year the work was executed, title, dimensions and medium used for each image. (For example, John Smith, image # 1, 2010, Abstraction, 20 x 30 inches, oil on canvas.) This list must correspond to the images that you are submitting. (For example, the first item on this list should be the identifying information for digital image 1 that you are submitting.) Please use the following format for the file name: LastNameImageList.docx
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Digital Images 1 through 10 - The Foundation will only accept images of work completed within the past 10 years. Do not include maquettes, proposed work, or other unfinished work with your submission. Please note that the Foundation does not fund or accept work that contains live animals. Work done with others cannot be included unless applying as a collaboration. Two of the ten submitted images can be used to show detail, another view of the work, or exhibition/installation views. The other eight images must be of separate, individual works. We do not accept multiple views of work within individual slides. EACH IMAGE MUST BE FORMATTED AS A JPEG AND MUST BE EXACTLY 2100 PIXELS ON THE LONGEST DIMENSION AND 96 OR 72 DPI. Please select the highest quality and least compression possible for each image. Each image must use the following format for the file name: YourLastName_YourFirstName_No.jpg (example Smith_John_1.jpg). Do not include identifying information on the image itself. Please note that your images will be projected on a large overhead screen and will be viewed in sets of two in the order that you number them.
After I enter my email and password, I am being taken to a screen that says “New Applicant?” at the top. Why can’t I login?
Please be sure you are clicking the button that says "Click Here to Login". Do not hit enter after you fill out the email and password sections of the login page.
I just tried to enter my email and password, but I am getting an error message. Why?
Did you first create your password and set-up your account by clicking on the “New Users – Click Here to Get Password” button? You can find this button directly under the email box when you click on the “Apply Online” button. If you have not already done this step, you will need to begin there. If you have already set-up your account, please request a temporary password from the application site by clicking on the “Forgot Password?” button. Safari and Chrome users may have to turn off the save/create password function in those browsers.
I am having issues with my computer. Can you help?
The Foundation cannot provide technical assistance with your computer, web browser, or files. We can, however, help with any technical questions relating to our online application.
When I took the eligibility quiz I selected painter as my medium. I would like to submit works on paper instead. Is there a way to change this online?
You do not need to change the answer to the eligibility quiz. As long as the work you are submitting is within guidelines, it is fine.
How long is the period I have to finish my application?
There is no deadline to submit the application, but after 120 days of inactivity the system will automatically delete the application.
How do I apply for an emergency grant?
The Foundation does not have an emergency grant program.
If I am in the middle of writing my application, can I save it and continue working on it later?
Yes. At any time after starting to enter information to the form you may click on "Save and Finish Later".
I saved my application in a previous session. How do I get back to it?
Go to the "Returning Users" link directly on our website. Do not go through the links in confirmation emails you may have received. This will only bring you to a copy of the application. You then can review the information you've provided thus far and make necessary modifications. If you're satisfied with the contents of the application, click "Submit" to forward your application for consideration. If you're not ready to submit your application, click "Save and Finish Later".
I tried to return to my saved application, but when I try to save new information the system won't let me. Why is this happening?
If you have tried to open an existing application by going through a link found in an email, you will not be able to save any information. The application you are viewing from the link is only a copy.
When I log back into my account I see multiple applications saved. What happened?
This occurs when you have tried to return to a saved application and have gone through the "Apply Online" link instead of the "Returning Users" link. This creates multiple applications instead of continuing to work on an already existing one.
I am getting an error message that says the session has expired. What should I do?
You will need to fully exit your web browser. Once you have completely closed out of the browser, reopen it and then return to our website.
The sections for solo and group exhibitions request your last ten shows. I don't have ten. Can I still apply?
Yes, you may still apply. Please note, however, that exhibition history is taken into consideration.
I am confused about the "Medium and Dimensions" section of the application form. Could you explain it?
In this section, you will provide a general description of the medium used in the work submitted. Do not list medium for each work. You will also state the size of the smallest work you are submitting and then the size of the largest work you are submitting.
Is the "Medium and Dimensions" section the same as the "Image Identification List"?
No. In "Medium and Dimensions", you will provide an overview of your submitted work. The "Image Identification List" gives detailed information on each image you are submitting.
Can I include letters of reference with my application?
Should we require letters of recommendation, we will contact your references directly.
How do I submit attachments if I'm using the online system?
The "Attachments Page" of the application provides detailed instructions on how to submit attachments and what is required for each attachment. Please follow the step by step on-screen instructions to upload attachments to the system.
I don't understand what you mean by "Cover Letter". Could you explain?
In the cover letter, your will tell us why you are requesting a grant, how it will help you, and what you would use it for. You will also state the amount that you are requesting.
Should I send in a detailed budget with the "Cover Letter"?
We do not require a detailed budget during the initial application phase. Should we require more information, we will request it.
Who should the "Cover Letter" be addressed to?
Please address the "Cover Letter" - Dear Pollock-Krasner Foundation,
What amount should I request?
PKF awards artist grants of up to $50,000. The amount you request will depend on your individual circumstances and your proposal.
When submitting the 10 digital images online, can I submit a detail image of each digital image?
You may only submit ten images. You can use two of those ten to show details.
Can I submit a video of my work?
The Foundation does not accept videos of work. Please only send the materials that are requested in the application.
How can I tell if my application has gone through?
When you click "Submit", you will receive an e-mail confirmation that we have received your application.
My attachments do not show up in the same order listed in your directions. Is this a problem?
The attachments will show up on your list in the order you have attached them. As long as you have placed the items under their correct titles (e.g., 1.Cover Letter is your cover letter) then you do not need to be concerned if the order is not identical to the directions.
I have a question concerning the application. How should I contact you?
For any questions concerning the application please contact us at grants@pkf.org. You can also reach us via the Contact Us link at the top of each page of the application.
I've submitted my application. What should I expect now?
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt. If we have questions regarding your submission we will contact you. Our application review process can take up to 9 months to complete. We will contact you when there has been a decision made on your application.
What happens if my system crashes while I'm submitting my application online?
The online grant application system has been designed to minimize loss of information. Each time you click "Save and Finish Later", the system automatically saves the information you have entered up to the last time you saved it. We therefore recommend using the "Save and Finish Later" option frequently. You can easily resume your application by going to the Returning Users link on our website. At any time during the online application process, you can use the "Printer Friendly Version" button to print out your proposal.
I submitted my application, but there's a mistake in it. Can I submit another one?
If you discover a mistake in your application or you have any technical difficulties, please contact us at grants@pkf.org. Do not submit another application.
Can you tell me when the panel will next meet?
We do not disclose the dates of our meetings, but there is no deadline for submitting an application.
3APPLY
New Grantee & Applicant Portal Launching June 9, 2025!
We’re moving to a new, streamlined Grantee and Applicant Portal on June 9, 2025. This updated experience is designed to make the application process simpler and more efficient.
Powered by Blackbaud Grantmaking, the new portal allows you to manage all your grant applications in one place. If you’re already using a Blackbaud product, there’s no need to create a separate login. Simply sign in with your existing Blackbaud ID. If you’re new to Blackbaud, you’ll be prompted to create a secure ID when you first log in.
Please note: Your application history will not transfer to the new portal. As of June 9, 2025, all applicants must create a new account.
If you have any questions, please contact our grants team at grants@pkf.org.
APPLY ONLINE
Apply Online
Create an account, login to your account, or submit an application for an individual artist grant.
