Three New Funders Adopt Common Application for the Arts

Three new funders – Gerbode Foundation, InterMusic SF, and Theatre Bay Area – are making the Common Application for the Arts part of their grantmaking process. These organizations join us, The Kenneth Rainin Foundation, and the Zellerbach Family Foundation in adopting this first-of-its-kind application process for artists, arts organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects looking for funding in the Bay Area.

“It's great to see this effort grow,” said Margot Melcon, Program Officer, Arts and Culture, at the Zellerbach Family Foundation. “Between the six participating funders, the Common App will serve a more diverse cross-section of the Bay Area arts community, from individual artists and very small or emerging organizations, to more established artists with larger projects.”

Following the funding complexity of the pandemic, when no less than 140 emergency relief programs were available, arts funders heard the appeal to do a better job of collaborating to make things simpler and more streamlined for grantseekers. Developed with input from artists, grantseekers, and grantmakers, the Common Application simplifies the grant application process and unifies how grant questions are asked so grantseekers’ responses can be used to apply for multiple funding opportunities. 

"We're thrilled to be standing with other Bay Area arts advocates by integrating with The Common App,” says Crystal Pascucci-Clifford, Executive Director of InterMusic SF. “The Common App is making it easier, now more than ever, for artists to spend less time on the application process, and more time finding mission-alignment with Bay Area funders."

Once completed, grantseekers can use the responses created from the Common App tool to submit applications for arts grants with participating funders for which they are eligible. The application also aims to decrease barriers and increase accessibility by providing more opportunity for grantseekers to find appropriate available funding opportunities. The process creates greater consistency and efficiency, offers standardized budget formats, and enhances coordinated outreach and communication about grant opportunities amongst participating funders.

“In the spirit of being in service to our diverse communities, we could not pass up the opportunity to join as a Common App partner,” said Olivia Malabuyo Tablante, Program Director at Gerbode Foundation. “We hope this option provides grantseekers a bit of ease when applying to multiple funders.”

Grantseekers can visit the Common App website for more information, including links to participating funders and their programs, and downloadable application and budget forms.