Jerome Foundation grants are made primarily to not-for-profit arts organizations and to individual professional artists through specific programs. The Foundation accepts requests from new organizations. It also supports not-for-profit fiscal sponsors that apply on behalf of artists. The Foundation is flexible and will consider various funding mechanisms if they provide significant assistance to emerging artists. In three cases, the Film and Video Production Grant Programs in New York City and Minnesota, and the Travel and Study Grant Program, the Foundation makes grants directly to individuals in compliance with Internal Revenue Service standards.
In most cases, Foundation funding is designated for particular programs or projects. When an arts organization requests support for activities that are central to its mission as well as the Jerome Foundation's, it is possible for the Foundation to provide general operating support. Support for one artist or the same group of artists is generally limited to three to six grants. Organizations that operate selection procedures through which emerging artists are identified, and the artists change from year to year, may receive support for as long as the programs remain vital.