May I receive support more than once for the same project?
No, the program will only provide one grant per project.
Do I need a fundraising plan if I'm requesting my entire budget of $30,000 or less from jerome?
No, you do not need a fundraising plan in this instance.
How long do I have to complete my project?
There is no deadline to completing your project, but you are required to start it no more than 18 months after receiving a grant. We expect you to make steady progress. We require yearly updates to keep the Foundation informed of your progress.
Is it okay to apply with a co-applicant?
Yes. However, both must share the responsibility of directing the project. If he/she has some other responsibility that exclusively involves producing, writing, crewing, or acting in the work, the Foundation will not recognize him/her as a co-applicant. All applicants must be emerging artists residing in Minnesota or New York City.
Do these programs fund actors, producers, writers or crew people?
No. The focus is strictly on directors.
Do these programs fund organizational, commercial, or industrial work?
No. The programs only support independent work directed by the applicant.
Do these programs fund pre-production, distribution, marketing, film to tape transfers, mass duplications, entry fees for festivals, etc.?
No. This is strictly a production grant and, to a lesser degree, a post-production grant.
Do these programs fund retroactively?
No. Eligible projects must be in production or post-production at the time a grant is provided.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me if my project receives a grant?
Yes, but please give us plenty of advance notice.
Will these programs fund projects containing controversial subject matter?
The panels have shown a great willingness to take on controversial subject matter and recommend grants to the Foundation's Board.
Do these programs fund artists from other countries?
Yes, as long as you are a current legal resident of the United States and live in one of the five boroughs of New York City or the state of Minnesota. You can be newly arrived to the city/state and qualify for these programs.
Will you consider projects from applicants living in other parts of the United States?
No, these programs are only open to residents of the five boroughs of New York City or the state of Minnesota. Grantees who are discovered to not be New York City or Minnesota residents upon receipt of a grant will be denied support. However, the Foundation is totally amenable to people moving away from the city/state before their projects are complete. In this case, please remember to let us know where you are. You must continue to submit annual progress reports.
Will I get my work samples back?
Yes, they will be returned to you via the U.S. Postal service if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with your application.
Do these programs fund any size budget?
Yes, any budget, large or small, qualifies for the programs. Applicants with budgets exceeding $30,000 must submit a fundraising strategy for their projects.
How many grants do these programs provide?
It depends on the panel and the number of projects it wants to support. Another consideration is the total amount of money available. Generally, six to nine grants are provided each year to the Minnesota program and to the New York City program.
What criteria are used to determine support?
The merit of the proposed work and the quality of work samples carry the most weight in the panels' deliberations. The production background and eligibility of the applicant as an emerging artist are also major considerations.
How many film and video artists apply to the program?
In 2011, 97 individuals applied to the Minnesota program and 163 applied to the New York City program.
Do you have a preference for a certain genre of work or subject matter?
No. The Foundation is committed to supporting a variety genres and subjects.
Does having secured funding from other sources of support have an impact on the panel's decision to recommend funding?
The panel is interested in knowing if you have received support from other funding sources; however, decisions are not solely contingent on having secured additional funding.
Is more than one project allowed per applicant?
No. Only one application per person is allowed. Filmakers who have already been provided with a Jerome grant may not receive support for a new project until the previously funded project is complete.
May I reapply with the same project if i do not receive a grant the first time around?
Absolutely.
Are materials not mentioned in your application form accepted with the application?
No, the Foundation does not accept materials not mentioned in its application form.
May I email or fax my application materials to the foundation?
No, your application materials must be submitted online or paper via mail or direct delivery to the Foundation office.
May I substitute the project for which i received a grant with a different project?
No, substitutions are not permitted. Doing so without the Foundation's permission constitutes a violation of the legal contract between the Foundation and grantee. Such an action will result in the Foundation recalling the grant.
May I change or add work samples after submitting my application?
Yes, you may. However, the total running time of samples cannot exceed 20 minutes.
May I call you if I have additional questions?
Yes, please call 651.224.9431 from the Twin Cities area and 1.800.995.3766 from Greater Minnesota and New York City. Ask to speak with Robert Byrd or Rush Merchant.
Why don't you have application deadlines in the New York City program?
We wait until we accumulate fifty, or so, proposals before convening a panel. Panel reviews are held three times per year.
What should I do if I will be out of town when the New York City work samples are requested for drop-off for panel review?
Three to four weeks prior to the panel meeting dates, you will receive a letter and an e-mail specifying the work sample drop-off dates, times and location. If you will be out of the state or country, please contact the Foundation office as soon as possible to make special arrangements. We usually suggest that you leave your samples with a colleague or friend in New York City who will be able to drop them off for you.
