FAQ:
What is the BIPOC Deaf Arts Grant?
The Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Deaf Arts Grant, established in 2021, is a program that provides financial support for emerging and established BIPOC Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and Hard of Hearing artists to further enhance their careers.
This is the 6th year of the BIPOC Deaf Arts Grant.
This time, the grant program is supported by Deaf Spotlight (Seattle, WA), and Urban Jazz Dance Company (Bay Area, CA).
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color are eligible to apply. Please read the guidelines for more details.
Do I have to live in the Pacific Northwest to apply?
No! The 5 award winners will be selected: at least 1 from the Pacific Northwest, at least 1 from California and at least 1 from other states or U.S. territories.
Pacific Northwest Eligibility: Applicants who currently live in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho, and have resided there for at least two years prior to the application deadline.
California Eligibility: Applicants who currently live in California and have resided there for at least two years prior to the application deadline.
National Eligibility: Applicants from all other states and US territories.
When is the deadline for submitting applications?
The deadline is Friday, August 28, by 11:59 PM PST. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Interested applicants can contact BIPOCDeafArtsGrant@deafspotlight.org with any accommodations the organization can provide to support artists in their pursuit of the grant.
Do you have any recommendations how to prepare my application?
We recommend that you use the preview document when available to prepare your answers ahead of time. Please make sure to have your links (artworks, materials, and/or video statements) ready when you fill out the application.
How can I get more information on the grant application process?
We will have an Information Session to discuss in depth about the grant application. It will be on Tuesday, June 9 at 4:30 - 6:00 pm PT / 7:30 - 9:00 pm ET.
Please RSVP here.
You can also always email BIPOCDeafArtsGrant@deafspotlight.org with questions, and a committee member will get back to you!
What if I do not have experience in grant writing? Will there be any feedback opportunities before I submit my application?
There is a grant application you can use below as a template. For this cycle, we are offering a preliminary review from June 15 - 19, 2026.
You can book a 30-minute session with the Planning Committee to share your proposal. The committee member will discuss your strengths and weaknesses in the proposal.
You can book the 30 minutes session with the Planning Committee here.
Is there a preview of the grant application?
You can find the preview of the grant application here.
How will Deaf Spotlight decide which artists receive the grants?
Applications are reviewed by a diverse screening committee consisting of individuals who have connections to the arts and the Deaf and/or disability communities. The committee will use an objective criteria tool to make recommendations and final grant decisions for all applicants.
What types of projects are likely to be funded?
Grants from the BIPOC Deaf Arts Fund are intended to help BIPOC Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing artists grow their career in the arts. We will prioritize applicants who have a plan for how they would use $1,000 in grant funding.
If you are seeking support for your ongoing work, explain how a grant will help you create more art, or better art. If you are seeking support for a specific project, explain how a grant will help you finish that project.
How is this grant funded?
The BIPOC Deaf Arts Grant is funded through donations by supporters like you!
If you would like to make a contribution to support the BIPOC Deaf Arts Grant, visit our donation page and comment to specify the BIPOC Deaf Arts Grant.
More questions?
Please contact us at BIPOCDeafArtsGrant@deafspotlight.org.