Funding Schemes in Singapore

Application for any kind of arts funding in Singapore is highly competitive as it is anywhere else in the world. Applicants should be able show the assessor the value of the project and have a clear objective, be it for artistic and or social purposes.

It is important that applicants show responsibility in their submission. Two golden rules:

1. Ensure you provide enough information for those reading the application to make a good assessment; supporting documents should all be attached

2. Submit your application ON TIME

A timely, coherent and complete application demonstrates the competence of the management and administration of the dance group and not only leaves a good impression but gives the assessors more confidence in the success of your production.

There are several organisations that offer funding to dance groups and the major ones are described here. However, they have different eligibility requirements and you need to ensure that your production or organization fulfils the requirements stipulated.

NAC Grant Schemes

The National Arts Council (NAC) has a range of grants to support artistic development of dance groups, individuals and dance arts administrators. It would be best to look through all the schemes to see which one is the most relevant to you or your organizations. There are grants for organization (dance companies), individuals (dancers), arts administrators (managers, administrative officers) and international promotion and touring (anything related to going out of Singapore). Grants for short-term training are available for organizations and individuals.

Except for Annual Grants, all grants including the training grants are short-term or one-off. For long-term training support, see NAC Scholarships and Bursaries.

To Apply

Go to NAC’s website and search under Dance/Financial Assistance for all production grants and Dance/Training and Professional development for all training and development grants. You will usually be required to download and complete an Application Form as well as a Budget Form. All applications must be submitted in hard copy. You must remember to apply on time as late applications are unlikely to receive funding.

These are the grants available from NAC.

Organisations

1) Annual Grant
2) Project Grant
3) SIA-NAC Travel Grant
4) International Touring Grant
5) International Collaboration Grant
6) Marketing Development Grant
7) Artist-In-Residence Scheme

Individuals

1) Emerging Artist’s Fund
2) Project Grant
3) SIA-NAC Travel Grant
4) Rotary Club-NAC Training Grant

International Promotion and Touring

1) SIA-NAC Travel Grant
2) International Touring Grant
3) Marketing Development Grant

Arts Administrators

1) Professional Skills Development Fund (For individuals only)

Short-Term Training

1) Rotary Club-NAC Training Grant (For individuals only)
2) Professional Skills Development Fund (For individuals only)
3) Artist-in-Residence Scheme

Annual Grant

One-year funding is committed to arts organisations which are artistically excellent and reflect the ethnic and cultural vibrancy of Singapore’s arts scene. The grant aims to meet part of the arts organisation’s annual operating and production expenses to facilitate the development of professional staff and resources and assist in its long-term artistic and administrative growth.

Closing date: Check NAC website for application deadlines

Project Grant

The grant provides financial assistance to practising artists and non-profit arts groups who wish to organise specific arts projects or events. The sum total of Project Grants (including SIA-NAC Travel Grants) that can be awarded to any one organisation will not exceed $50,000 per financial year.

Closing date: Submit application at least 2 months before start of project

Emerging Artists Fund

To foster the development of emerging Singaporean artists and arts groups from a diverse range of artistic practice, this fund provides financial assistance to new talents and promising artists to present their first major group or solo project.

Closing date: Submit application at least 2 months before start of project

SIA-NAC Travel Grant

To provide assistance to Singaporean artists or arts groups who wish to tour their work overseas. Each artist or arts group is eligible for a maximum of 2 travel grants per financial year and the quantum will be calculated as part of the cap of $50,000 in Project Grant funding.

Closing date: Submit application at least 3 months before start of project

International Touring Grant

This provides support for touring productions or exhibitions to international festivals, art galleries and other established venues. The grant contributes towards travel and freight costs.

Closing date: 2 Jan, 1 Apr, 1 Jul and 1 Oct

International Collaboration Grant

This provides support to facilitate the development of co-productions and collaborative ventures with overseas artists resulting in performances overseas. The grant contributes towards travel, freight and production costs.

Closing date: 2 Jan and 1 Jul

Marketing Development Grant

This provides support in developing marketing collateral for international promotion. The grant contributes towards registration fees, travel costs, production costs of print, audio and video materials. It also provides support for participation in international arts markets.

Closing date: 2 Jan and 1 Jul

Rotary Club-NAC Arts Training Grant

This provides assistance to practising artists who wish to pursue short-term training in fine arts, photography, music, dance, theatre and literature either locally or overseas. The grant quantum is up to 50% of total cost of training.

Closing date: Submit application at least 2 months before start of project

Professional Skills Development Fund

The Fund aims to make continual training and learning an essential part of human resource development in arts organisations and within the arts industry. It provides assistance to practitioners, arts administrators, designers, technical and production personnel who wish to upgrade their professional skills through short-term training both locally and overseas. The grant quantum for overseas training will not exceed 50% of the cost of training (up to a maximum of $6,000 per application). The quantum for local training will not exceed 80% of the cost of training (up to a maximum of $2,000 per application). Total funding will not exceed 28 days of training per year and is capped at $6,000 per individual per year.

Closing date: Submit application at least 2 months before start of project

Artist-In-Residence Scheme

This assists non-profit distributing arts groups in engaging experts to conduct specialised or advanced arts training which would contribute towards upgrading the artistic skills and standards of the members of the group. This scheme provides a grant of up to 50% of the total cost of training.

Closing date: Submit application at least 2 months before start of project

NAC Scholarships and Bursaries

The NAC scholarship and bursary schemes provide full or partial funding for arts students and artists to receive dance training in arts institutions locally and abroad.

Who May Apply

All applicants must be Singapore citizens or Singapore permanent residents with a good track record in the arts. Applicants awaiting admission to their proposed institution may still apply for a scholarship or bursary. However, proof of admission into the institution must be produced at the time of the scheduled interview or upon award of the scholarship or bursary, if successful. Applicants who have already received four years of support from the Council for their undergraduate or postgraduate studies in the arts are not eligible to apply.

Eligibility

All applicants must be Singapore citizens or Singapore permanent residents with a good track record in the arts. Applicants awaiting admission to their proposed institution may still apply for a scholarship or bursary. However, proof of admission into the institution must be produced at the time of the scheduled interview or upon award of the scholarship or bursary, if successful.

* Special note on course commencement dates and scholarship application timings:

• All scholarships and bursaries will be awarded in August.
• Students who are interested to pursue studies that commence in February/March (e.g. courses in Australia) should make their applications a year before the commencement of the course.
• Students who are interested to pursue studies that commence in June/July (e.g. NAFA and LASALLE courses) are advised to concurrently apply for the intended course as well as the relevant scholarship. Students should be prepared to begin studies pending confirmed financial assistance from NAC.

To Apply

Apply online at http://app.cischolarship.sg

Closing Date: 31 March 2010

To give your application the best chance of success, you should complete the application form as fully as possible. Your application will be considered ineligible if:

• the course of study does not belong to any of the eligible art forms stated under the respective scholarship or bursary;
• your application is incomplete or not submitted via the prescribed application procedures.

After submitting your application online, you are required to send in your supporting materials by 7 April 2010 to:

Scholarship and Bursary Applications
National Arts Council
140 Hill Street
MICA Building #03-01
Singapore 179369

For a list of required supporting materials, please refer to http://app.cischolarship.sg. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to attend one or more interviews, usually held in May / June of the year of application.

Processing Schedule

All scholarships and bursaries will be awarded in August.

Students who are interested to pursue studies that commence in February/March (e.g. Australian courses) should make their applications a year before the commencement of the course.

Students who are interested to pursue studies that commence in June/July (e.g. NAFA and LASALLE-SIA courses) are advised to concurrently apply for the intended course as well as the bursary. Students should be prepared to begin studies pending confirmed financial assistance from NAC.

Assessment Criteria

Only eligible applicants will be given an interview (usually in July of the same year) and will be assessed based on the following:

1) Applicant’s artistic achievement, track record of arts activities and relevant experience;

2) Applicant’s creative potential and commitment to contributing towards the development of the arts in Singapore;

3) Benefits and value of the arts training to the applicant and to the development of the arts in Singapore; and

4) All other factors remaining equal, financial background of the applicant.

These are the scholarships and bursaries available from NAC.

Shell-NAC Arts Scholarship

This provides assistance to outstanding students or practising artists to pursue full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies in visual arts (fine art courses only), performing arts or literary arts overseas. Applicants must not have started on their course of study. Male applicants must have completed National Service. Successful candidates are expected to fulfill a two-year service commitment within a five-year period, to practise their art on a full or part-time basis in Singapore after the completion of their course. Grant quantum – up to 100% of total cost of study, maximum of $100,000.

Closing date: 31 Mar

NAC Arts Professional Scholarship

This provides financial assistance to outstanding arts managers, administrators and practitioners to pursue full-time overseas undergraduate or postgraduate studies in the field of arts management, technical design and production in the arts. Applicants must not have started on their course of study. Male applicants must have completed National Service. Successful candidates are required to serve a two-year bond within a five-year period through full-time employment with an approved organisation. Grant quantum – up to 100% of total cost of study, maximum of $100,000.

Closing date: 31 Mar

NAC Arts Bursary (Overseas)

This provides assistance to arts students to pursue full-time tertiary studies in visual arts (fine art courses only), performing and literary arts, as well as arts management, technical design & production in the arts in arts institutions overseas. The bursary is renewable annually, up to a maximum of 4 years. Grant quantum – between S$8,000 to S$15,000 per year.

Closing date: 31 Mar

Georgette Chen Arts Scholarship

This provides assistance to first, second and third year arts students pursuing full-time diploma courses in theatre, dance, music, visual arts (fine art courses only) and arts management at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts or polytechnics. Grant quantum – S$2,000 per year.

Closing date: 31 Mar

NAC Arts Bursary (Local)

This provides assistance to arts students pursuing degree and postgraduate courses in the theatre, dance, music, visual arts (fine art courses only) and arts management at local universities or the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts, taught in association with international tertiary institutions. Students undertaking the Theatre Training and Research Programme offered by the Practice Performing Arts School are also eligible. The bursary is renewable annually, up to a maximum of 4 years. Students who are eligible for MOE subsidies in the first 3 years (up to Diploma level), should apply for the Georgette Chen Arts Scholarship instead as the NAC Arts Bursary (Local) will only be applicable in their final year. Grant quantum – between $4,000 to $8,000 per year.

Closing date: 31 Mar

Arts Fund

The Arts Fund is an initiative of the Singapore Totalisator Board. The Fund is managed by a committee appointed by the Board. The Fund supports quality arts events that benefit the Singapore community and arts scene. Applications are assessed on – artistic merit of the project, benefit to the community and the arts scene, as well as demonstration of good planning and sound budgeting

Unlike the NAC grants, the Arts Fund grant is given on a reimbursement basis. Successful applicants must submit a post-performance report together with the statement of income and expenditure after the completion of the project.

Who May Apply

• Registered Singaporean non-profit distributing and legally constituted performing arts / visual arts / literary arts groups i.e. company limited by guarantee/registered society
• Individual* Singaporean or Permanent Resident artists recognised by their peers as practising artists

* Individual applicants may be required to provide a letter of support from a relevant arts group(s)/institution(s) at the discretion of The a.r.t.s. Fund committee F

Eligibility

The following will NOT be considered for the Arts Fund:

• Events /activities by arts groups under auspices of schools, educational institutions, community centres, halls of residence, etc
• Groups or individuals who have already received three project grants from the Arts Fund in any financial year.
• Events for the sole purpose of anniversary celebrations, charity show, fund raising, competitions.
• Training courses for individual artists, study tours
• International touring/collaboration
• Publications – print and media-based
• Research projects
• Applicants with incomplete information, i.e. no estimated budget, no write-up of production
• Applicants who did not submit or submitted incomplete post performance reports, statements of income and expenditure from previous Arts Fund approved project(s)

Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application via letter or email. The Arts Fund Committee reserves the right of discretion and non-disclosure of reasons for unsuccessful applications. Decisions made by the Committee are final and appeals will not be entertained.

To Apply

1) Application forms and full application guidelines can be downloaded at http://www.singtote.gov.sg/donations_app.html
2) Submit the following:

• Write-up of event, synopsis of the production and a list of key artists (in not more than 300 words). If it is a non-English production, please provide translations in English (not more than 300 words).
• Letter of support, if available, for applicant as an individual artist
• Estimated expenditure and income of the project/s
• Indicate other potential sources of funding and/or funding already obtained, e.g. grant application pending approval from NAC, Lee Foundation etc
• Specify the estimated amount of financial assistance required

To be eligible for consideration, applications must be submitted at least 90 days before the commencement of the project.

For enquiries or to submit your completed applications, email to: singtote_artsfund@singtote.gov.sg

Or post applications to :

Arts Fund Committee
Singapore Totalisator Board
1 Turf Club Ave
#03-01 Singapore Racecourse
Singapore 738078

Processing Schedule

To be eligible for consideration, applications must be submitted at least 90 days before the commencement of the project. Applications must reach the Arts Fund Committee by these closing dates:

Please refer to website for closing dates.

Other Conditions

1) Changes to the proposed production/event

The successful applicant must inform the Arts Fund Committee if there are any changes (title of show, date, venue etc) to the proposed production or event

2) Grant on reimbursement basis and post-performance report

The Tote Board will make payment of the grant on a reimbursement basis to successful applicants after the Arts Fund Committee has received the post-performance report together with the completed budget form indicating actual income and expenditure within 60 days after completion of project.

Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS)

MCYS has a Community Heritage Grant Scheme to support Community Heritage Organisations (CHOs) in the preservation of Singapore’s heritage and culture. Performances that promote traditional arts or promote an appreciation of the community’s culture, customs and tradition, e.g. traditional dance, music and drama and even training courses, publication of materials, development of resources that promote awareness on ethnic traditions and customs, will be considered for funding. The scheme was established in 2006 with a sum of S$3 mil for two years. CHOs can look forward to receiving up to $100,000 or 50% of the total cost for an approved programme/activity.

It should be noted that only registered societies can apply for this scheme, i.e. individuals are not eligible. Like the Arts Fund grants, the MCYS grant is given on reimbursement basis. Organisations must submit a request for reimbursement using the Reimbursement Form, together with all receipts within one month of the completion of the project. Also, if the organisation charges for its project activity (through ticket sales or course fees, etc), MCYS only covers the deficit incurred.

Who May Apply

Only registered organisations are eligible to apply for the grant. The organisation should be registered with one of the following:

• Registry of Societies
• Registry of Companies and Businesses
• Registry of Cooperative Societies
• Commissioner of Charities.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the grant, projects supported must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

• preserve the community’s heritage, customs and traditions;
• promote the use of the community’s mother tongue;
• promote leadership and/or organisational renewal in the community heritage organizations

To Apply

Go to the MCYS website and search for Community Heritage Grant Schemes.

Other Conditions

1) Preference will be given for:

• new ideas not already introduced previously
• projects that are developmental in nature, i.e. projects that extend beyond the scope of existing activities already undertaken by the organisation
• projects that promote collaboration across organisations or ethnic communities

2) Grant on reimbursement basis

Organisations must maintain proper financial records for the project and submit a request for reimbursement using the Reimbursement Form, together with all receipts within one month of the completion of the project, and shall refund to the Government any excess funds (if any) dispensed.

Singapore International Foundation

The Singapore Internationale Grant (for overseas projects) is a grant scheme which aims to spread Singapore’s unique ideas, achievements and culture overseas. Through Singapore Internationale, SIF aims to promote the Singaporean identity through local talents and ideas that showcase our way of life, in fields ranging from science and technology to design, innovation and the arts.

Singapore Internationale will award up to S$4,000 for individuals and up to S$15,000 for group projects.

The grant is given out twice a year and application deadlines fall at the end of August and February of each year. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early. Every individual or group is eligible to accept only one grant per financial year. The project should take place only after the award of the grant.

Who May Apply

Applications are open to Singaporean Citizens, Permanent Residents, and non-Singaporeans for individual grants. For group applications, the project must involve Singaporeans with a substantial contribution and role in the project (e.g. a director or leader of the project). SIF will have the absolute discretion to determine if a group application has sufficient Singapore representation.

Eligibility

Only completed works ready for performances, presentations, exhibitions or seminars held outside Singapore are eligible for the project grant. Eligible fields of work include:

• Performing and fine arts
• Science and technology
• Literary works or publications
• Design and innovation
• International competitions

The project grant does not cover:

• Scholarships/bursaries for courses and further education pursued whether locally or overseas
• Training courses and workshops
• Commissioning fees
• Sports and games
• Outdoor adventure and exploration

To Apply

Applications can be made by downloading the prescribed form from the SIF website.

An awards panel comprising public personalities and experts from various fields will assess each application based on the merit of the proposal. The panel’s decision will be final. No appeals will be entertained.

Obligations and Conditions

1) Recipients of the grant will need to follow a set of guidelines given for public acknowledgement of SIF in their publicity and collateral for the project.

2) Recipients of the grant are required to provide a detailed report on their experiences and the impact of their work on foreign audiences. This report must be submitted to SIF within two months of the completion of their overseas event.

3) A statement of accounts must be submitted together with the report.

4) SIF must be kept informed of all developments, changes, cancellations or postponements to the project.

5) SIF reserves the right to review, withdraw and suspend the grant in full or in part if inconsistencies are discovered in the application and proposal or if any rules and regulations are not complied with or breached.

Singapore Press Holdings Foundation

The SPH Foundation’s grant-making philosophy revolves around its mission to help build a community that embraces language enrichment, creativity, diversity, healthy living and sports.

The Foundation focuses its support on the five areas as follows:

1) Learning About the World Around Us

2) Building a Vibrant Community Through the Arts

3) Loving and Potecting the Environment

4) Developing a Healthy Body, a Healthy Mind

5) Supporting the Community and the Underprivileged

Who May Apply

• Registered Organisations

Eligibility

As a registered charity and an Institution of Public Character (IPC), the Foundation will not support:

• Individuals
• Projects that are confined to sectional interests of a group of persons (eg. race, political groups etc) or serve an exclusively religious purpose
• Overseas projects which do not benefit the Singapore community
• Social and / or commercial events with no community benefit
• Projects which are not in line with the Foundation’s objectives

To Apply

Grant Proposal Elements

Qualified organizations seeking grants are encouraged to submit a proposal in a concise letter form, not exceeding two pages in length. The following items should be addressed:

• Description and mission of the organization
• Description of the specific programme / project for which funding is requested, including target audience, expected reach, timeline, publicity plan and fundraising mechanisms, where appropriate. If the programme / project has been implemented before, please provide information on audience turnout and outcomes of the previous event(s). S
• tatement of key programme / project goals that will be attained and evaluated (Objectives should be “SMART” - Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Results-oriented, Time-bound).
• Projected Income and Expenditure of programme / project, including list of projected and committed alternative funding sources (eg. sponsorships and ticket sales etc) and dollar amounts for the programme / project.
• Total amount requested from the SPH Foundation and indicate what this amount will be used for.

Procedures for Submission of Proposals

Proposals must be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the project using the prescribed grant application form. The form, together with relevant supporting documents, should be emailed to sphfdn@sph.com.sg or mailed to:

The General Manager
Singapore Press Holdings Foundation Limited
1000 Toa Payoh North
Singapore 318994

Other Conditions

Evaluation of Requests

We will evaluate only requests that are within the guidelines given in this policy document. If a request meets our criteria and funding is available, the requesting organisation may be asked to provide more information before a decision is made. The review process will generally take up to 8 weeks to complete. We will notify the requesting organisation of our decision in writing. We discourage telephone or email enquiries about the status of applications.

As the SPH Foundation does not solicit for public funds, but relies solely on the returns generated from investments to support its philanthropic activities, we have to decline many worthy proposals for the simple, but important, reason that our funds are limited and have already been committed to other causes. Such a response does not reflect in any way a negative appraisal of the requesting organisation or the value of its services or programmes.

Other Sources of Funding

Lee Foundation

65 Chulia Street
#44-01 OCBC Centre
Singapore 049513
Tel:  6535 4055

Shaw Foundation

1 Scotts Road
13th & 14th Floor
Shaw Centre
Singapore 228208
Tel: 6235 2077 (ext. 246)

National Youth Council

111 Somerset Road
#01-02 National Youth Centre
Singapore 238165
Tel:  6734 4233

YOUTHOP!A

Manager (Marketing Communications)
Tel:  6839 9143
Fax: 6735 4568
www.youthopia.org.sg