GENERAL INFORMATION

The Puppeteers of America Rufus and Margo Rose Endowment Fund was established in 1975 to honor the passing of fine performers and great friends of puppetry, Rufus and Margo Rose. The Endowment Fund makes possible financial grants to active puppeteers for projects that will further the growth and development of the art of puppetry. Contributions to the fund are invested and every other year awards are made from the interest that has accumulated. Awards generally range from $500 to $1000.

An Endowment Fund contribution is a fitting way to honor a departed friend of puppetry or to express thanks to a colleague, committee or guild. It is also a concrete way to express interest in and dedication to the art of puppetry. Contributions to the fund are tax deductible. As this fund grows, more money will be available for the financing of worthy projects.

CRITERIA FOR FUNDING

The first priority of the Endowment Fund Committee is the allocation of funds to support the development and creation of NEW PROFESSIONAL PUPPET PRODUCTIONS.

These can include:

• The production of new shows
• The creation of experimental puppets or techniques
• The production of puppet-related films, DVDs, videos, slide shows or publications

After production grants have been awarded, and if funds are available, puppetry projects in the field of education will be considered.

Any North American puppet company or individual puppeteer may apply for a grant from the Endowment Fund. Either the person making the application or one member of the applying company must be a current member of Puppeteers of America.

The Endowment Fund will not fund transportation, living expenses, tours or performance bookings. Grants for equipment will be considered only if a specialized need can be demonstrated.

Proposals and requests for Endowment Fund grants are judged on the following criteria:

• QUALITY: Is the project well developed? Is it feasible? Is the budget realistic? Do visuals and text (e.g. script) demonstrate a project of high quality?
• CREDIBILITY: Is this artist capable of creating professional work? Do submission materials demonstrate this based on past performances and/or recommendations?
• IMPACT: Will the project serve as a pilot? Will it stimulate further activity? Will it help develop an artist or group? How large an audience will it reach? RELATED: Would the awarding of this Endowment Grant greatly impact the artist’s ability to complete the project?
• APPLICATION: Is the application complete? Professional? Submitted on time? Does it follow ALL the criteria and rules for eligible projects?

DEADLINES

• Grant applications are due by April 15, 2021
• Awards will be determined by mid-June 2021
• Money award will be available by the PofA National Festival Summer 2021 (date and location TBD)

APPLICATION

2021 Application Information and Instructions will be posted here when available

PROCEDURES

After the Endowment Committee has reached a decision, each applicant will receive a letter stating whether or not the proposal has been funded. If it has been denied, reasons will be briefly explained. If the grant has been awarded a check will be issued at or soon after the National Festival. If Festival attendance is not possible, the recipient may request that the check be sent by mail.

COMMITMENT

• The grant must be used for purposes stated in the application. There is a time limit of two years for the completion of the project after award is announced.
• A credit line must be included in any printed publicity or program stating that “This project has been partially funded by a grant from the Puppeteers of America Endowment Fund.”
• A grant to an individual or group does not constitute an endorsement by Puppeteers of America or the Puppeteers of America Endowment Fund.
• A final report or information announcing the completion of the funded project must be sent to the Puppeteers of America office (office@puppeeers.org) by the end of the two-year period noted above. A description, photos and publicity concerning the project are requested and may be printed in the Puppetry Journal. It is understood that these are reproduced with the permission of the grantee. Reports and information should be sent to:

  Puppeteers of America
  attn. Endowment Report
  310 East 38th Street, Ste 127, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55409
  office@puppeteers.org

ENDOWMENT FUND COMMITTEE

The Current Endowment Fund Committee members are:

• Monica Leo, Committee Chair
• Aretta Baumgartner
• Liz Joyce
• Mark Levenson
• Lisa Sturz
• Michael Nelson, Non-voting Emeritus

For more information on making contributions or any questions about the grant application process, please contact the Endowment Fund Committee Chair: endowment@puppeteers.org