BFF Second Round Application Instructions & Support

Overview

Big Field Fund second round applications are by invitation only.

To access the application form, log into Submittable with the same account you used for your first round application.

Second round applications are due October 1 at 11:59pm CST.

Notifications of the results of your application will be sent on November 15. Grant winners will be publicly announced at the beginning of December.

Watch a video overview of BFF second round application process & support process here.

Application
Questions

If you’d like to review the second round application questions without logging into Submittable, you can do so using the links below:

If you need to review Big Field Fund funding priorities and key requirements for each grant type, an abbreviated explanation is provided here.

Application
Support

We are happy to be able to offer three modes of support while you are preparing your second round application. 

Do you have a simple or clarifying question?

Write us an email anytime at info@bigfieldfund.org and we will respond within 4 days.

Do you need to talk through an idea, have a series of questions, or need technical assistance with part of the application?

20 minute virtual appointments with BFF staff are available on the following dates beginning August 20th and ending on September 12th:

Thursdays: 8/20 and 8/27 between 5:30-6:30p 
Saturdays: 8/22, 8/29, 9/5, and 9/12 between 10:00-11:00a
Tuesdays: 9/1 and 9/8 between 5:30-6:30p

Make an appointment using this link: https://calendly.com/bigfieldfund

Do you need feedback on what’s unclear or missing from your application draft?

BFF staff will review completed application drafts submitted by 11:59pm on Sunday, Sept. 6. Feedback will be focused on clarity of writing and alignment with BFF goals. (We are not able to provide copyediting or feedback on writing style.)

If you would like your second round application draft reviewed, you'll need to submit the application (in Submittable) on or before Sunday, Sept. 6 and let us know you'd like a review of all or part of it by sending us a message through Submittable. When we send feedback on your draft, we will re-open the application so you can make any changes you desire. before re-submitting it by the final deadline (Oct. 1).

Feedback will be returned in the order of drafts received, by Sunday, September 20 at the latest.

Application Tips

  1. Read all of the relevant grant materials to determine whether your work and proposal matches at least one of the Big Field Fund priorities. Specifics are available at https://www.bigfieldfund.org/funding-priorities-reminders.

  2. Gather the necessary materials for your application early. The two BFF grant applications are not identical, so read through the whole application for your grant type, including the provided advice, and make sure you answer each question directly and completely. You can work on your application as a draft as you compile these items, but make sure everything is inputted and in the correct format when you’re ready to submit your application.

  3. If there are questions or support materials you haven’t previously written, gathered, or documented, use these resources to assist with your process. Visit the BFF Resources page to find these additional helpful links:

  4. Have someone else read your application materials. See if they understand what you plan to do, who you will share your project with, and how you will fund it.

  5. Follow the Big Field Fund AI & Collaboration policy and use the application support options:

    Please do not use generative AI in producing any part of your BFF application. If you need support with the application writing process, we encourage you to seek help from other humans! Consider booking a 20-minute virtual meeting with the BFF team, submitting an early draft to us for feedback, or inviting a collaborator to work on the application together (more info is available here about how to add a collaborator to your application in Submittable).

    This AI policy also extends to jurors during the application review process. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact info@bigfieldfund.org

  6. If you’re confused about any aspect of the application, ask us! Email: info@bigfieldfund.org

REMINDERS:

BFF locations and venues: Public Space One is the administrator of the Big Field Fund. PS1’s role in BFF is to facilitate the outreach and application process and the cohort experience. With this in mind, BFF projects must happen off-site, at venues and locations other than PS1. This includes activities like workshops, exhibits, screenings, performances, etc. 

Timing of grant activities: Key project activities and public access to the project must take place in 2027 (but can be intended to continue in the future).

Budget: Take time to think through your budget. It needs to be believable for the proposed project. If you need more money, share realistic supplementary sources, support that is already in place, or adjust your project accordingly.

Partnerships: BFF is intended to support artist-led projects. If you (or your artist team) are partnering with one or more organizations as part of your project, please make sure to demonstrate that you are leading the project as primary decision-maker(s) and benefiting from the grant funds. 

Looking for additional ways to strengthen your proposal?
Review the scoring guidelines for your BFF grant type, especially the explanation of criteria.