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The Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant

Application Portal

2024 Grant Cycle Open May 1st through June 30st

Looking to Apply?

Are you a 16-23 year old creative looking to expand your creative passion, hobby, or interest?

Making a Referral?

Do you know a creative who you think should apply? We'd love to hear about them!

What Project Types are Eligible for Funding?

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Film, photography, graphic design, fashion, art (painting, sculpting, etc.), woodworking, creative writing, music, and more! At The Sunset Project, we aren’t interested in limiting creative endeavors – as long as justification can be provided, we’re open to hearing any and all project proposals!

Who is Eligible to Apply?

 

Any creative individual who is currently residing in or previously from Northeast Michigan aged 16-23. Your current or previous residence (within five years of May 1 of the current cycle year) must be from one of the seven counties in our service region (Alpena, Alcona, Presque Isle, Iosco, Oscoda, Montmorency, and Ogemaw Counties).

Referrals

 

Do you know a creative individual that fits all of these criteria? Please fill out the required information in the referral form, and a Sunset Project team member will reach out to that individual on your behalf, encouraging them to apply!

How to Apply:

Part One: Video

Applicants must submit a TikTok, Instagram Reel, or other short-form video showcasing their creative endeavors. The video must contain some visuals of what you have created, are working to create, or plan to create, as well as a brief introduction that includes your name, age, and current residence. Video submissions must range from 30 seconds to two minutes long. 

Part Two: Paper

Submissions must also include a 1–2-page paper containing the following information:

  • A personal introduction that includes your aspirations and goals relating to your respective creative interest as well as your name, age, and current residence

  • An explanation of an obstacle (or obstacles) that hinder your creative process and what you have learned from working through those challenges.

  • What specifically the grant funding would be used for if awarded (see examples below for more details)

Additional Information

  • Grant applications will be assessed on originality, feasibility, soundness, and relevance.

  • It is not a requirement for applicants to suffer from or struggle with personal mental health issues or situations.

  • Applicants will be notified via email of their application status by July 30 of the current grant cycle year

  • Previous grant recipient’s applications will not be accepted.

  • Applications open May 1 at 10:00 AM and close June 30 at 11:59 PM. Late submissions will not be accepted or considered.

  • This is not a cash award. Upon selection as a grant recipient, individuals will meet with The Sunset Project team to identify the best possible solution(s) to help advance their creative endeavors. The Sunset Project will then make purchases of materials or services on behalf of the recipient valued at up to $2,000. The Sunset Project team will also assist recipients in establishing professional connections and resources within their respective creative fields and offer organized mentorship of the grantee’s pursuit.

Example Video Submissions

Makayla Armstead

2023 Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipient

Juliane Richards

2023 Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipient

Rebekah Carlson

2023 Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipient

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