News Article

MICROGRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES 2020

About the Program

Music PEI invites all aspiring Island artists (including non-members of Music PEI) to submit written applications for the new Microgrant Program according to the Program Guidelines set out below.
The Microgrant Program will offer up to eight (8) Microgrants annually.
Microgrants will fund all eligible expenses (as defined herein) to a maximum of $300 each.
All eligible applicants will receive a free 1-year Music PEI membership.
Music PEI is committed to promoting all forms of diversity and encourages applications from artists of all backgrounds and genres.
Applications will be judged confidentially by a panel of experienced music industry professionals.
Music PEI Board Members and Staff shall not sit on juries, and all jurors will abide by Music PEI’s Conflict of Interest Policy.
The deadline to submit applications will be on March 20

Program Objectives

The Music PEI Microgrant Program is designed:
to celebrate local music, build community, and support creativity through the distribution of highly accessible grant funding;
to invest in projects that will grow the professional profile of selected artists;
to foster the development of all applicants’ business and grant writing skills;
to assist successful applicants in reaching new audiences and building connections to the local music industry; and
to encourage increased participation in the music industry on PEI by creating lasting partnerships between aspiring artists and Music PEI. 

Who can Apply?

All applicants for the Microgrant Program must currently be a resident of Prince Edward Island. To be considered a resident for the purposes of the Microgrant Program, applicants must meet both of the following criteria:
The primary artist and/or the majority of the group must have a permanent address in PEI; and
The applicant must have been a resident of PEI for at least one year.

Artists will not be eligible to apply for or receive Microgrant Program funding:
After two successful Microgrant Program applications; or
After receiving funding under the Emerging Music, Export Development, or Career Investment Programs.

What Activities Does the Microgrant Program Fund?

How are Applications Scored?

All applications are scored based on the following criteria:
Quality of Written Application – 20%
Are the goals of the project clearly stated?
Has the application been completed in full with reasonable attention to detail?
Career Growth/Logical Next Steps – 30%
Will the activities outlined in the submission increase the professional profile of the applicant?
Does the project show some ambition and potential for future growth?
Does the applicant demonstrate the necessary skills to fulfill the requirements of the application?
Evaluation of Submitted Creative Content – 30%
Including but not limited to: lyrics, recordings, videos, promotional material
How is the content new, distinct, or outstanding?
Presentation/Participation – 20%
Has the applicant participated in the suggested consultation session with Music PEI?
Does the applicant show a good overall understanding of the grant process?

Completing Applications

[Recommended] Book a consultation with a Program Officer at Music PEI prior to submitting your application.
Applications should include your contact information and:
A brief letter (1-2 pages) written to the jury
Introducing yourself by describing your sound, vision, and musical accomplishments;
Summarizing your project by clearly stating its goals and proposed timeline; and
Identifying a strategic link between your project and the Microgrant Program’s objectives;
A simple budget listing anticipated expenses and revenues; and
Creative content (ex. homemade audio or video, lyric sheets, designs, etc.).

Submit applications electronically to [email protected], mail to Music PEI attn: Microgrants Program at PO Box 2371, Charlottetown, PE C1A 8C1 or drop off at 115 Richmond Street, 3rd Floor, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1H7

Successful Applicants

Successful applicants:
will be asked to sign a Letter of Acceptance/Investment Agreement which must be completed within thirty (30) days of receiving an acceptance notification.
will receive 100% of the eligible expenses for the approved budget within thirty (30) days of submitting a signed Letter of Acceptance/Investment Agreement.
will within sixty (60) days of project completion submit to Music PEI a Completion Report providing a summary (1 page) of the project and attaching copies of expense receipts. Applicants who cannot submit a Completion Report within this timeframe must inform the Program Officer prior to the deadline to request an extension or risk jeopardizing future investment.