GRANTMAKING

WHAT WE FUND

AE&E Fund prioritizes organizations in the arts and education sectors from the Greater Pittsburgh area. Grant applicants must be classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or have valid fiscal sponsorship.

We prioritize grants for the following types of initiatives:

  • Capacity Building – Capacity building is an investment in the future sustainability of an organization and its people. Applicants shall demonstrate how the funds will strengthen their organization and increase its effectiveness now and in the future. 

  • Exhibitions/Performances – We provide financial support for organizations/schools/artists to present a body of work in a museum, school, community space, or theater.

  • Fellowships/Residencies – Fellowships/Residencies immerse artists or young professionals in a career path or artistic practice. We support organizations and artists that provide/receive an intensive series of mentoring or studio sessions with qualified teaching artists/curators or senior management.

  • Publications/Documentation – We offer financial support to produce digital, written, or recorded materials. All applications require a clear publication plan, page count, number of copies, budget, project timeline, project management plan, and distribution strategies.

  • Scholarship/Education – Our scholarship and education-related grants provide diverse and equitable advancement for underrepresented populations. The primary focus is with independent schools serving youth in k-12 grades.

As a new organization, AE&E Fund evaluates our grantmaking focus on a consistent basis. Therefore, past grants may vary from what will be funded in the future.

We find that building a broad base of donors is one of many strategies to include in a development plan so we may offer matching grants to help energize your outreach and encourage others to support your organization.

We encourage your organization to apply for AE&E Fund funding as a springboard to seek matching donations, seed unique initiatives or help achieve an organizational milestone. Our preference is to work together for a 3 to 5 year period, after which a pause will take place.

AE&E Fund grants typically range between $5,000 – $25,000. On occasion, larger grants are established for programs requiring long-term funding. We welcome ideas that span two or more organizations or demonstrate partnership potential.

WHAT WE ASK OF OUR PARTNERS

Clear Goals and Success Metrics
Express ideas and desired outcomes with clarity

Good Stewardship
Direct funds to the agreed upon programming

Relationship Building and Consistent Communications
Help us keep our grantee network vibrant and informative by regularly sharing information about your organization’s activities, challenges, and events.

PROCESS

All AE&E Fund grant applicants must complete a two-step application process through our online grantmaking platform.

Step 1: Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
A short application and brief introduction for AE&E Fund to get to know you, your organization, and/or your project.
*LOI Questions PDF

Step 2: Full Application
If your LOI indicates alignment with our current focus areas, we will invite you to complete a full application that adds detail to your previously completed LOI.
*Application Questions PDF

Step 3: Communications
After completion of your full application, our staff will schedule further conversations with you for additional information or clarifications.

DEADLINES

AE&E Fund awards grants two times per year.*

Spring Cycle
The spring LOI cycle opens on February 15th and closes at midnight on March 15th. All applicants will be informed of their status by March 31st.

If invited, the spring application period opens on April 1st and closes at midnight on May 5th. All applicants will receive notice of their status by May 30th. Organizations selected for funding will receive funds by June 15th.

Fall Cycle
The fall LOI cycle opens on August 15th and closes at midnight on September 1st. All applicants will be informed of their status by September 30th.

If invited, the fall application period opens on October 1st and closes at midnight on October 15th. All applicants will receive notice of their status by November 15th. Organizations selected for funding will receive funds by December 15th.

*Please note: dates may be subject to change.

For more Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.