Deadline: 27th May 2024

Applications are now open for the Pioneers of Creativity Fund (CPF), which catalyses transformational social change by investing in, connecting and defending cultural and creative organisations that promote bold and unconventional practices to build a fairer, more inclusive and equitable world.

Working with and alongside organisations, donors and other stakeholders across the creative ecosystem, the Creativity Pioneers Fund aims to mobilise a collective effort to promote Creativity for Social Change.

The micro-grant represents just a starting point for a more extensive and long-term system of collaboration towards a platform model that gives Pioneers of Creativity access to more financial opportunities, in-kind and know-how support, mentoring and learning opportunities, peer support - peer exchange and networking.

The Creativity Pioneers Fund aims to create a platform of organisations that recognise creativity as a catalyst for positive social transformation. Grant recipients enter a global ecosystem where they can connect with like-minded organisations and access learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Participation in this platform can enable like-minded organisations to create a Creativity for Social Change movement.

The Creativity Pioneers Fund aims to invest in bold, inspiring and intersectional organisations that are close to the challenges and communities they seek to address. Through the Creativity Pioneers Fund, they are promoting a more progressive philanthropic approach based on trust, unrestricted funding, valuing intersectionality, simple and inclusive documentation in both the selection process and M&E, and a strong focus on building lasting networks and ecosystems.

Information on financing

• The Creativity Pioneers Fund provides unrestricted funding with a grant of 5,000 euros to organisations to help sustain their core functions and programmes.

Election criteria

• Support is granted only to non-profit organisations that are legally registered and operate in the countries where they operate, with no limits on geographical origin.
• They are looking for organisations that put creativity at the heart of their mission and programmes, demonstrating how they strengthen the role creativity plays in the social transformation of their target communities.
• Priority is given to organisations that focus their work on disadvantaged and/or marginalised communities and that work mainly with young people (16-27 years old).
• The organisation must be able to provide a bank account number registered in the organisation's name. As a foundation, they cannot make donations to individuals' bank accounts.
• Note: if your organisation is unable to receive donations from the EU and US due to political/regulatory restrictions, they encourage applicants to propose alternative options in line with the guidelines. Each exception will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Ineligible

• Organisations are not eligible to apply:
  • If they have already received a micro-grant from the Pioneers of Creativity Fund.
  • If they represent political parties, religious organisations or participate in lobbying activities.
  • If they are not legally registered.
  • If they are not non-profit organisations.
  • If its founder(s) and/or any legal representatives are involved in events detrimental to its reputation and/or legal status, including but not limited to violation of criminal laws, malfeasance, tax evasion (even if not criminally relevant), discrimination, hate speech or dissemination of false news.

For more information, visit Moleskine Foundation .