CDSS Outreach Funds & Application Guidelines

CDSS Outreach Funds are available to support a wide variety of programs and projects that foster the growth of traditional music, dance and song from England and the United States. The support is provided by these four funds. Each one has a unique purpose:

New Leaders, Good Leaders Fund:
grants, financial backing and scholarships for events and publications to train dance leaders, musicians, singers and event organizers

May Gadd/Phil Merrill Fund:
loans, financial backing and grants to help groups start new events (weekends, festivals, conferences, etc.); loans for publications; scholarships for CDSS programs

Mary Kay Friday Leadership Fund:
grants for training of dance leaders, callers and musicians

Chuck Ward Musicians Training Fund:
grants to support training programs for novice and experienced English country dance musicians.

Who Can Apply for This Funding

Individuals and groups who are:

  • organizing events (workshops, weekend events, conferences, festivals, etc.) for one or more of these purposes:
    • to offer leadership training of callers, musicians, singers and event organizers
    • to encourage youth involvement
    • to create a new event
  • publishing instruction materials (print, web, audio, video)
  • in need of scholarships to attend CDSS and non-CDSS programs
  • involved in related endeavors that will have a lasting effect on the dance and song community.

Preference is given to CDSS members and group affiliates. However, all are welcome to apply. For questions about the suitability of your event or project, contact Linda Henry, outreach@cdss.org or 413-203-5467 x105. For a glimpse of the programs/projects that have already been supported by CDSS funding, see outreach funds at work.

Requirements

Recipients of CDSS outreach grants or financial backing are expected to:

  • acknowledge CDSS support in any publicity (print and online)
  • make announcements (at events)
  • include a written acknowledgement (in publications)
  • make CDSS promotional materials available at the event (these will be sent from CDSS)
  • provide a follow-up report after the event/project including successes, challenges, feedback from participants, financial outcome, and contact information for organizers
  • send a copy of any published materials for the CDSS archives.

Deadlines

Deadlines for upcoming applications in 2012 are July 1 and October 1.

Starting in 2013, deadlines will be February 1, June 1 and October 1.

A requirement for grant recipients is to mention CDSS support in your publicity, so please apply at least one month before you plan to start promoting your event/project.

How to Apply

Send all information requested in the Application for Funding.You'll want to read through it ahead of time to find out what topics we need your project proposal to include.

You will be notified when we have received your application. If you have not received notification within a few days, contact Linda Henry, outreach@cdss.org or 413-203-5467 x105.