The Creative Sustainability Fund is now accepting applications!
Overview
The Laundromat Project Creative Sustainability Fund is an innovative financial resource designed to support artists, cultural practitioners, and organizers who are members of The Laundromat Project (The LP) alumni community (exclusively). The Program aims to provide accessible, zero-interest loans to individuals with a commitment to social practice. The LP is offering these loans to provide temporary relief for artists and neighbors to allow them to focus on their craft, drive social change, and enhance community engagement, ensuring that creativity and innovation flourish in their neighborhoods.
The Program is intended to help sustain individuals’ livelihoods or serve as a bridge while they engage in their creative pursuits. It particularly focuses on those who might not have access to traditional funding sources or are facing unexpected hardships. The loans will support temporary needs where funds are anticipated. Whether providing assistance to pay rent or medical bills, offering temporary project support while awaiting full funding, or seeding or expanding a creative venture, The Laundromat Project Creative Sustainability Fund is dedicated to ensuring the arts remain a vibrant and integral part of community life, driven by the diverse voices and visions of local creators.
Before proceeding with your application, please review the FAQ’s below carefully. By applying, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined in this document.
For any questions or further information, applicants can contact [email protected].
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Creative Sustainability Fund?
The Creative Sustainability Fund is open to individuals who have completed The Create Change Artists-in-Residence and/or Fellowship programs or are previous recipients of The LP Create & Connect Fund. These groups are referred to as our LP alumni community.
What makes this different from the Create & Connect and Create & (Re)Connect Funds?
The Creative Sustainability Fund provides zero-interest loans, focusing on immediate, temporary financial needs for artists and neighbors to sustain their livelihoods or bridge funding gaps in their creative projects. The Create & Connect and Create & (Re)Connect Funds are project-specific grants given on an annual basis to support creative ideas and civic actions of artists and neighbors.
What is the application process for the Creative Sustainability Fund?
The LP alumni member (Borrower) will be asked to submit a simple loan application that will include the use of requested funds and the dollar amount requested. Once we have agreed to provide a loan, we will discuss the terms for repayment of the loan with the Borrower and provide the Borrower with a simple Promissory Note setting forth these terms. This document outlines the agreement between the Borrower and The Laundromat Project, stipulating the repayment of a specified sum of money by a certain date without interest, with provisions for prepayment, default, and governing laws.
Will you require a credit check as part of the loan application process?
No. Credit checks are not required in order to receive a loan through the Creative Sustainability Fund.
What happens if I can’t pay back a loan through the Creative Sustainability Fund?
The LP has set aside a fixed amount of funds for loans that it will cycle through the Creative Sustainability Fund. It is important that loans be repaid so that the fund is seeded for further loans to The LP Alumni Community. If you receive a loan through the Creative Sustainability Fund and cannot pay it back on the agreed terms, please contact The Laundromat Project to discuss a revision or extension of the repayment terms. In certain limited circumstances, The LP will also consider converting a loan to a discretionary grant.