Purpose
The Spark Mini-Grants are designed to enable full-time faculty, staff and students to request funds for Spark-related goals within the School of Music. Projects and requests should fall in line with the Spark mission to prepare students for vibrant and sustainable futures through creative learning, skill development, and personal exploration. The maximum award per recipient is $500 each academic year. Students may utilize funds for proposals beyond the School of Music as well.
Examples may include:
- Creative Studio Events
- Extra-Curricular Student Initiatives
- Community-Based Programming
While Spark aims to support a wide variety of projects and initiatives within the School of Music, there are certain restrictions to consider before applying for a Spark Mini Grant. Below is a list of requests that are ineligible for funding:
- Travel & Lodging expenses
- Stipends for food
- Individual Subscriptions
- Accompanist fees/stipends (this applies to enrolled students and external collaborators)
- Application and/or audition fees for competitions, festivals, etc.
- Music rentals/purchases
- Music Commissions
- Personal purchases
Recording Projects Eligibility and Exceptions:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Underrepresented Focus: Applicants must demonstrate that the project highlights underrepresented styles of music or musicians in the field, and a demonstrated need, justifying why the recording should take place.
- Project Scope: The recording must contribute to a larger goal (e.g. Community focused initiative)
- Applied Instructors Approval: All students requesting funding for recording projects must obtain pre-approval from their applied professors before Spark can issue funding for recording fees.
Applicants must include a clear statement of purpose explaining how the recording supports a broader artistic, educational or community objective.
If you're unsure whether your project qualifies for a Mini Grant, please reach out to Spark at spark@mozart.sc.edu.
Timeline
Mini Grants are awarded during Fall and Spring semesters. Click to apply!
- 1st Round: October 16, 2024; 5 p.m.
- 2nd Round: December 6, 2024; 5 p.m.
- 3rd Round: February 28, 2025; 5 p.m.
Requests should be submitted at least 6 weeks before funds are needed. Total funding is not to exceed $500 per academic year per applicant. Funds will be dispersed until the annual allocation is reached.
Questions and Support
Please direct questions to spark@mozart.sc.edu or visit room 218 in the School of Music.
Previous Recipients
2024 Winners
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Students:
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Faculty:
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2023 Winners
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