How do I get an application form?

Applications for the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant program are available online and there is no deadline for this application. Click here to be directed to the application form.

May I drop off my application form in person?

No. Applications must be submitted using our online application process.

May a friend or relative complete the application for me?

Applications for the Emergency Assistance program must be submitted by the individual who is in need of assistance. The only exceptions are in cases where an applicant is physically incapable of completing an application. In those cases, individuals may have a friend or relative submit an application on their behalf. However, even in those extreme cases the applicant must be aware that an application is being submitted, must have participated in completing the application, and must sign or, in some fashion, indicate that the applicant confirms the information submitted on his or her behalf.

What is meant by “Professional Reference?”

References can be curators, gallery owners, critics, or other artists who are familiar with at least ten years of your work.

Who is eligible for Emergency Assistance?

The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant is offered to painters, sculptors, and printmakers who have been engaged in a mature phase of their art for at least ten years and who have a current need that is beyond their means and that results from a current or recent catastrophic event.

How does the Foundation define a mature phase of art?

Maturity is based on a high level of intellectual, technical, and creative proficiency that has been maintained over time. It is not based on an applicant’s age but rather on the development of and commitment to an artist’s work and its progress over the course of an applicant’s career. To make that determination for this program we contact several professional references who can provide information about an artist’s body of work and career.

What constitutes a catastrophic event?

For the purposes of this program we define a catastrophic event as a circumstance or a group of circumstances that are unforeseeable and that have an immediate and profound effect on the applicant. The types of events that we use as examples of catastrophic events are fires, floods, other acts of nature, and emergency medical need. Our experience has been that catastrophic events are determined as much by how they impact the life of the applicant as by the nature of an event, so the examples cited above are not exclusive. For instance, an eviction for non-payment of rent will not, by itself, qualify as a catastrophic event; however, an eviction brought on as a result of an accident, medical situation, or some other intervening circumstance may qualify.

Can the grants be used for educational purposes, like graduate school?

The Foundation does not consider requests for funding of educational purposes.

Does this program fund exhibitions or projects?

No. The program is not intended as exhibition or project funding.

Will the grant meet all my needs?

The limit of this award is $15,000 per event. That does not mean that every successful applicant is awarded $15,000. In reviewing emergency applications, we attempt to determine the amount that will significantly assist an applicant to overcome his or her immediate needs. Emergency grants are typically $5,000 - $7,000. The actual amount of any particular award will be based on the needs and circumstances of the individual applicant.

Will I automatically receive funding if I file an application for Emergency Assistance ?

No. This is a grant program and every application that is submitted will be reviewed by staff to determine if it is eligible for this program. Eligible applications will be reviewed further in order to gather information about the applicant and the situation for which the applicant needs assistance. That information, along with the application and documentation submitted by the applicant, will be reviewed by the directors of the Foundation who will make a final determination of whether to make an award and the amount of the award.

How long does it take to review an emergency application?

On average, it takes from 4 – 6 weeks from the time we receive a complete application to complete a review. The amount of time it takes to review requests for emergency assistance varies depending on the complexity of the circumstances and, often, the amount of time it takes staff to gather information and to hear back from references and/or relevant professionals (doctors, lawyers, etc). The more information and documentation that an applicant provides, the faster we will be able to complete a review. However, applicants should inform us if there is a hard deadline that they must meet and we will attempt to complete our review within that time frame. In the most urgent circumstances, we can, and we have, completed reviews and awarded grants within 24 – 48 hours.

May I apply for Emergency Assistance more than once a year?

Applicants for the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant may apply for and receive assistance only once per situation. Unsuccessful applicants are not eligible to reapply for the same emergency situation. However, artists may apply again for this program within a calendar year in the event of an unrelated catastrophic incident. For example, we have awarded grants to the same individual who required emergency medical assistance and, subsequently, was displaced by a flood, within the same year.

May I appeal a decision of the directors if my request is denied?

Since this is an emergency program and needs to process numerous requests at any time, the decisions of the directors cannot be appealed. Please understand that every application we receive is thoroughly reviewed and every aspect of each situation is considered in completing our review. As stated above, unsuccessful applicants are not eligible to reapply for the same emergency situation.