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What is Make With

Make With is a nonprofit organization that funds creative projects led by artists and makers to strengthen communities and inspire real change.

We believe creativity can do more than make the world interesting. It can bring people together, transform places, tell important stories, create opportunities, and solve real problems.

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS DO YOU FUND?

We fund creative projects that solve community problems. We keep that definition intentionally broad: projects can be physical, digital, educational, cultural, technological, experiential, or something that does not fit neatly into an existing category.

Our primary project categories are:

Public Art & Place - Murals, installations, sculptures, beautification, creative placemaking, and neighborhood transformations.
Youth & Education - Workshops, mentorship, creative programs, school and community projects, and opportunities for young makers.
Community & Connection - Projects that bring people together, create belonging, celebrate neighborhoods, or connect people who might not otherwise interact.
Storytelling & Culture - Film, photography, podcasts, publications, exhibitions, oral histories, performances, and projects that preserve or share community stories.
Environment & Sustainability - Gardens, reuse projects, environmental art, creative conservation, neighborhood activation, and sustainability education.
Ideas for Good - Design, technology, events, inventions, experiences, and other creative ideas that solve a community problem.

Don’t see your idea on the list? That’s okay. These categories help organize our work, not limit it. If your idea uses creativity to make your community better, we want to hear about it.

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION TIMELINE?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly. After each review period, selected applicants will be contacted with next steps. We’ll also communicate with applicants whose projects were not selected.

Specific review dates and deadlines will be published on the Apply page.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR FUNDING?

Make With funding is open only to individuals age 18 and older. The applicant may lead the project independently, collaborate with other people, or complete the work in partnership with a nonprofit or community organization. The individual applicant receives the grant and is responsible for completing the project.

Projects must take place in the United States.

DO YOU OFFER FUNDING FOR INDIVIDUALS OR ONLY ORGANIZATIONS?

Only individuals age 18+ may apply for and receive Make With grants. However, the project may be collaborative or completed in partnership with a nonprofit or community organization. The individual applicant remains responsible for the project's completion.

CAN I APPLY IF I’VE RECEIVED A GRANT ELSEWHERE?

Yes.

Receiving support from another organization does not automatically disqualify your project. In fact, outside funding, donated materials, volunteers, partnerships, or other community support can help demonstrate that your project has momentum.

Just tell us about any funding or support you've already received in your application.
However, you may only have one active Make With application or funded project at a time.

What happens when my project is funded?

First, we celebrate. Then we’ll confirm the approved project scope, timeline, and grant terms. Every grant is $1,000. You’ll receive $500 at the start of the project and the remaining $500 after the project is completed. If the project is not completed, the initial $500 must be returned to Make With.
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Once your project is underway, we’ll stay connected to follow its progress. We may ask for updates, photographs, videos, stories, or other documentation that helps us understand and share its impact.

When the project is complete, we want to help tell its story so it can inspire even more people to make meaningful things.

HOW MUCH FUNDING CAN I REQUEST?

All Make With grants are currently $1,000.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT MAKE WITH?

There are lots of ways to help.

You can donate to help fund future projects, share Make With and our projects with your community, partner with us as an organization, volunteer when opportunities are available, or simply help us spread the stories of the people we're supporting.

Every contribution helps more good ideas get made.

ARE MAKE WITH GRANTS TAXABLE?

Grant funds may be considered taxable income. Recipients are responsible for determining and meeting any applicable federal, state, or local tax obligations. Make With cannot provide individual tax advice.

How are projects reviewed?

Every application is reviewed by the Make With board through a thoughtful and transparent selection process.

We evaluate projects across four key areas:

Community Impact — Does the project address a real need or opportunity?
Creative Excellence — Is the idea original, thoughtful, and well-executed?
Feasibility — Is the plan realistic, thoughtful, and ready to go?
Lasting Change — Can the project create long-term ripple effects?

Projects that demonstrate a strong combination of these qualities have the best chance of receiving funding.

WHEN IS A PROJECT CONSIDERED COMPLETE?

A project is considered complete when the approved scope of work has been substantially completed and required documentation has been submitted to Make With. Make With will confirm completion before releasing the final $500 payment.

CAN MY PROJECT CHANGE AFTER I RECEIVE A GRANT?

Yes, projects can evolve, but any material change to the approved scope, direction, timeline, collaborators, or intended outcome must be approved by the Make With project manager before the change is made.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE IMPACT?

Impact looks different for every project.

We work with funded makers to understand what success looks like before their project begins. Depending on the project, that might include participation, people reached, spaces transformed, workshops held, stories collected, partnerships created, or other measurable outcomes.

But numbers don't tell the whole story. We also document the people, experiences, connections, and stories behind each project so our community can see what their support made possible.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLETE THE PROJECT?

Because $500 is paid at the start of the project, recipients who do not complete their approved project must return that initial $500 to Make With. The final $500 is paid only after completion.

WHAT DOCUMENTATION DO I NEED TO PROVIDE?

We expect recipients to document the project as it develops with strong photos, video, or other appropriate materials. After completion, recipients will participate in an interview with Make With so we can celebrate and share the finished work.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re happy to help.

Email us at hello@makewith.org or visit our Contact page and send us a message.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Creativity Builds Community.