The David Dornstein ’85 Artist Grant window opens September 16, 2024, and closes November 15, 2024, 11:59 PM EST.

Submit Your Proposal

Any currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student in their final year* at Brown University. This grant is intended to support students that are not immediately enrolling in graduate school post-graduation.

Note: International students may have restrictions based on their VISA type and should check in with OISSS before proceeding.

* Class of May 2025 and December 2025.5 are eligible to apply

Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to eligible graduating students for projects that take place after graduation. 

Successful applications will demonstrate their proposed project's unique and exceptional nature and how it serves as a vital “next step” from the university toward independent artistic or creative development and research. Projects are not required to be completed but must show significant and meaningful progress/experience. 

Applicants should provide detail on the geographic and creative scope as well as the timeline of the proposal and include a budget. If applicable, the budget should include any other sources of funding. Reporting on the work and its impact is expected.

To be competitive for a David Dornstein ‘85 Artist Grant, applicants must show evidence of academic excellence (through their transcripts- internal academic record available via Banner Web, references, experience, and the potential to succeed with their described project). 

This is a unique opportunity for students to receive funding for exceptional creative projects and research.

Applications are submitted electronically via UFunds.

The grant window opens September 16, 2024, and closes November 15, 2024, 11:59pm EST. 

Application requirements include:

• Description of the project  
• Intended outcome of the project            
• Project budget *
• Proposed timeline
• Internal Academic Record (available via Banner Web) 
• Project Advisor/Mentor
• Recommendation letter(s)**

Selected applicants will be invited to interview with the selection committee in early March, with final award notifications made in mid-March. 

*In order to assist you with your budget, the BAI has created a Budget Worksheet containing a template. If an applicant intends to use funding from other sources (including other grants or personal contributions), this should also be included. Budgets should be submitted with the following title format: LastName_FirstName_Budget.

**Applicants may provide up to three recommendation letters. Recommendation letters can be from thesis advisers, external arts professionals, etc., but applicants should keep in mind that letters should be from someone that can speak to the applicants' accomplishments as well as their capacity to be successful with their proposed project. Recommenders who would prefer to send their letters directly can email a PDF to baigrants@brown.edu with the subject line [Student Name] Dornstein Recommendation. Letters of recommendation must be received by the application deadline.

Grant recipients must complete a mid-term progress report by December 31, 2025, as well as a final report by June 30, 2026. Grant recipients are asked to describe the work accomplished and reflect on both successful outcomes and challenges. Final reports must include photo, video or other documentation for BAI promotional purposes and inclusion in the BAI archive. Provided images must conform to Brown’s Image Use Policy. 

Grant recipients will be asked to share their work, either as a work-in-progress, or as a finished product.

Email baigrants@brown.edu