Causability is excited to announce updates to the Creator Grant application and website.
These changes make it easier for creators and nonprofit partners to understand the application, prepare a project budget, and learn what happens after a grant is awarded.
2027 Application Dates
The 2027 application opens:
September 21, 2026, at 12:00 AM CST
The application closes:
November 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM CST
You may download the application questions and budget materials now to begin preparing. Downloaded documents are for preparation only. The completed application must be submitted through the online application form.
What Has Changed?
The updated application gives creators space to explain:
- Their creative work and experience
- Their relationship with a nonprofit partner
- The project they want to create
- The community it will serve
- Their timeline and milestones
- How the grant will be used
- How the project will be documented
We appreciate hearing directly from applicants in their own voice. Your application does not need to sound formal or perfect. It should be clear, honest, specific, and personal.
A Simpler Project Budget
Creators may request up to $5,000.
The budget should show the project’s full anticipated cost, including:
- Creator compensation
- Materials and supplies
- Subcontractors and professional services
- Rental or venue fees
- Travel and transportation
- Documentation and promotion
- Other project expenses
Creator compensation may be calculated using:
Estimated Project Hours × Proposed Hourly Rate
The first budget is a preliminary working estimate. It does not need to be exact. Expenses, timing, and draw allocations may change as the project develops.
If the grant does not cover the full project cost, any additional funding needed to complete the project must be identified and secured before submission.
Three Grant Draws
Grant funds are distributed in three draws connected to project milestones, check-ins, updates, and documentation.
Applicants should briefly explain how they expect to use each draw. These allocations may be revised later with Causability’s written approval.
How Applications Are Reviewed
Eligible applications are reviewed independently by three judges using Causability’s scoring rubric.
Judges consider:
- The creator’s relationship with the nonprofit partner
- The creator’s experience and suitability
- The creative vision
- Community need and anticipated benefit
- The project plan and timeline
- The completeness of the budget
- What the grant will make possible
- The potential for collaboration and impact
Causability funds the grants, but independent judges select the recipients. Eligibility does not guarantee funding.
Support For Grant Recipients
After accepting a grant, grantees are expected to attend required Zoom meetings, complete surveys, provide project updates and documentation, follow the approved project plan, and submit final reporting.
Grantees may also request to use Shakti Creative Wellness Center in Richardson, Texas, for approved project activities.
There is no venue charge for approved Causability grant projects hosted at Shakti. Use is optional and subject to advance approval, availability, capacity, and facility requirements.
Using Shakti does not provide special consideration and does not affect an application’s eligibility, score, funding amount, or selection.
Prepare Now
Before the application opens, consider:
- What do you want to create?
- Which nonprofit partner do you already know and care about?
- Who will the project serve?
- What will the project require?
- How will you spend your time and compensation?
- What additional funding or support will be needed?
- How will you document the project and its impact?
Download The Preparation Materials
- Download The Application Questions
- Download The Budget Instructions
- Download The Budget Spreadsheet
These materials are provided to help you prepare. The completed application and budget must be submitted through the online application form.
Start Or Review The Online Application
We look forward to learning more about the creators, nonprofit partners, and communities shaping meaningful projects together.
