Application Guidelines

ABOUT THIS LOTTERY:

IndieSpace is excited to open our 2025 Community Resource Lottery!

We will be holding a lottery for 17 offerings, so make sure you look over all of the wonderful offerings and apply for any and all that interest you! 

You are welcome to apply using the same application on behalf of yourself or an entity you represent. 

Apply for one, two, or ALL of these amazing offerings in ONE application. These offerings are in collaboration with Inclusive Communication Services, Benvenuti Arts, FORGE, and more! 

Be sure to read the instructions around each offering, and be sure that you can commit to the opportunity BEFORE submitting an application for it. 

You may apply to AS MANY offerings as you would like and are eligible for. 

You will only be able to receive ONE, so that we can spread the opportunities to as many people and companies as possible.

 

LOTTERY OFFERINGS:

 

OFFERING #1: For Two Applicants — ASL Services for production from Inclusive Communication Services (For Companies, Venues, or Productions)

Inclusive Communication Services is a woman-owned accessibility agency providing accommodation services for the Deaf, Blind, and non-English speaking. Their mission is to improve inclusion in local communities through affordable, quality accommodations. For this lottery, ICS is offering ASL interpreting services for two companies, one production each (up to 3 hours) at no cost to the participant.

More information about Inclusive Communication Services can be found here. 

Valued at $500 each - FREE FOR YOU

 

OFFERING #2: For Three Applicants — Participation in Benvenuti Leadership Day Camp (For Companies or Venues)

The world keeps on changing, which can make it difficult to plan ahead. This summer, Benvenuti Arts wants to help you prepare for whatever is next! In partnership with IndieSpace, Benvenuti Arts is inviting small or midsize arts organizations to join us for a Leadership Day Camp. Over one day, organizations will:

• Create a practical three-year organizational plan with quarterly metrics for year one;
• Create the bones of a boilerplate document, and learn how to use it to make grant writing easier; and
• Learn more about how to research and prioritize grants, and leave with a spreadsheet of potential grants that are right for your organization.

Organizations will leave with a 3-year operating plan, a grants calendar with appropriate prospects for their organization, and the beginnings of a strong boilerplate. They will also receive feedback on that boilerplate in the month following the Day Camp.

Companies and organizations that receive this offering may bring up to 2 people from their organization. The day camp is designed to be most effective for nonprofit or fiscally sponsored arts organizations with budgets of $100,000 to $1M.

The Day Camp takes place June 27 from 9am-5pm at the West Village Rehearsal Co-op, 68 Gansevoort Street, New York City. 

**Please be sure you can attend the event during this time frame and put a tentative hold in your calendar now to avoid conflicts if your name is chosen in the lottery.**

Valued at $500/person - FREE FOR YOU

 

OFFERING #3: For One Applicant — a 2-5 day Red Barn Residency between July 26-31, 2025 (For Companies and Collectives)

Offered by Co-founders Chie Morita and Greg Schicker-Taubman, FORGE’s Red Barn Program offers inspired space to retreat, collaborate, and create, 90 minutes outside NYC. Dedicate up to five days to develop and play in our 1,500 square foot Red Barn in Danbury, Connecticut. Set your schedule to best suit your work, and enjoy opportunities for feedback and consultation, with expert facilitation and hospitality from FORGE.

Red Barns are open to groups (up to 8) looking to spend focused time in development, whether that's a staff or board retreat, a week's worth of on-your-feet rehearsals, or workshopping a class or educational offering.

FORGE Red Barn participants receive:

• Up to five days of development time in a 1500 square foot renovated barn.
• Opportunities for facilitation and feedback from FORGE.
• Space to eat, sleep, and work in comfort for the duration of the week in Danbury, CT.
• Meals curated by FORGE.
• A clean and cool swimming pool for exercise and relaxation.
• Logistical support to and from the Retreat.
• 2 acres of stunning property to muse on, roam, and explore; Perfect for jumpstarting any process, just 90 minutes outside of NYC.

Participants are responsible for

• Commitment to abide by the code of conduct and to treat the space and other attendees with generosity and respect.
• Travel to and from Danbury, CT (By car or by rail to Brewster Station off the Metro-North Harlem Line)
• Their own alcohol or specialty snacks (if desired).

The Residency must take place July 26-31, 2025 

**Please be sure you can attend during this time frame and put a tentative hold in your calendar now to avoid conflicts if your organization’s name is chosen in the lottery.**

Valued at $700/day - FREE FOR YOU

 

OFFERING #4: For Five Applicants — a spot at ForgeFuel Artist Retreat for Writers on August 1-3 (For Individuals)

Facilitated by Co-Founder + Partner Greg Taubman, FORGE Fuel retreats offer an escape from the rhythms of city life and a chance to spend a weekend working in the company of like-minded creators. Set at a quiet country farmhouse in a pastoral corner of Connecticut, with plenty of opportunities for feedback and collaboration, FORGE Fuel provides the ideal conditions for lighting a fire from your creative spark.

FORGE FUEL participants receive:

• A dedicated weekend for creative work, with optional share-back sessions.
• A cohort of like-minded artists.
• Opportunities for producorial and dramaturgical feedback from FORGE.
• Space to eat, sleep, and work in comfort for the duration of the weekend in Danbury, CT.
• Meals curated by FORGE and prepared communally.
• Logistical support to and from the Retreat.
• 10 acres of stunning property to muse, roam, and explore, including a pool!; Perfect for jumpstarting any process, just 90 minutes outside of NYC.

Participants are responsible for:

• Commitment to abide by the code of conduct. And to treat the space and other attendees with generosity and respect. 
• Travel to and from Danbury, CT (By car or by rail to Brewster Station off the Metro-North Harlem Line).
• Their own alcohol or specialty snacks (if desired).

The retreat takes place August 1-3. 

**Please be sure you can attend the retreat during this time frame and put a tentative hold in your calendar now to avoid conflicts if your name is chosen in the lottery.**

For more information on Forge Fuel, click here.
 

OFFERING #5: For Three Applicants — Behavioral Integrative Therapy session with Debora Balardini (For Individuals)

Step into a transformative journey with Debora Balardini's enriching Behavioral Integrative Therapy. Delve into the realm of holistic wellness, where body language, hatha yoga, and ideokinesis converge to illuminate the path to a more fulfilling life. 

In this immersive 2-hour session, you'll experience body reading, learn the five principles of integrative therapy, and unlock their myriad benefits. Discover the power of breathwork as you learn to harmonize your mind and tap into your life's purpose.

Through gentle guidance, release physical tension and uncover the subtle cues that reveal underlying emotions. Embrace the practice of Interoception to attune to your body's wisdom, shedding light on past traumas and deep-seated emotions.

With Debora's expertise as a performer, theatre director, and artist's coach, this session transcends traditional therapy, offering tools to integrate mind, body, and spirit. 

Valued at $200/session - FREE FOR YOU
 

Offering #6: For Two Applicants — 5 Hour Day Admission to QC NY Spa (For Individuals)

QC NY offers an oasis of wellness in the heart of New York City. This is where the city goes to spa. 

During your 5-hour session, you will have access to their signature wellness experience and spa amenities; which includes infinity spa pools, luscious outdoor gardens, saunas, steam baths and relaxation rooms. 

IndieSpace will cover the spa admission, which includes the amenities outlined above. 

Massage services, food, and beverages are available for purchase by the recipient. 

QC NY is located at:
        12 Andes Road

        Governors Island, New York, NY 10004

And is open Monday through Sunday, including holidays.

For more information about QC spa, click here. 

Valued at $150 - FREE FOR YOU

 

OFFERING #7: For Two Applicants — 90 Minute Headshot Session with Benjamin Spradley (For Individuals) 

Benjamin Spradley is a freelance photographer specializing in commissioned portraits, musings, street life, music, and events, but he’s also worked creatively all his life in theater, writing, music, and ceramics. Originally from South Florida, yet a proud Astoria, Queens resident since graduating in 2000 from the New World School of the Arts Conservatory Theater program. As a photographer with an acting background, Ben loves collaborating with actors in his home studio or on the streets to get the shot that pops.

Commissioned, Published, Printed: Bloomberg, American Banker, Fortune, Agent Provocateur, Irk Magazine, IndieSpace, Decential, Coinspeaker, and more.

For examples of his work, click here.

Valued at $500 – FREE FOR YOU

 

OFFERING #8: For Two Applicants — Rehearsal Package from Theatre Advocacy Project (For Companies or Productions)

Theatre Advocacy Project (TAP) is a women-founded HR company whose vision is to help create a future where all theatre professionals are safe from discrimination, harassment, and abuse, allowing for the advancement of braver, more collaborative, and exploratory art-making. They offer HR Services, DEI training, and accountability partnerships to arts organizations. They are offering a rehearsal package for two productions. The Rehearsal Package creates a framework for artists working on a production to establish a culture of belonging and provide tools to have courageous conversations.

The Rehearsal Package includes three sessions: a pre-show session, the first rehearsal session, and the post-mortem. During the pre-show session, they will work with your team to understand the context for the production, any additional details that should be included within the production survey, and cultural goals for the show. During the First Rehearsal Community Agreement Session, they will work with the full cast and creative team to set rehearsal expectations and establish a set of guiding principles for safety and equity throughout the rehearsal process. They will bring in an appropriate framework to the show, and help scaffold the rehearsal process. Finally, during the post-mortem, they will discuss survey results, areas for improvement, and successes from the production process.

For more information on TAP, click here. 

Valued at $910/production - FREE FOR YOU

 

OFFERING #9: For Four Applicants — LMS Certification from Theatre Advocacy Project (For Individuals)

The online LMS course is titled EDIT: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Theatre, named after TAP’s live training of the same name. It comes with interactive modules and provides certification in Advocacy, Anti-oppression, and Bystander intervention competencies. While dependent upon the individual, the course takes approximately one hour to complete. However, participants may exit and come back to the training at any point and it will save their progress. Once an individual registers for the course, the TAP team will approve them and they will then have open access. The course provides competencies in advocacy, anti-oppression, and bystander intervention training. 

Valued at $49/participant - FREE FOR YOU

 

Offering #10: For One Applicant - Fundraising Support from Justin Clark and Dawn Heuff (For Companies, Productions, or Venues)

“Think of us as your Fundraising Troubleshooting Team!”

Dawn Heuff and Justin Clark will work with you on the aspect of your fundraising strategy with which you most need support. 

From donor acquisition to engagement to retention, they can support you and your organization to develop a strategy that generates impactful income while cultivating long term relationships with your donors and supporters. 

• Month One: 1 x one hour online meeting

They’ll first meet with you for a one hour online introductory call to explore the area of your fundraising program with which you’d like us to help. 

• Month Two: 1 x one hour online meeting + written recommendations

Following your first meeting and after some research into your organization’s current fundraising program, they’ll come back to you with a written summary of our recommendations and go through them with you on a call.

• Month Four: 1 x one hour online meeting

They’ll meet again to see how the recommendations are going and to see if you have any questions they can answer.

• Month Six: 1 x one hour online meeting

They’ll have a final check-in call to see how your fundraising has progressed 

Justin Clark is the founder and lead consultant at Social Change Consulting. Justin and Social Change Consulting have supported IndieSpace for a few years and understand the challenges indie theater organizations face in our current environment. He provides clear and simplified solutions to non-profit communication needs, and his communication is always donor/constituent-focused. Originally from CA, Justin now lives and works in the UK.

Dawn Heuff is the founder and lead consultant at Aurore Fundraising Consultancy, based in the Netherlands and has experience working with US, UK, and EU-based projects. Focussing on individual giving and corporate strategic partnerships, Dawn coaches non-profit Executive Directors and Fundraising teams to “take the fear out of fundraising” and helps to bring simplicity and focus to complicated income development projects.

Valued at $1200 - FREE FOR YOU

 

Offering #11: For Ten Applicants – A spot in Dawn Heuff’s “How to Take the Fear Out of Fundraising” workshop (For Individuals, Companies, or Productions)

Are you new to individual or corporate fundraising and don’t know where to begin? Perhaps your organization is about to go into Campaign mode, and you want to motivate your Trustees to become more effective fundraisers. Or are you struggling to retain your current donors and progress them towards more regular, larger gifts?

In this two-hour session, I will dispel some of the common misconceptions surrounding individual fundraising for non-profit organizations and delve into the science behind the positive effects of philanthropy and giving. We’ll work together on establishing positive mindsets with which to succeed in fundraising by defining key terms and understanding jargon. We’ll explore the power of effective storytelling and the difference between sponsorship and strategic corporate partnerships. I’ll give you helpful questions to open up meaningful conversations with potential donors in one-to-one meetings. Finally, we’ll brainstorm creative stewardship opportunities to keep your crucial donor retention rate high. As a result of your participation in this interactive session, I will help to take the fear out of fundraising and you will come away with additional skills, knowledge and confidence to help your organization raise transformative funds. And hopefully have some fun along the way!

“By demonstrating relevance and a connection to shared values and personal visions of the future, non-profit leaders are providing donors the opportunity to change the world in a way that is meaningful to them. What could be better?” – Dawn Heuff

Valued at $600 - FREE FOR YOU

 

Offering #12: For One Applicant - One on One Press Release Workshop from Peter Michael Marino (For Individuals, Companies, or Productions)

Peter Michael Marino (PM2 Entertainment) is offering a one-on-one 90-minute Press Release Workshop on Zoom for an individual producer or company seeking methods and strategies for writing and sending press releases. In this workshop, we’ll cover everything from what makes a good press release to finding the right press for your project and getting press to read them and post about them. 

The workshop will empower you to create and send your own press releases now and down the line. We'll discuss how to create engaging press releases, the different types, generating press-worthy ideas, and figuring out how to reach your audience; as well as discover effective ways to get the word out about your show, song, product, event, etc. 

Plus, you'll receive access to press release templates and samples. Peter Michael Marino has been doing press for his shows, indie performers, fringe performers, and small theater companies for over 15 years, which have been featured in The New York Times, TimeOut, Forbes, and just about everywhere in-between. You'll leave this workshop with the tools to do it yourself. 

For more information, click here.

Valued at $90 - FREE FOR YOU

 

Offering #13: For Two Applicants - A One year Subscription to the Ensemble Tier of Kampfire Film’s  “Affordable Arts Marketing” patreon (For Companies or Collectives)

Whether you're a solo artist, small arts team, or creative freelancer, marketing your work can feel overwhelming — especially when you're doing it all yourself.

That’s why Kampfire Films PR created the Affordable Arts Marketing Hub: a Patreon-powered community centered around peer support, pro tips, and ready-to-use resources — all delivered through a private Discord server and monthly content drops.

Each membership tier gives you access to tools and conversations that help you promote your work more effectively — and affordably.

The Ensemble Tier includes: 

• Asynchronous Discord channel for Q&A with marketing pros
• Monthly downloadable template or worksheet, may include a press release template, social media guide, email campaign suggestion, etc...
• Weekly marketing tips or prompt for audience building
• Access to the private Marketing Discord Server

For more information, click here. 

Valued at $180 - FREE FOR YOU
 

Offering #14: For One Applicant – 5 hour session of purging/cleaning/organizing/decorating from IndieSpace Board Member Siobhan O’Neill (For Individuals)

Siobhan O'Neill, founding Board Member of IndieSpace, is offering up to 5 hours of purging/cleaning/organizing/decorating.

In the spirit of the Give Gain initiative, Siobhan would like to offer her time and flair for creating spaces that are warm, calm and inviting. She loves to leave things better than when she found them and loves re-decorating using only what is on hand.

Siobhan is happy to work with any kind of space - office, home, closet, desk.  Will travel anywhere in the 5 boroughs. 

Valued at $500 – FREE FOR YOU

 

OFFERING #15: For Two Applicants — Privy Producing Collective Producing Assets Package (For Companies, Artists, or Productions)

Privy Producing Collective is an NYC-Based Producing collective made up of Bailey Williams, Theresa Bucheister, and Julia Greer. They have each produced on many different scales wearing countless hats – taking projects from concept to presentation all over New York and beyond. They came together over a belief that artists and indie companies should be empowered to make and present their own work. 

For this Lottery, PPC is offering a Producing Assets Package including Budget Templates, Contract Templates, and Guides to each template, as well as a meeting to answer any questions about making your project happen and what steps to take next. The offered meeting is 90 minutes. This meeting can be in person or on Zoom, whichever the recipient prefers. In the meeting, you can discuss a specific project you are in the midst of producing or theoretical questions based on your past experiences and future goals. 

Valued at $250 - FREE FOR YOU

 

OFFERING #16: For One Applicant — An Arts Consulting and Development Consulting Package from Forge NYC (For Companies, Venues, Productions, or Individuals)

Forge NYC is offering a 6-Month Arts and Development Consulting engagement: six 60-minute sessions over 6 months of work. Forge NYC will be guided by the winner as to what work is most urgent/important to the winner--they won't delimit the areas they’re willing to cover in advance. Forge NYC will, however, encourage the winner to set reasonable expectations for what can be accomplished in the available time. Forge NYC could help you target a specific set of concerns like budgeting, core language, communications, etc . Dramaturgical/developmental support can also be the focus. Valued at $1900 - FREE for you

 

Offering #17: For One Applicant -- 25 hours of free rehearsal space at New Perspectives Theatre Company (for individuals, companies, and productions)
 

New Perspective Theatre Company is offering 25 hours of rehearsal space in their studio between August 15 and September 30th. 

 

The studio is a storefront space located at 37th Street and 10th Avenue. It measures approximately 18' x 20' (plus some side space). It is wheelchair accessible. Dance rehearsals are not recommended in the space due to its linoleum floors. 

 

The recipient of this offering will work with NPTC to schedule their 25 hours. 

Valued at $375 -- Free for you 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

This application is open to any NYC-based Indie theater artists in need of these resources. This will NOT be a weighted lottery.

APPLICATION PROCESS: 

To apply for the lotteries, please complete the application below. This application should take you 20 minutes or less to complete. If you have any questions about the application or need assistance completing the application via video call, please reach out to our Programs Manager at veshonte@indiespace.org.

LOTTERY PROCESS:

Applications will be accepted until May 30 at 11:59pm! Eligible applicants will then be entered into the lottery drawings, which will take place on June 2. If you enter multiple lotteries you will only be eligible to win a max of ONE OFFERING. If you win a lottery, your name will be pulled from the pot for the subsequent lottery pulls. Applicants will be notified of the lottery results by June 4.

*We will be using the Random Picker software to run our lotteries. Screen recordings of each lottery will be made and are available to review by request.

About This Grant:

As part of our Community Resource Program, the Indie Theater Fund has opened an Emergency Mental Health fund that will be awarding individuals $500 micro grants for indie theater makers to use toward therapy, medication, meditation classes, and any other mental health related costs. It is our hope that by providing this financial resource, we can help remove barriers that prevent artists from seeking and receiving the care, support, and information they need to care for their mental health. 

Who is Eligible?:

This application is open to any NYC-based Indie theater artist in need of mental health funds, even if you have previously been awarded this grant. Anyone and everyone is welcome to apply, but funds will be prioritized to BIPOC, Trans/Non-Binary, disabled, and immigrant artists.

Application Process: 

To apply for funds, please complete the application below. This application should take you 10 minutes or less to complete. If you have any questions about the application or need assistance completing the application via phone, please reach out to our Programs Manager at veshonte@indiespace.org

Payment Process:

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by our staff on the last Monday of each month. You will receive a notification of your application status by the Wednesday of that review week. Eligible applicants will then be entered into that month's lottery*, with priority* being given to BIPOC, Trans/Non-Binary, disabled, and immigrant artists. Priority will also be given to applicants who have not been awarded with a previous Mental Health Microgrant.

Any eligible applicant whose number was not pulled will roll over into the next month's lottery. This process will continue each month until all applicants have received a grant. A max of $10,000 will be given out each month.

Randi and I are continuously working hard to advocate for and grow our new Mental Health initiative. Our goal is to be able to serve every artist in need of this funding, and though it may take time, we will continue to raise and allocate funds in order to do so. 

Please note that if you are an individual who has already received funding from us in 2023, you will be prompted to upload a W-9 into your application in order to receive funds again. If you need a blank copy of a W-9, you can download one here.

*We will be using the Random Picker software to run our grant lotteries. Screen recordings of each lottery will be made and are available to review by request. 

*Priority is given via a weighted lottery system. All applicants who identify as BIPOC, Trans/Non-Binary, disabled, and/or immigrant artists will be given a weight of 2. An additional point will be given to those who have not received Mental Health previously.  

*Starting with the January 2024 lottery, applicants will be able to receive the Mental Health grant no more than twice in a calendar year. Once you have received it twice, any subsequent applications will be declined. 

About The Emergency Grant:
The IndieSpace Emergency Fund provides grants to arts organizations who have experienced a sudden loss or unforeseen circumstance that will impact their ability to move forward with a production (i.e. broken equipment, an ill artist etc.) Emergency Grants are not available to fill a gap in your fundraising efforts.

Grants will occasionally be provided to individuals facing a hardship that doesn't fall within one of our other grant programs for individuals.

About the Loan Program:

The IndieSpace Loan Program is meant for those with emergencies that are temporary and where funds are anticipated. We are happy to offer loans with 0% interest and flexible repayment terms to be determined together. 

Who is Eligible?:
This application is open to any NYC-based Indie theater company or venue. Indie theater venues are considered theaters or performance spaces with 99 seats or less. Emergency grants are given on a rolling basis, however, we do prioritize funding to companies or venues that are BIPOC, Trans & Non-Binary, Immigrant, and/or Disabled/Deaf run and operated. Individuals may also apply for funds, but they are limited and are only given on a case by case basis.

Application Process:
To apply for funds, please complete the application below. We hope this application will not take a long time to complete. Please note that this application will require some documentation uploading as support to your application. Please have any of the following ready and on hand to submit, if applicable: insurance claim, production or operating budget, photos of space or production damage, etc.  

If you have any questions about the application or need assistance completing the application via phone, please reach out to our Executive Director, Randi Berry, at randi@indiespace.org.

Payment Process:

• Applications will be accepted and reviewed by our staff and board within 24hrs of receipt. We aim to respond with application status update by email and/or payment details within 2 days of your submission. Funds will be paid out via PayPal or check depending on what you selected in your application. Zelle and ACH are also an option that can be discussed via email once the grant is approved.

Additional Info:

• We can not guarantee a payout of the full amount requested in your application. Grants may equal up to 25% of the total in the Emergency Fund pool at the time of the application.
• Grants can not be made to an organization to fill shortfalls in organizational budgets or fundraising as this is an unfortunate circumstance that many in our community are facing and we do not have the resources to support everyone in this way. If you are unsure or have questions about the emergency you are facing and want to discuss eligibility, please email randi@indiespace.org