At its meeting October 25, 2021, the Trustees determined that they will explore ways of re-opening the Grants program, with a subcommittee re-examining (a) guidelines and goals for the program, including promotion of opportunities for junior scholars, and connections with other disciplines, and (b) the relationship to the ASA's existing programming. The following guidelines were approved by the ASA Board of Trustees on February 14, 2022. At their meeting May 26, 2022, the Trustees set a limit of up to five grants per year for no more than $5,000 each.

Grants

The American Society for Aesthetics offers grants to support projects that promote goals of the Society. These goals include, but are not limited to:

• promoting education, public understanding, and research in aesthetics and the philosophy of art by members of the ASA;
• promoting and/or supporting opportunities for junior scholars;
• attracting students, graduates, and junior faculty working in different fields to work in the fields of aesthetics and the philosophy of art;
• building diversity and inclusivity in aesthetics and related fields;
• raising the profile of aesthetics and the philosophy of art within the profession of philosophy and related disciplines;
• collaborating with academic societies of aesthetics in other countries;
• fostering common interests with philosophers and others who work in related areas.

While it is likely that a given project will speak to the research interests of participants in some way, the initiative is not designed to encourage individual research. Rather, we wish to foster projects involving collaboration among members, wide participation across the membership, and/or outreach to the larger community. Through this initiative, the Society hopes to stimulate members of the ASA to offer creative, innovative ideas about how the Society's interests can be advanced. We are happy to consider all kinds of proposals that promote the general goals of the Society. In addition to more standard proposals that speak, in terms of theme and/or the individuals involved, to the above goals (see the following link for some examples of recently funded proposals of this type), we are also interested in proposals that further the Inclusion of aesthetics scholars in existing events - for example, panel discussions to complement an existing theater or arts performance, display, or festival.

Criteria used in assessing applications

Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of their promise to achieve their stated goals and the goals of the Society. We will consider proposals with larger budgets if they promise to promote a significant number of the Society's goals. Ordinarily, grants will be limited to $5,000. In general, the ASA prefers to fund projects with at least 50% cost-sharing (which can include both cash and in-kind contributions).

All submissions must be from current members of the American Society for Aesthetics, although non-members may play an active role in the project. Submissions from members of the Society who are relatively new to the profession are particularly encouraged.

Events co-sponsored by the ASA should be free and open to the public. If a registration charge is proposed, accommodations should be made for free or reduced admission for current ASA members who wish to attend.

Generally, projects which appear to benefit only one college or university campus are not competitive; such projects are welcome however if they expand their outreach and participation to broader geographic regions. Proposals for projects outside North America must demonstrate substantial international scope and a high potential for significant impact on the research or teaching of aesthetics scholars in North America. Preference may be given to proposals that aid junior members. Projects which include travel support for ASA student members to attend and/or participate are encouraged.

The amount available for funding projects will vary from year to year and will be included in the annual budget of the American Society for Aesthetics. At its discretion, the Board of Trustees may elect not to expend all of the funds appropriated for a specific year, to carry funds over from one year to the next, or to appropriate additional funds, if available, for especially worthwhile projects.

The ASA supports the goals of the Gendered Conference Campaign (GCC) and expects all applicants for conference/workshop support to demonstrate concrete steps to support the GCC's goals, as evidenced by the recruitment and participation of women and members of other historically-underrepresented and excluded groups. Specific suggestions on how to support the GCC are outlined at the GCC web site and at the BPA/SWIP-UK web site. ( British Philosophical Association-Society for Women in Philosophy-UK)

How to apply

Draft applications may be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer at any time. The Secretary-Treasurer will work with the applicant to ensure that all application requirements are met before submission for consideration by the Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees. Applications will be considered in the order received, but at least three months must be allowed for consideration. Applicants can apply for funding for a period of anything up to a year, and should specify in their applications the beginning and end dates of the period for which they are applying. A longer time line might be approved if circumstances warrant.

Initial applications must specify
(1) the project's title,
(2) the project's goals and how they promote the more general goals of the Society as described above,
(3) predicted outcomes of the project,
(4) its intended structure (who, when, where, methods of advertising and selection, audience development and recruitment, format),
(5) For proposed speakers, a brief statement of their expertise relevant to this project,
(6) For the proposed project director, an explanation of expertise relevant to conducting this project; if a CV is attached, it should be limited to five pages,
(7) a proposed line item budget for the overall project, clearly indicating which items would be funded by ASA and which by other sources, and
(9) any other relevant information, including the relationship to other activities supported by the ASA, if appropriate. Additional information and an expanded budget may be requested if relevant.

The precise methods for transfer of funds will be worked out between the Secretary-Treasurer and the project director. The ASA does not pay any indirect or administrative charges.

ASA must be given appropriate credit as a funding source in all published materials associated with the grant-funded activity, including printed materials, web pages, news releases, and other publicity. Appropriate disclaimers must be included that views expressed are not necessarily those of the ASA.

A detailed report on the project must be provided to the Secretary-Treasurer within three months of the project's completion, and no later than September 1, whichever comes first, for inclusion in the annual Board meeting agenda materials. This report should clearly indicate how the funds awarded by the Society were spent, attendance figures (including any available demographic data), and the extent to which the projected outputs were achieved. Project organizers should also send a brief report on the completed project to the editors of the ASA Newsletter for publication in the next issue.

We look forward to receiving your responses to this initiative. If you have any further queries, please contact the Secretary-Treasurer, American Society for Aesthetics, PMB 30, 32650 Sr 20 Ste B-102, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 or secretary-treasurer@aestheticsonline.org

SAMPLE GRANTS

Revised May 26, 2022