Are there deadlines associated with TMU applications?
TMU runs an open, two-step application process
First, an initial inquiry is submitted via our website. Once your inquiry has been submitted and a review has been completed (this typically takes two to three weeks), you will receive an email with notification if your inquiry has been declined or if you have been invited to submit a full proposal.
Here are the Bi-annual inquiry and full proposal deadlines
May 1st inquiry deadline for the August 1st full proposal deadline (for projects taking place January 1st or later)
November 1st inquiry deadline for the February 1st full proposal deadline (for projects taking place July 1st or later)
If the inquiry or full application deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a national holiday in the United States, the deadline will be moved to 5pm EST on the next business day.
How do I submit a Letter of Inquiry?
To submit a Letter of Inquiry, click here.
What does TMU support?
In the arts, TMU supports contemporary dance, music, theater and visual arts.
Commonly supported cross-cultural collaborations in the arts include: creative artistic collaborations, curatorial research, exhibitions, residencies, performances given in conjunction with lectures/demonstrations and/or workshops, language and cultural preservation, and network-building activities.
In the environment, TMU supports the stewardship and resilience of lands and waters, including the protection of threatened land- and sea- scapes.
Commonly supported cross-cultural collaborations in the environment include: joint events, conferences, residencies, seminars, workshops, and grassroots convenings; collaborative research projects; collaborative actions and programs; network-building activities; and activities that facilitate more effective international contact and networking between organizations and communities.
TMU also supports collaborations at the intersection of the arts and environment.
Typically, these types of intersecting collaborations fall into two categories:
collaborations between professionals* in arts and environment intended to learn and draw inspiration from one another, cooperate, and/or explore areas for integrating ideas and methods from one another into their respective work
collaborations led by Native and Indigenous peoples that support Indigenous ways of knowing and being, wherein the arts and environment are inherently interconnected
*Note: We do not support collaborations where the primary participants or beneficiaries are youth or students.
What do we mean by “culture”?
TMU defines culture as an expression of identity, meaning, and shared values; a shared understanding of how a global community can live and work together.
Which projects receive priority consideration?
TMU advances work that possesses the potential for sustained collaboration, shows evidence of professional accomplishment, and responds to social contexts and engages local communities. We seek to build, foster, and sustain long-lasting, trust-based relationships, and we prioritize organizations and programs that are tied directly to local communities and cultures.
Which countries are eligible for TMU support?
Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan
Countries not listed here are ineligible for funding.
Which expenses are eligible for TMU funding?
Expenses related to supporting collaborative projects are eligible for TMU funding, including:
international airfare and airport transfers
local transportation
travel insurance
visas and applicable visa processing fees
accommodations
per diem
translation and interpretation costs
entrance and registration fees for conferences, events and trainings
emissions from exchange-related travel; low-carbon events, etc.)
staff time related to planning
artist fees/stipends
costs associated with more environmentally-friendly travel and other allowable expenses (e.g., reducing or compensating for/offsetting greenhouse gas emissions
related technology (hardware, software, and/or cloud-based tools, fees & subscriptions) for online communication and collaboration
online event registration fees
administrative or indirect costs
Who can apply for a TMU grant?
TMU grants are made to American nonprofit 501(c)(3) or tribal 7871 organizations. Typically, it is these organizations that submit Initial Inquiries and, if invited, Full Proposals. TMU does not make grants directly to individuals* or institutions abroad. However, an Initial Inquiry may be made by an individual or institution in any of the countries in which TMU is active. If invited, individuals or organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) or 7871 status may then submit a Full Proposal through a fiscal sponsor organization. The fiscal sponsor must submit a letter stating their involvement with the project and their willingness to administer any grant funds as well as a copy of their IRS determination letter.
*Note*: TMU only supports collaborations between adult professionals in the arts and environmental fields. We do not support collaborations where the primary participants or beneficiaries are students or youth.
Is there a required format for the final report?
While we do not have a specific report form for grantees to submit after the completion of their project, we do require grantees to submit a narrative report and financial statement certifying that all grant funds provided by TMU have been expended in accordance with the conditions set forth in the award letter. The financial statement should be set up in the same format as the approved project budget.
What type of photo documentation should I submit?
You can send photographs to TMU via email at tmu@tmuny.org. Because images may be used for publication in our annual report, they should have a resolution of at least 300 dpi. Please also include the following information keyed to each photograph:
Names, titles, and organizational affiliations (if known) of people in the photograph
Location of scene, including city, country, and institution/organization, if applicable
Approximate date of photograph
Activity documented, such as “discussion between workshop participants” or “rehearsal of company members”
Photo credit
Photos that show interaction of project participants or that document exchange activities, locales, or outcomes—rather than posed shots of individuals or groups—are best. TMU may at any time use materials from final reports for publications, and we make all attempts to appropriately credit work. If your photos are selected for publication, we may contact you to provide further information. Even if photos are not published, they will be placed in TMU’s grant file for the project. If you do not want photos to be used in any publication, please state so in your final report.
When is the final report due?
Grantees should submit their narrative report and financial statement within three months of completing the project. Final reports must be received before a new application for funding can be reviewed.