ROOTS strives to be a resource for artists and communities throughout the US South, and we award grants that align with the following program goals:

• Strengthening the capacity and impact of artists and cultural organizers throughout the South by providing resources, including direct funding, to individual members
• Building intentional partnerships and collaborations with ROOTS members
• Helping ROOTS members extend or deepen their presence within a community – at home or on the road
• Highlighting the assets or challenges of communities that are impacted by social, economic, and environmental injustices

In addition to seeking applicants that reflect the goals of the program, ROOTS’ selection process considers geographic distribution, racial and ethnic diversity, LGBTQIA+ representation, accessibility, and socio-economic diversity. These practices set us apart from typical funding models.

In alignment with our strategic plan, preference is given to proposals centered around and created by members of these communities in the US South:

• Youth
• Trans / Two-spirit / Non-binary
• SWANASAAPI (Southwest Asian/North African/South Asian/Asian/Pacific Islander)
• Indigenous / Native American
• Latinx
• Artists with disabilities / Disability advocates
• Artists focused on climate justice and environmental advocacy
• Applicants from Alabama, Arkansas, and West Virginia

The Artistic Assistance grant review panels are made up of cross-disciplinary artists, organizers, ROOTS members, and individuals from peer organizations. We convene panels that reflect the diversity we seek to achieve. The panelists review applications and recommend partners to ROOTS staff. Final decisions are made by staff to ensure that all program goals are met to the best of our ability. The panelists use the following criteria to evaluate all applications:

30%: Articulation of Artistic Vision

• Did the applicant clearly articulate the artistic vision and aesthetic direction of the project?

30%: Alignment with ROOTS Mission

• Is the proposal rooted in a particular community of place, tradition, or spirit? How does it connect to social, economic, and/or environmental justice?

20%: Goals and Outcomes

• Did the proposal clearly define the goals and outcomes that the applicant will use to evaluate the project? Are the applicant’s goals and outcomes realistic and feasible within the proposed timeline?

20%: Budget

• Is the budget clear and accurate? Are the artist fees appropriate for the level of engagement required of participants?