Private $20,000 Grant Funding for Musical Artists in Calgary Concept Proposal

Serving Artists’ Dreams.

We’re giving Calgary artists the resources to create a full album and music video, no industry connections required. Check out the CTV article covering our proposal.

A quick founders video going over the mission goal.

Apply

Built to be accessible and simple, the application process is a ten-minute process, and it remains open for one week.

Formal Review

Our review board consists of the team at SAD, as well as 2-5 additional unbiased volunteers. Based on a two-stage, 50-point scoring system — biases and unfair practice is accounted for. Contact us for a full, detailed disclosure of our 2-week selection process.

Hear Back

In week 5, winners will be contacted via their provided information, and a redemption package will be electronically delivered.

What Sets Us Apart

Funded With Time

Everything we give is made possible by our resources. Often used to legitamize third party grant applications, our space and staff contain all an artist may need; therefore, rather than monetary winnings, we award service.

By Artists

Our Calgary company is family & close friends built and run, funded entirely privately and passionately. We know what it means to be overlooked and undermined, and consider ourselves honoured to now be in a position to give back.

Easy Application

Unlike other grant applications, our application process is accessible and simple. A simple Google Form submission is enough to get you on your way to the review board.

Our Process

Transparent Criteria (in no particular order)

  1. Clarity of project (is it executable) (20%)

  2. Artistic strength (20%)

  3. Impact of the grant on those who receive it (20%)

  4. Originality (20%)

  5. Need based on category (20%)

Points System (0-10)

Based on the transparent criteria, a score of 0-10 will be applied to each.

The highest tally averaged across judges/community vote consideration is the category winner.

Judging Process 

Judging will be split across 

  1. SAD Entertainment Team (cumulative consideration) 

  2. 2-4 volunteer/unaffiliated individuals

Two Rounds (bias removal)

  1. Blind review, artist name and info are removed (based on non-identifying criteria, eg, clarity of project, artistic strength, originality) 

  2. Impact review, based on needs, based on category and impact on the particular artist. 

Eligibility Rules (return to this) 

  1. Honesty + self-identification 

  2. Simple thresholds were required 

We may request proof of:

  • Income

  • Residency

  • Identity

  • Failure to provide within (x) days will lead to disqualification

  1. Must be a Calgary resident

  2. Must be 18+or accompanied by a guardian at application.

  3. Those who amass earnings of $50k or more annually from their artist brand/music creation are ineligible. 

  4. One application per cycle. 

We may ask for:

  • Artist name/project name

  • 1–3 song links

  • Short project description (max 300 words)

  • What would you create with this grant?

  • What barriers are currently preventing you from completing this project?

  • Category selection

  • Optional: demographic info (respectful, optional)

Under 10 minutes to complete. We use Google Forms for submissions. 

Timeline 

Week 1–2: Applications open
Week 3: Applications close
Week 4: Judging
Week 5: Winners announced

Total: ~1 month cycle

Actual Winnings (estimated cost)

This is a non-cash grant delivered through production services. Winnings cannot be converted to their dollar amount for a refund. 

Winnings + Dollar Breakdowns ($20,000 per winner pre GST)

Album Recording (three-day restriction) ~$3,700

A 12-track max record. 3 full days.  Including the Sony C800G Microphone. 

Album Mixing/Mastering ($2,600 for mixing, $2,200 for mastering) 

Mixing and mastering of the record. Full post-production package.

Music Video shooting plus post production ($8,500)

Music video shoot. Restricted to one day, must be mostly conceptualized and planned by a creative (with some team guidance) 

Edits for IG/Some Session Documentation/Brand development discussion ($3,000)  

Various session documentation, vertical video edits, etc.

Requirements for Volunteers

  1. Must have some musical background (work in the industry, etc.)

  2. Preferably, various subsections of background (hip hop, country, electronic/DJ, pop, rock, etc.) 

  3. Must be willing to devote a few days (~3 max) unpaid. 

  4. Must not be immediate friends/family with a grant applicant (if found out, judge vote  consideration removed from pool – relying on transparency. Hurts the community if undisclosed.) 

  5. Must attend at least one group meeting in the studio for the final discussion. (either before voting begins, to meet and align – before applications

  6. One volunteer must aggregate data (no need for musical background) – and therefore will not be qualified to cast a vote. 

  7. Google Forms submission

  8. Cannot be associated with our organization.

Proof of Concept / Program Preview

The SAD Entertainment Grant Program is currently in development.

This page is provided for informational and community feedback purposes only.

Applications are not yet open, and no rights, entitlements, or expectations are created by this preview.

Program structure, eligibility, timelines, judging criteria, grant components, and terms may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn at any time prior to launch.

Final eligibility rules, application requirements, and binding Terms and Conditions will apply only when the official application period opens.