Private Grant Funding For Musical Artists in Calgary

Serving Artists’ Dreams.

We’re giving Calgary artists the resources to create a full album and music video, no industry connections required.

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.

Application Process

Transparent Criteria (in no particular order)

  1. Clarity of project (is it executable) 

  2. Artistic strength 

  3. Impact of the grant on those who receive it 

  4. Originality 

  5. Need based on category 

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 folks

Two Rounds (biases removal) 

  1. Blind review, artist name and info is 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  

  1. Honesty + self identification

  2. Simple thresholds where required

  3. Must be a Calgary resident

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

  5. Label position/high establishment degree may disqualify the applicant. Contact for

    more.

  6. One application per cycle.

What We 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 (entirely optional)

~ 10 minutes to complete. Google Forms for submissions