[Skip to Content]

Public Project Grant Proposal Guidelines

Deadline: September 15

To Apply: Submit your Public Project Proposal

The American-Scandinavian Foundation promotes the cultures of the Nordic countries in the United States and American culture in the Nordic countries by encouraging programs that will enhance public appreciation of culture, art, and thought. In establishing priorities, the Foundation considers the lasting benefits that may be achieved by any grant and favors projects where its contribution will complement support from other sources. Requests for funding are welcome, and include the following: 

  • Project description, with reference to ASF's objective (above), including dates and site of performance or presentation, and the seating capacity of the hall or auditorium. *Please include links to visual arts, music, video, and other sample materials in the description.
  • Project budget, reflecting income and expenses, with the amount requested from ASF specified
  • History or background of the organization or institution presenting the proposal, with illustrations of experience in presenting similar projects
  • Biographical background of the scholars, artists, and producers involved in the project;
  • Proper observance of U.S. visa obligations, if the project involves bringing Scandinavian citizens to the U.S.;
  • The audience to whom the event is addressed (size, composition), how it is reached (scope of mailings) and a description of publicity strategy.

Award Restrictions

The ASF's funding priority has traditionally been to underwrite public programming and other defined events. Awards are given to non-profit organizations only. Proof of an organization's non-profit status (as a 501(c)(3) or equivalent) is required. 

  • Awards are not given to support capital expenses
  • Awards are not given towards the underwriting of a book or website publication.
  • Awards are not given for the production of commercial CDs or cassettes.
  • Awards to Scandinavian-American cultural festivals are restricted to supporting the participation of Scandinavian performers or artists brought to the US for the event. The maximum amount awarded for this type of project is $500.
  • Awards are not given to support individuals' conference participation. However, general conference expenses such as overhead and special invitees can be supported.
  • The maximum award amount is $5,000; however, the average award ranges between $1,000 and $2,000.
  • The ASF does not support participation in studio/artist residencies other than those with which the Foundation already has an ongoing affiliation.
  • The ASF will only accept one application per organization per competition cycle.
  • Only one award per organization per fiscal year shall be granted.

Andrew E. and G. Norman Wigeland Fund: Norway to the U.S.

ASF administers a special fund for exchange projects between Norway and the United States. Projects open to consideration are restricted to those which involve one-way exchange from Norway to the United States, and preference will be given to projects that bring Norwegian citizens to the U.S. in an effort to enhance the American public's appreciation of Norwegian life, art, and thought.