The Twin Cities shape note community offers a limited number of travel grants to singers. Guidelines for travel grants are:
- Financial need: Grants are intended for singers who would otherwise find it difficult to travel. We do not investigate your financial situation.
- When possible we will give preference to new singers, singers who have not traveled extensively, and those with student status.
- Grants are usually in the amount of $100 but may be as low as $50 or up to $250.
- Priority will be given to grant applications that are received 4 weeks prior to the event for which they are needed. The travel grant committee will review the applications received and award grants at that time. This is to allow for the advance purchase of less expensive airline fares. Applications received less than 4 weeks before an event will still be considered and grants will be awarded as funds allow. Grants will not be given for applications made after a convention.
- The grants are given as reimbursements for travel expenses. Grants may be awarded prior to purchase of plane tickets when financial need requires this. Please indicate when you apply if this is the case.
How to Apply
To apply for a travel grant, send email to Steve Luttinen (steveluttinen[at]yahoo.com). Please supply the following information in your email:
- Provide your name, postal address, phone number, and email address.
- Provide a brief description of your singing experience, including singings you have attended in the past year.
- Describe the singing event you wish to attend and briefly give your reasons for wanting to attend.
- Request a specific amount, or a range. The standard amount of a travel grant is $100. If you require an amount greater or less than that, provide an explanation. If we are unable to grant the full amount we may still grant a smaller amount. The travel grant committee issues grants in amounts between $50 and $250.
- Answer yes or no: Traveling be very difficult without this grant.*
- Answer yes or no: I am currently a student.*
- Answer yes or no: I am a new Sacred Harp singer who started singing within the last two years.*
- Answer yes or no: I have not traveled extensively to other singing events outside my region.*
- If you wish, add any other supplemental information.
*Answering no to this or other questions will not disqualify you from being eligible for a grant.
Contributions to the Travel Fund
The travel grant fund is always accepting donations. If you would like to contribute, please make your check payable to Twin Cities Shape Note Singers and mail to:
University Baptist Church
Attn: TC Travel Grant Committee c/o Doug Donley
1219 University Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414-2038
More Information
If you have questions pertaining to travel grants, contact Steve Luttinen (steveluttinen[at]yahoo.com).