The Creative Equations Fund (CEF), managed by the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC), offers grants to Brooklyn-based artists, small arts organizations, cultural entrepreneurs, and researchers who focus on social justice and community impact. For 2025, the fund provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $15,000. The application deadline is November 8, 2024, and grantees will be funded for activities conducted during the 2025 calendar year.

The fund focuses on supporting initiatives in three key areas:

Justice, Equity, and Sustainability in the performing arts.
Cultural Heritage and Diversity in dance.
Social Innovation for cultural entrepreneurs who use artistic practices to address social issues.
Eligible applicants include individual artists, nonprofit arts organizations with annual budgets under $250,000, cultural entrepreneurs, and researchers based in Brooklyn. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to social justice and provide clear plans for community engagement and impact.

Funding can support general operations, project-specific activities, or a combination of both. Successful applicants will outline their vision of success and describe how their work addresses social justice issues in Brooklyn. Alongside financial support, the program offers professional development opportunities, particularly through the Social Innovation Fellowship, which includes mentoring and capacity-building resources for up to 25 fellows.

Applicants must apply through Submittable, BAC’s online platform. After submitting their applications, grantees are required to submit final reports by January 15, 2026, detailing the outcomes of their projects. The fund encourages diverse and underrepresented groups to apply, including people with disabilities and veterans.