The Craft Research Fund is a grant program established by the Center for Craft, aimed at supporting innovative and interdisciplinary research related to craft in the United States. Since its inception in 2005, the program has funded 244 projects across 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, distributing over $1.9 million. The grant is designed to encourage and expand the understanding of craft through various research initiatives, providing financial support to those exploring new insights into historical and contemporary craft practices.

The primary purpose of the Craft Research Fund is to foster research that offers fresh perspectives on craft. This includes studies that provide new insights into the work of craft artists, place American craft within a global context, explore the relationship between handmade production and digital technologies, and support cross-disciplinary scholarship in craft. The grant is not intended for the creation of artwork or for funding research that has already been completed.

Funding for the Craft Research Fund ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, with a grant duration of 18 months. This financial support is available to a wide array of applicants, including organizations, curators, artist-researchers, independent and academic researchers, and scholars. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to receive taxable income in the U.S. for the duration of the grant. However, individuals who are substantial contributors to the Center for Craft, as well as current employees, consultants, board members, or their immediate family members, are not eligible to apply.

Submission requirements for the grant include a detailed proposal outlining the research project. The application process will likely involve specific questions that assess the relevance and potential impact of the proposed research. While the exact application questions are not specified, applicants should be prepared to articulate their research objectives and methodologies clearly.

Evaluation criteria for the grant will focus on the originality and significance of the proposed research, as well as its potential to contribute to the field of craft studies. The timeline for the grant application process includes a deadline for submissions on October 4, 2024. It is important for applicants to adhere to this deadline to ensure their proposals are considered.

In summary, the Craft Research Fund offers a valuable opportunity for researchers interested in exploring various aspects of craft. With a commitment to supporting innovative research, the Center for Craft invites a diverse range of applicants to submit proposals that align with the fund's objectives. For more information, interested parties can visit the Center for Craft's website or contact the grant administrator, Mellanee Goodman, via email or phone.