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Endowment Grants, 2011-2013 cycle
The Endowment Fund makes financial grants to active puppeteers for projects that will further the growth and development of the art of puppetry. Contributions to the fund are invested, and every two years awards are made from the interest that has accumulated. Awards range from $500 to $1000. Please contact Randel McGee, Endowment Fund Committee Chair at randel.mcgee[at]comcast.net with any questions or concerns.

CRITERIA FOR FUNDING.

The first priority of the Endowment Fund Committee is the allocation of funds to support the development and creation of new professional puppet productions.

These can include:

The production of new shows;
The creation of experimental puppets or techniques;
The production of puppet-related films, videotapes.
After production grants have been awarded, and if funds are available, the committee will consider funding puppetry projects in the field of education. Projects must promote creativity and teach theater or construction techniques of puppetry.

In most cases the committee will not fund transportation, living expenses, tours, or performance bookings.

Grants for equipment will be considered only if a specialized need can be demonstrated.

Any North American company or puppeteer may apply for a grant from the Endowment Fund. If the proposed project is accepted by the committee, at least one member of the company must be a member of The Puppeteers of America. The grant will be given after membership has been confirmed by the Membership Officer.

DEADLINES.
Grant applications are due by April 15th of the year in which awards are to be granted. Awards will be determined on or about May 15th. Money awarded will be available by June 15th.

AGREEMENTS & CONDITIONS.
Recipients agree to complete the project within two years after receiving any Endowment Grant, to use the money only for the purpose stated in the application, and to return the money if the project is cancelled or discontinued. The recipients will submit one mid-progress and one final report accompanied by photographs suitable for publication.
A credit line must be included in any printed publicity or program stating that “This project has been partially funded by a grant from The Puppeteers of America Endowment Fund.”

A grant to an individual or group does not constitute an endorsement by Puppeteers of America or Endowment Fund.

The Current Endowment Fund Committee members are:

Randel McGee, Chair
Mark Levenson
Marianne Tucker
Karen Smith
Karen Konnerth
Paul Mesner
Michael Nelson, Non-voting Emeritus

For more information on making contributions or any questions about the grant application process, please contact the Endowment Fund Committee Chair:
Randel McGee
randel.mcgee[at]comcast.net

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Thanks to the generous support of your fellow “P of A” members, Youth, Young Adult, and Adult scholarship are available for the 2011 Puppeteers of America, Inc., National Festival to be held in Atlanta, Georgia July 12th – 17th, 2011

Scholarships cover registration fees for the festival. Youth must be 12 to 17, Young Adults 18-21, and Adults age 22 and older at the time of the Festival. Selection is based on completed application which demonstrates involvement in puppetry (current and future), support materials, letters of recommendation, energy/passion/enthusiasm and financial need. You must be a member of the Puppeteers of America, Inc., or be sponsored by a member organization in order to apply.

All applications can be downloaded from the following links below and must be submitted electronically as a word file to Donald Kruszka. Details on submitting photos, footage and other materials can be found in the application details and form.

Deadline for completed applications is JANUARY 15, 2011

The Emma Louise Warfield Memorial Fund – ADULT SCHOLARSHIP
and
The Mike & Frances Oznowicz YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT SCHOLARSHIPS

For information or to send a donation contact:

Donald Kruszka 
omnipuppets[at]peoplepc.com
661.8858.0831

Omnipresent Puppet Theater
Puppeteers of America Scholarship Committee Chair
9612 Twain Way
Bakersfield CA 93311

Very often performers are required, by the people who hire them, to carry liability insurance. As a member you can purchase a million dollars of liability coverage at a very nominal annual cost. Members may purchase liability insurance through the Puppeteers of America.
For performers liability insurance, contact:

Randy Scheive
C/O The Puppeteers of America
PO Box 6150
Villa Park, IL 60181-6150
randy[at]chilandinsurance.com

Cell: 630.430.0138
Office: 847.329.7777
Fax: 888.333.1234

The insurance is a million dollar policy at a nominal cost. This service is only for members of Puppeteers of America.

The Puppeteers of America Archives are now being housed and cared for at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry in Storrs, CT.  We hope to have more information soon to share with you regarding this important collection.

Currently our online puppetry store offers a DVD Lending Library to Current Members of Puppeteers of America.

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