SOFA Cushion Fund for Faculty & Staff

The Smith Office for the Arts (SOFA) is excited to accept Cushion Fund applications from Smith College faculty and staff to support arts-based projects and programs. The SOFA Cushion Fund aims to be a resource for elevating the role the arts can play within the campus landscape. SOFA aims to provide more resources and opportunities for faculty and staff in co-curricular and informal arts participation and creation.

What are you not able to do that you wish you could? The SOFA Cushion Fund is here to incentivize new collaborations, help create opportunities for new and innovative programs and events, and provide support that may otherwise be lacking. Through these new projects and programs, SOFA hopes to strengthen the presence and visibility of the arts and artists at Smith, providing the capacity to deepen the impact of the arts on campus and in the community.

The spring 2025 deadline is March 14.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SOFA Cushion Fund?
The SOFA Cushion Fund is a grant fund offered by the Smith Office for the Arts (SOFA) which supports arts-related projects that enhance the creative culture at Smith College. It welcomes innovative, community-driven, and interdisciplinary projects. Funding is granted for a wide range of creative pursuits that engage Smith community members in the arts. SOFA encourages applicants to consider how their proposal will contribute to the public dialogue around the arts at Smith. Projects should embrace the college priorities of diversity, equity and inclusion, a vibrant academic experience, and community engagement.

For Smith Faculty: Please be prepared to share proof of support (financial or otherwise) from your department. Because of the need for unit awareness and grant coordination, we would like to know that your unit is on board to collaborate as appropriate. We expect all applicants to first consult with their chair and administrative assistant for advice as to scheduling opportunities, review the Smith online calendar, and to check with interested related departments or programs and the Office of College Events, to avoid scheduling conflicts and over-saturation of events.

All requests must be accompanied by the approval of the chair of the applicant’s home department/program.

What are the requirements for grant recipients?
Recipients must:

  • Submit a report (500 words) within one month of project completion.
  • Include SmithArts logos in promotional materials.
  • Participate in a public presentation or showcase if applicable.

Can I modify my project after receiving funding?
Major changes require approval from SOFA to ensure they align with grant goals.

What types of projects are supported?
Eligible projects include creative, research, or performance-based initiatives in dance, theater, music, film, visual arts, or other art forms. Projects at the intersection of the arts and other disciplines are encouraged.

For visiting artist lectures and public engagement with artists, please review the Lecture Committee application as we do not want to duplicate efforts. For artists visits, the SOFA Cushion Fund prioritizes student engagement through class visits, workshops, and student-only engagements with arts professionals both inside and outside of the classroom.

How much funding can I request?
Funding is offered in three tiers:

  • Rapid Response Grants (Up to $500): For projects that are timely and responsive, and can demonstrate why these funds are needed quickly.
  • Medium-Scale Grants ($500–$2,000): For workshops or larger events.
  • Large-Scale Grants ($2,000–$5,000): For ambitious, cross-disciplinary, or community-based projects.

When are applications due?
Funding is biannual, with deadlines in Fall and Spring. Rapid Response Grants are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Can I apply more than once?
SOFA Cushion Funds are not meant to support projects/series that are ongoing or will be repeated in a similar form in the future. In an attempt to make resources reach as far as possible, we prioritize new applicants, new program ideas, new collaborations, and new initiatives and will look carefully at multiple requests from the same applicant or academic unit for projects that look too similar to ones previously funded.

What projects are eligible?
Projects and events should fall outside of the scope of your department’s normal programming and other faculty grant programs.

  • Bringing a class to a performance or exhibition
  • Production costs
  • Workshops with guest artists
  • Supplies for installation/exhibition related projects
  • Equipment rental
  • Supporting the creation of new artwork
  • Facilitating new interdisciplinary projects
  • Artist honorarium/fees

What projects are not eligible?
Funds are limited to actual project expenses, do not include faculty honorarium, and are not intended to be course development grants. In addition, funding is not available for:

  • Faculty/staff honorariums
  • Food or refreshments
  • Equipment purchases
  • Profit-generating activities
  • Retroactive projects (already completed)
  • Individual or group travel expenses, or attending a conference
  • Photography or videography of your project unless the documentation is integral to the project itself
  • Reimbursing for individual tickets to off campus events
  • Group ticket requests are eligible

How do I apply?
Faculty and Staff Application

  • Project description (up to 1,000 words).
  • Community Impact Statement (up to 300 words).
  • Proof of Departmental/Unit Support.
  • Project End and Start Dates (if applicable).
  • Budget breakdown using the provided template.
  • Supporting materials, if applicable.

What are the requirements for grant recipients?
Recipients must:

  • Submit a report (500 words) within one month of project completion.
  • Include SmithArts logos and SOFA Cushion Fund in promotional materials.
  • Participate in a public presentation or showcase if applicable.

Can I modify my project after receiving funding?
Major changes require approval from SOFA to ensure they align with grant goals.

How is SOFA promoting funded projects?
Projects may be featured in SOFA programming, department newsletters, and social media.

What if my project continues beyond initial funding?
Include a sustainability plan in your application detailing how you will secure future support.

What other sources of funding should I consider for my project?
There are a wide variety of funding sources available to students, faculty and staff.

Questions? Email the SOFA Program Manager or schedule a time to meet with him.

Relevant Funding for Faculty

All faculty funding is detailed in the Moneybook. For more detailed information on each funding source, faculty members are encouraged to contact the relevant office or visit the provided links in the Moneybook.

Here is a quick reference list of funding sources for faculty at Smith College that may support creative or arts-based endeavors, projects, and programs.

CFCD Allocation Funding

  • Purpose: Supports research, teaching, and professional development, including creative and artistic projects. ​
  • Eligible Expenses: Scholarly travel, research supplies, publication-related expenses, computer/technology equipment, etc. ​
  • Ineligible Expenses: Capital equipment over $5,000, books, office supplies, etc.

Harnish Fellowships and Grants ​

  • Purpose: Supports scholarly and professional growth in the fine and performing arts.
  • Eligibility: Tenure-track, tenured, or core appointment in the fine or performing arts. ​
  • Activities Supported: Research expenses, art exhibitions, musical performances, theatrical productions, and course release. ​
  • Funding: Up to $10,000 or one course release for Fellowships; up to $1,500 for Grants. ​

American Academy in Rome Fellowships ​

  • Purpose: Supports advanced research and creative work in the fine arts and humanities. ​
  • Eligibility: Tenure-track, tenured, or core appointment at Smith College.
  • Activities Supported: Four-week residency at the Academy in Rome with access to scholarly resources. ​

Fine Fellowships for Jewish and/or Holocaust Literature or Studies ​

  • Purpose: Supports understanding and study of Jewish and/or Holocaust literature or studies. ​
  • Eligibility: Tenure-track, tenured, or core appointment at Smith. ​
  • Activities Supported: Curricular development, scholarly research, sponsorship of lectures, symposia, workshops, performances, etc.
  • Funding: Up to $3,500 per proposal.

Rappaport Fellowships for Interdisciplinary Curriculum and Courses

  • Purpose: Supports the development of interdisciplinary courses, including those in the arts. ​
  • Eligibility: Tenure-track, tenured, or core appointment at Smith. ​
  • Activities Supported: Course development, workshop/conference expenses, travel, student research assistance, and materials. ​
  • Funding: Up to $7,000 per course development. ​

Kahn Institute Grants ​

  • Purpose: Fosters collaborative and interdisciplinary research, including arts-based projects. ​
  • Eligibility: Faculty, students, and invited guest scholars/artists.
  • Activities Supported: Participation in research programs, meetings, and special events.

Lecture Committee

  • Purpose: Funds public lectures, seminars, performances, exhibitions, and special events.
  • Eligibility: Faculty at Smith College. ​
  • Activities Supported: Events that appeal to the Smith community and fall under the committee's funding mandate.

Jandon Center Grants for Community-Based Learning or Research ​

  • Purpose: Supports community-based learning and participatory research projects, including arts-based initiatives. ​
  • Eligibility: Faculty at Smith College. ​
  • Activities Supported: Community-based learning courses and research projects.

Botanic Garden Curricular Enhancement Program ​

  • Purpose: Assists faculty in making connections between courses and the Botanic Garden resources. ​
  • Eligibility: Faculty in any discipline. ​
  • Activities Supported: Course development stipends, supplemental course funds, and significant course modifications.

CEEDS Curricular Enhancement Program ​

  • Purpose: Supports courses that align with the mission of the Center for the Environment, Ecological Design, and Sustainability. ​
  • Eligibility: Faculty at Smith College. ​
  • Activities Supported: New course development, course modifications, field trips, and sustainable community projects. ​

Committee on Educational Technology (CET) Grants ​

  • Purpose: Supports early-stage and exploratory uses of technology in learning, including arts-based projects.
  • Eligibility: Faculty at Smith College.
  • Activities Supported: Curricular initiatives in educational technology.