"Connecting with 1984"
WHAT IS THE “CONNECTING WITH 1984” SMALL GRANTS POOL?
This year, Sikhs worldwide remember the 30th anniversary of the anti-Sikh violence during 1984. In June 1984, the Indian Army assaulted Darbar Sahib, popularly known as the “Golden Temple,” and dozens of other Gurdwaras throughout Punjab. Code-named Operation Bluestar, the assault claimed the lives of thousands of innocent Sikh worshippers and set the stage for a decade of violent state repression that claimed tens of thousands of innocents and non-combatants. Following the June attacks, Indian troops extra judicially murdered non-combatant Sikhs in the villages of Punjab during Operation Woodrose. Then in November 1984, Sikhs were hunted and murdered, in the thousands, by government-orchestrated mobs in cities throughout India following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Although tens of thousands of Sikhs were killed between 1984 and 1994, their stories are relatively untold and most perpetrators have not been held accountable.
Thirty years later, it is critical that we connect with recent history and empower Sikhs to create a better future for the community. The Sikh Coalition is announcing the "Connecting with 1984" Small Grants Pool to support and encourage community activism. A group of generous and committed donors have come together to offer $100,000 in small grants to individuals and/or groups who would like to create and deliver educational programs and initiatives to raise awareness within the Sikh community about the events of 1984 and beyond.
WHAT CAN A GRANT COVER?
Project expenses must be limited to the United States only and be focused on education and consciousness-raising. Project examples can include, but are not limited to:
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Activities at Camps and Retreats
Event
Video/Film/Art Project
Gurdwara-based activity
Seva ProjectShort story or poetry collection
Survey and Report
Khalsa School Education Materials
Children’s Book
Music Project
WHO CAN APPLY?
- U.S. residents only [specifically for individuals who live in the United States and have a social security number]
- Indviduals, group and/or small non-profits [must be a registered 501(c)(3)]
Given our limited resources, priority will be given to innovative projects and those initiated by or focused on youth (30 or younger)
HOW CAN I APPLY?
- Complete the online application here
- The Sikh Coalition will send approval of the small grants in writing
- Please note that grantees must meet grant agreement terms and financial requirements to receive and/or keep funding.
- Expenses incurred prior to approval will not be eligible for reimbursement
- A written report and fiscal accounting/receipts of the funds will be due to the Sikh Coalition upon completion of the work.
- The final report form and financial reporting/receipt requirements will be included with the grant contract.
Given our limited resources, priority will be given to innovative projects and those initiated by or focused on youth (30 or younger).
IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW MUCH I CAN ASK FOR?
Grants will be for a minimum of $500 and we are much less likely to fund any activity over $10,000.
IS THERE A DEADLINE TO APPLY?
Projects will be considered on a rolling basis as they are submitted. Our goal is to disperse all funds as soon as possible. We will stop accepting new applications at the end of November 2014.
For more information, email [email protected].