The Surdna Foundation, a family foundation that focuses on social justice, launched their first ever "Artists Engaging in Social Change" request for proposals. They're inviting one and two-year proposals from U.S.-based artists and organizations in the amount of $25,000 to $150,000.

They're looking for writers, visual artists, filmmakers, folkloric artists, culture bearers, troubadours, rappers, multidisciplinary artists, graphic novelists, revolutionary salsa dancers, etc.

Their definition of "engaging in social change" is pretty broad, encompassing everything from explicitly activist work to art that is deeply committed to communities, without necessarily having a particular social justice theme.

Proposals are due on November 12th, guidelines and details here: http://www.surdna.org/rfp

They're bringing in external readers to evaluate the proposals, if folks have questions about the guidelines, they should check out the FAQs here http://www.surdna.org/images/pdf/rfp_faqs_10_01_2014.pdf or email aesc_rfp@surdna.org

Here’s a tweet about the RFP if you're a social media maven: https://twitter.com/Surdna_Fndn/status/511639366541012992

Knight Cities Challenge seeks new ideas from innovators who will take hold of the future of our cities.
Apply now until November 14: applicants are asked to share their ideas for making 26 Knight cities more vibrant places to live and work.
Looking for ideas that focus on key drivers of city success:

We founded a collective and event called "The Foundation" dedicated to Celebrating Women in Hip Hop to raise awareness of Women Artists, Emcees, Producers, Film Makers, B-Girls, Graffiti Writers, etc. that's been consistently going strong since May 2009.

We support each other by meeting to organize, workshop, strategize, discuss issues, strengthen skills through artist development, attend each others events, collaborate on each others' projects, and connect as Family.

Encouraging freedom of expression, healthy competition, independent thought, & positive self-identity, we focus on redefining the vital role of Women in Hip Hop.
Our mission is to educate and empower the community using Hip Hop as a medium to share love through the arts, inspire change and growth, build leadership, and influence the perceptions and roles of Women for current and future generations, shifting the culture to a healthier environment.

The Foundation brings international, national and local girls and Women together in Detroit through music, dance, visual & performing arts, fashion, film, with emphasis on Hip Hop specific media: Open Mic, Freestyle Cipher, Graffiti, to present a series of showcases, performances and workshops supporting, and creating empowering images of Women.

Accomplishments of our collective: we've hosted panels & workshops & performed @ Ohio State University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, Hip Hop Congress, African World Fest, Cranbrook Institute & had the honor of performing @ Grammy nominated Motown Recording Artist KEM's "Mack & Third LIVE: A Call to Service" event.

‪Visit and like our Foundation of Women in Hip Hop links :‬
‪Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFoundationCelebratingWomenInHipHop‬
‪Google + Page: https://plus.google.com/106733053602919004765‬
‪Blog: https://thefoundationofwomeninhiphop.wordpress.com‬
‪Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW2U0tVreaRi1C76ZdQ6hjw/feed ‬
Twitter: http://twitter.com/wefoundhiphop
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/WomenInHipHop
‪GoogleGroup Link: https://groups.google.com/d/forum/thefoundationofwomeninhiphop‬
‪GoogleGroup email link: thefoundationofwomeninhiphop@googlegroups.com‬
‪Email: thefoundationofwomeninhiphop@gmail.com‬