Member community support fund
The Black Hound Member Community Support Fund is an idea rooted in mutual aid and redistribution that was developed by BHCS staff to help make membership at Black Hound more equitable and accessible for everyone.
HOW IT WORKS:
Members may elect to voluntarily contribute a small amount of extra money each month ($5, $10, $20, it's up to you!) with their member fees if they have the funds to do so. This charge will be added to the monthly membership invoice and will be deducted at the same time as membership fees. These funds will then be redistributed back to other members who need the financial support to continue membership. Members may also elect to make one time contributions whenever they would like.
Members may also elect to draw on the community support fund if they are in need of financial support to continue their membership at the studio. The Fund will be used to cover a 30% discount on monthly membership fees.
In all cases, contributions and distributions are completely voluntary, confidential and not means tested.
The studio will also be making contributions to this fund each month and will cover the balance in the case of there not being enough contributions to cover member needs each month.
Members may contribute to this fund on a regular or one-time basis by going to this page.
Please email Membership Coordinator Cassie Jones at Cassie@blackhoundclay.com with any questions or concerns!
ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY
The public record of the Fund is available on this spreadsheet and is updated monthly. No names or identifying details of those contributing or using the fund will be made public - that information is confidential and will be held by BHCS staff only.
BLACK HOUND MEMBERS MICROGRANT PROGRAM
What if more people contribute than are drawing on the fund and we have extra money left over each month?
The Black Hound Members Microgrant is a member and studio funded microgrant program to empower BHCS members to advance themselves professionally and artistically. This microgrant can to be used for a variety of things, including supplies and equipment (for example: A Giffin Grip, specialty clay or glazes, a tent for craft shows) or for education (monetary support to attend craft schools like Haystack, Penland or Arrowmont, or to enroll in a local or online course).
Please note that we can't guarantee being able to grant funds to everyone who applies. Grant amounts will be dependent on funds available from the previous six months.
Deadlines: May 15 and November 15 of each year. Funds will be distributed to awardees by May 31 and November 30. Members may apply for the Microgrant once per calendar year.
You can apply for the Black Hound Members Microgrant Here.
If you have any questions or concerns about the microgrant process, please email Studio Director Bethany Rusen at Bethany@blackhoundclay.com!