Create! Birthparents Art Grant

To qualify for a Create! Birthparent Arts Grant, at the time of application, birthparents must:

• Be actively engaged in one of the following programs for a minimum of 6 months, or have participated in at least 4 events, whichever comes first:
  • Case Management
  • Retreats (in-person or virtual)
  • Connect Calls
  • Mentor Program
• Not be a current employee or board member of Shared Journeys Birthparent Collective, Activism in Adoption, or Birthparent Support Alliance.

Shared Journeys reserves the right to decline funding for projects aimed at political, religious, or cultural commentary. This does not include personal reflections based on an applicant's racial, ethnic, or gender identity, or religious or political beliefs — provided the commentary does not demean or degrade others whose identities or beliefs may differ.

Project Plan

Applications must include a realistic project plan for completion within 12 months, and should:

• Demonstrate thoughtful consideration of financial needs and opportunities.
• Seek out support available through educational institutions and other resources.
• Set goals that are realistic and attainable to move continually toward project completion.
• Establish a reasonable timeframe and request appropriate support as needed.

In the 2026 cycle, one birthparent will typically be selected for the grant; however, more than one recipient may be chosen depending on grant circumstances and available funding. The recipient(s) will be chosen by a panel of Shared Journeys staff and board members and will be expected to share updates and progress on their project, and to notify Shared Journeys Case Management staff upon completion. Birthparents are only eligible to win one Create! Grant and may not apply for a second Create! Grant if previously selected.

Selection Criteria

Selection is based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:

• Relevance of the birthparent's idea and contribution to the adoption community.
• Quality and creativity of the work or project submitted for review — please be as detailed as possible.
• Commitment to developing their work.
• The impact of the project on the adoption community.

• Funds may be used to purchase supplies, pay a third party for work related to the project, or rent space (e.g., time in a recording studio).
• Payments will be made directly from Shared Journeys to the business, vendor, or contractor.
• Funds will not be disbursed directly to the grant recipient.
• Funds may not be used to pay already-incurred or past-due bills.

This grant is specifically for a project within the arts field. Examples include writing and recording a song or piece of music, graphic art, sculpture, painting, collage, organizing a gallery showing focused on the birthparent experience or adoption, writing and publishing a book, dance, or performance art.

The Grantee must:

• Complete an application within the designated timeframe. Only completed applications that adhere to the grant guidelines will be considered.
• Agree to share progress updates on their project twice per month, along with any additional information Shared Journeys may need to share project details on social media and in donor communications, maintain accurate client records, and track grant outcomes.
• Understand that the Create! Birthparent Arts Grant may only be awarded once per birthparent.
• Understand that failing to meet the terms of the grant — including providing regular updates to staff — may result in termination of the grant and ineligibility for future grants.
• Grant Shared Journeys, Birthparent Support Alliance, and Activism in Adoption permission to share images and information about their project on social media, in donor communications, and in future funding applications.