Update:
We were so moved by the hundreds of applications we received for the Long Thread Cares grant program. There were stories of organizations facing great challenges, but also transforming their businesses and supporting the community. At a time when the world has gone virtual, the pull of handmaking is stronger than ever.
The decision was a difficult one, and in the end we awarded major grants to 18 companies and other assistance to a further 51 applicants. The expansion of the program brings the total of the grants to more than $70,000, or $20,000 over the original pledge. We’re happy to help where we can in support of the fiber community that has been so generous with our own fledgling company.
Over the past few weeks, we have been looking for a way that Long Thread Media can support businesses in the fiber industry that have been materially damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe we have come up with a meaningful way to help small independent businesses that need additional exposure and customers in this new and difficult environment.
We’d like to announce the launch of the Long Thread Cares Grant, which will award $50,000 of advertising to its recipients over the next few weeks. Starting March 27, 2020, we will be accepting applications for grants of up to $2,500 in the form of digital advertising credit on any of our websites, including handwovenmagazine.com, pieceworkmagazine.com, and spinoffmagazine.com, and related digital properties.
Any independent small business in the fiber industry that has been negatively impacted over the past 30 days is eligible for consideration. To apply, simply fill out this short questionnaire with your company name, contact information, a general description of the products you sell, and 200 words about why you should receive a grant. No purchase is necessary. Grants of $500 to $2,500 will be awarded to twenty or more deserving companies.
We will accept applications from today, March 27, through Tuesday, April 7, and contact grant recipients by April 10, 2020. The advertising credit can be used any time before September 1, 2020.
In these uncertain times, reaching customers digitally is as important, and effective, as ever. With hundreds of thousands of website visits per month and growing, the weaving, spinning & needlework websites of Long Thread Media provide a rare opportunity to reach new customers in an efficient way.
Please be safe, stay healthy, and feel free to reach out to us directly.
Best regards,
Linda Ligon, John Bolton, and Anne Merrow
Founders, Long Thread Media
FAQ
How will you select grant recipients?
Applications will be judged on positive impact to the industry as a whole, quantifiable need, and the likely effectiveness of the grant.
Is this available in all of Long Thread’s communities?
All of our digital platforms or accounts are included in the program, and the $50,000 will be used across the group depending on the needs of the recipients. (Complete the form only once to be considered for the entire program.)
When do applications close?
On April 7, 2020.
When will recipients be notified?
By April 10, 2020.
How will recipients be notified?
All grant recipients will be notified via email.
Originally published March 27, 2020; updated April 23, 2020.