1. I applied last year. Can I apply again this year?
Yes! We encourage past applicants to apply again this year. If reapplying, please take another look at the project proposal description and review process to give your application the best chance for consideration.
2. Why do I have to live within the city limits of Detroit? How will I prove my address and what if I used to live in Detroit but now live elsewhere?
At this stage, we are only taking applicants residing within the city limits as the grant is specifically designed to uplift a designer from Detroit. If an ID is not available, a piece of printed mail from the last 12 months showing name and address can be used to verify residency. However, please note we will only be asking for verification from finalists. If you believe an exception should be made for your situation, please indicate your significant ties to Detroit in your application.
3. What types of projects will you accept?
Applicants can propose any projects within the apparel and accessories space that follow the guidelines listed in the project proposal description and the review process guidelines.
4. What should I include in my written project proposal?
What you include in your proposal is up to your discretion. However, consideration of the following application criteria is required:
· Design
· Quality and care
· Impact
· Budget
· Feasibility
5. How is sustainability defined for the project proposal process?
eugenie is not prescriptive regarding what sustainability means to a brand or project. Applicants should highlight processes that reduce their impact on the environment and/or contribute a meaningful impact to their community. Examples (not limited to) below:
· Natural fibers or naturally dyed materials used
· Upcycling materials to make new products
· Innovative, eco-friendly approaches toward production
· Positive impact on a local community
6. Who are the panelists who will judge the projects and ultimately provide mentorship for the winner?
· Aki Choklat, Linda Dresner Endowed Chair in Fashion Design, CCS
· Ben Ewy, VP of Global Product Design, Carhartt
· Jen Guarino, Founder and CEO, ISAIC
· Roslyn Karamoko, Founder and CEO, Détroit is the New Black
· Tracy Reese, Founder, Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese
· Gretchen Valade, Co-founder of eugenie & Sustainability Director, Carhartt
Panelists will judge the selected applications and will dedicate one (1) one-on-one mentorship session at a mutually agreed upon time over the course of the 12-month period.
7. If I am selected as the winner, how will I receive the grant money?
The $10,000 USD will be deposited into the winner’s bank account following execution of the grant contract and receipt of their W9 form.
8. What will be in the contract? Do I have to spend the money in twelve months and what will eugenie’s involvement be in my project?
The contract will outline the key deliverables and dates identified and agreed upon by both parties. The funds do not need to be spent within twelve months and we will not be auditing the spending. However, we will require proof of progress.
eugenie should be acknowledged in a meaningful way in the final execution of your project. This will vary based on the proposal, but as an example, we’d be expecting something along the lines of “Made in collaboration with eugenie” or “Made with support from eugenie” included in any product descriptions, social media captions, and/or press relating to the project.
9. What will these mentorship sessions look like?
Mentorship sessions will be offered to the winner as 1-hour sessions with each panelist over the 12-month project period. Each session will focus on a specific area of the panelist’s expertise. The grant winner will have the opportunity to seek advice on aspects of the project including design, marketing, innovation, materials, etc.
10. Is there a timeframe that mentorship sessions need to be scheduled?
Mentorship sessions will need to be completed by the selected winner and each panelist by the end of the 12-month timeframe of the project.
11. How will applications be judged?
A small internal panel will review all of the applications submitted for the grant and provide a narrowed pool of applicants to all panel members. Panel members will then continue to narrow down a total of 5 applicants who will then be asked to present their proposal in person to panel members. There will only be one applicant selected to receive the grant.
12. How will I know if I am a finalist?
You will be contacted via email using the email address provided within the general submission form.
13. What can I use the grant funds for and what is the audit process?
The grant can be used for whatever is needed to progress your proposed project forward in a meaningful way. We will be looking for a clear and feasible plan for the use of the funds in your proposal, including key deliverable dates.
14. I know people from the eugenie team and members of the panel, can I still apply?
Absolutely! Please follow the procedure and do not reach out to us directly about your application.