Haas Endowment Application

The Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Endowment for the Performing Arts

 

Purpose

To create a "margin of excellence" in GVSU performing arts programs by supporting enrichment activities for students studying or participating in any of the performing arts, which currently include dance, instrumental music, athletic bands, opera theatre, vocal music, or theatre. Uses of the funds may include but are not limited to, providing full-time students opportunities to explore and develop their talents through competitions, talent showcases, local, national, and international summer programs, coaching, master classes, and other experiences that are separate from GVSU programs. Funds may be used for travel, program fees, and other expenses related to enrichment activities. Preference will be given to students who have not previously received Haas Scholarship funds.

 

Application Deadlines

Deadline                     Activity Date Range
September 1               October 1-February 1
December 1                  February 1-June 1
April 1                            June 1-October 1

For graduating students, funded activities must be completed prior to the conclusion of the semester succeeding your graduation. This will be September 1 for May graduates or May 1 for December graduates.

Applicants may apply pending acceptance into an event/program. If the applicant is granted an award under these circumstances, the award will be pending final acceptance. One application per student per award period.

 

Application Requirements and Scoring Criteria

The applications will be scored on a 100-point scale. Reviewers score applications based on the completeness of answers and how the proposed activity aligns with the purpose of the Endowment.

Applications are scored accordingly:

  • 96 or higher - excellent application
  • 92 - 95.9 - very good application
  • 88 - 91.9 - good application
  • 84.9 - 87.9 - fair application
  • 83.9 or below - not considered for funding

Review Criteria:

  1. Cover Page - 10 points possible for section
    1. Your full name, graduating month/year, discipline, title of the project, the total amount of funding requested, names of two recommenders.
    2. If you have been awarded this funding before: title of the project, year, funding amount. .
  2. Project Narrative (700-word limit) - 40 points possible for section
    1. Describe the project (what you will be doing in this project; if you’re attending a program, describe what the program provides). (10 points possible)
    2. Describe why you are doing this project, particularly in comparison with other similar projects. For example, if you chose one summer music program, why are you interested in this program, in comparison to other similar programs? (10 points possible)
    3. Describe how this project aligns with your studies at GVSU and will help build your career path. (10 points possible)
    4. Describe how you will prepare for this project to make the most out of this experience. (10 points possible)
  3. Faculty Recommendation Forms - 30 points possible for section
    1. Two faculty recommendations are required. One must come from your faculty sponsor. The second one can come from any faculty member within the Music, Theatre, and Dance department. (15 points possible per recommendation)
      1. We recommend that the second one come from someone who is familiar with your classroom work. Please ask the recommenders at least two weeks in advance to ensure that their recommendation letters are received by the same deadline. Please use this recommendation form.
  4. Project Budget - 20 points possible for section 
    1. Give a detailed budget, such as tuition/fees, materials, transportation, housing, and meals. We do not reimburse application fees. GVSU travel and expense guidelines apply. (10 points possible)
    2. Attach a copy or a screenshot for each item, such as an acceptance letter that details tuition and fees and a screenshot of flight price. The committee needs to know that the budget is not inflated and is properly researched. (10 points possible)
  5. Transcript - Application with an accumulative GPA that is below 3.2 will not be considered.
    1. Minimum GPA required is 3.2.
    2. Please upload a copy of the transcript.
  6. Signed Faculty Recommendation Forms - Application will not be considered without a signed Faculty Recommendation Form.
    1. Please upload the completed Faculty Recommendation Form. This should be someone familiar with your work and in support of your application, from the Music, Theatre, and Dance Department.

 

Notes:

  • Funding priority will be given to those who have not received this award previously (regardless of the amount received).
  • Recipients will be asked to participate in a performance or reception with the award initiators and are expected to reasonably comply with this request. Award recipients from the April 1st deadline must attend the Haas Endowment Meet and Greet on Tuesday, April 22nd at 7pm. Additional information will be provided after awards are issued. 
  • Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding opportunities, as this award is often given for partial funding only.

* denotes a required field

Applicant Information

Have you previously received Haas Endowment funds? *

Award recipients from the April 1st deadline must attend the Haas Endowment Meet and Greet on Tuesday, April 22nd at 7pm. Please confirm that you will attend this event if you are selected as an award recipient.. *

Application Materials

Human Verification *



Page last modified March 18, 2025