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Introducing the $100,000 Imagination Fund 🌟

Calling all designers, artists, photographers, and creatives... 🔉
The 2024 application is now closed. The deadline for submission was October 10th at 11:59PM EST.
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Got an idea to create in 30-days? We've got 100K to make it happen!

Our mission is simple: help creative people be more creative. With the $100K Imagination Fund, we want to bring the Playbook community together to let our imagination fly without financial worries getting in the way. 

For creators, by creators

From zines to screen-printing to rebranding your local coffee shop, we’re here to support your boldest and wildest ideas

Up to $10,000 in funding

The top 50 ideas with the most originality and community impact potential will be awarded $1K-10K each

Create together for 30 days

Upon selection, the chosen 50 creatives will join a 30-day cohort to #imaginewithPlaybook

What we're looking for ✨

We're targeting web-based formats — basically anything your browser can handle. Other than that, we just want to see something original, feasible, growth-inspired, and impactful. Applications will be evaluated through community voting and a judge panel.

How it works 📣

Using Playbook templates, showcase your personal creative journey thus far and outline your 30-day project proposal. All submissions will be featured on #PlaybookCommunity. If selected, you’ll move on to Round 2 where you’ll get chance to share your vision in more detail.

Pitch us your project!

See our official submission guidelines below in the FAQs section.

Applications closed on October 10th, 11:59PM EST.

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  • Where are the submission guidelines?

    Right here!

  • Is this real? What's the catch?

    At Playbook, our mission is simple: to help creative people be more creative. With the $100K Imagination Fund, we want to give back to the Playbook community by financing bold ideas you haven’t had the opportunity — or funding — to build yet. (And of course, we also want to spread the word on how Playbook can help creatives like you organize, share and collaborate on visual files.)

  • Who can apply?

    Anyone who is over 18 and based in the U.S or Canada.

  • Can I apply in a group?

    Yes! The grant funding will go to 50 projects and is not limited to individuals.

  • What types of projects are eligible?

    Any creative project that involves digital assets likes images, text, audio, videos, or graphics is fair game. This includes but isn’t limited to digital zines, illustrations, motion graphics, and films.

  • Are there any other project requirements?

    Projects that are digital in some form, in addition to projects that have pretty clear goals to be accomplished in 30 days (even if the project itself can stretch on for longer after)

  • What is the 30-days timeline?

    The #imagineWithPlaybook cohort will be a 30 day period where selected artists asynchronously create together. Artists can be based anywhere- they will just be asked to submit weekly updates on their progress in-line with their proposed plan.

  • Does my project need to be completed in 30 days?

    Part of your project is created over the span of 30 days and you should have clear progress to show for this period (as part of the #imagineWithPlaybook challenge), but the project can stretch on for longer afterwards.

  • What is the application process?

    There will be two rounds of applications. Round 1 will consist of the initial Proposal, where applicants will use Playbook templates to showcase their past work/creative journey and present their 30-day project vision. All submissions will be featured on #PlaybookCommunity. Selected applicants will move on to Round 2, where they’ll be asked to share a more detailed breakdown of their project timeline and costs. After this stage, our panel of judges will select 50 finalists to distribute the funds.

  • What is the judging criteria?

    1) Originality and creativity, 2)Personal growth, 3) Community impact, and 4)Presentation and feasibility. See more in submission guidelines.

  • How will the funds be distributed?

    The top 50 projects will receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 USD based on need and potential community impact.

  • Do I retain all rights to my submitted works?

    Yes, you retain ownership of all your work and ideas. Playbook will have a limited right to use your work to promote or share information about the competition. We won't use your work in any other way - see the full Official rules here.

  • Do community votes influence the final results?

    No, community votes don't directly decide the winners. However, they can help to bring attention to your project and influence our judges' decision.

  • Do I have to share my application online for me to complete the Round 1 Application Process?

    Yes. If your round 1 application is accepted, we ask you to share your proposal link on at least one public social media (Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Linkedin). While our judges will review every single submission, the more visibility and support you gain, the better your chances of standing out.