Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach out if your question isn't covered here.
General
Who is eligible to apply for Tent & Table funding? Applications are open to creative entrepreneurs in Texas who are running a part-time creative business or side venture. This includes makers, artists, craftspeople, musicians, and other creators looking to grow their businesses and need financial support for things like market fees, equipment, branding, and more.
What can the money be used for? Funds can be used for expenses such as market and vendor fees, creative equipment and supplies, marketing and branding (including logo design or website costs), and operational expenses like packaging and shipping materials.
How are the applicants selected? Funding is awarded through a quarterly drawing. Accepted applications are entered into the drawing, and each quarter, recipients are randomly selected until the available funds are depleted.
Applicant
How do I apply? Fill out the application on the "Apply for Funding" page of this website.
If I am not selected, do I need to re-apply? No, you only need to apply once per year.
Can I apply for someone else? Yes, you can apply on behalf of someone else, but if the applicant is selected, they will need to provide their payment information to receive the funds.
How much is each award? $100
Can I apply more than once? Each applicant can apply for funding once per year.
How often is funding awarded? Funding is awarded quarterly through a random drawing of accepted applications. Recipients are selected each quarter until the available funds are depleted.
Do I need to be a registered business to apply? No, you do not need to be a formally registered business to apply. We support creative entrepreneurs who are building their side ventures or side hustles.
Do I need to provide receipts for how I spend the money? Nope. But feel free to email or share on socials how you use it
What is the 2025 Funding-Lottery schedule? April 1, 2025 July 1, 2025 October 1, 2025 January 1, 2026
Donor
How can I donate to Tent & Table? You can donate online through the link on the "Get Involved" page of this website, or through one of our sustaining sponsors’ sites. Alternatively, if you prefer to donate by check or another method, please reach out to us directly for instructions.
Can I set up a recurring donation? Yes! You can set up a recurring donation or add a donation option for your customers at checkout on your online store or booth. Please fill out our contact form to become a sustaining supporter and be featured on our website.
What type of donations do you accept? We accept monetary donations, which will go directly to creative entrepreneurs. Additionally, we accept pop-up vendor tents, retail displays, folding tables, art supplies, or any items that can be used by makers and creative entrepreneurs.
Will I receive updates on how my donation is being used? Yes! While we don’t provide individual donation breakdowns, we share updates on the impact of our funding through our mailing list and social media. Follow us to see how many creative entrepreneurs are funded and hear their stories!
Is Tent & Table a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit? We are not currently registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This means donations are not tax-deductible at this time. However, all contributions go directly toward funding creative entrepreneurs in Texas. We are committed to transparency and making a meaningful impact in the community.
Can I earmark my donation for a specific purpose? No, all donations go into a general fund to support creative entrepreneurs in Texas. This ensures we can distribute funding fairly and in alignment with our mission.