2025 Call for Proposals

2025 Call for Proposals

The Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology (MSAE) is dedicated to understanding the role of sound and listening in natural habitats and human spaces. We promote public dialogue around the identification, preservation, and restoration of natural and cultural sound environments. Since our establishment in 2009, we have fostered local and regional initiatives such as public soundwalks, educational workshops, and creative and scholarly productions to advance our mission.

MSAE is pleased to announce a Notice of Funding Opportunity for a public event that aligns with our organizational mission. This funding is available to support events in the Midwest that explore, highlight, and engage the public in the conversation around sound, listening, and environmental soundscapes.

Funding Details:

Selected Proposals will receive the following support for their event:

  • Up to $1,000.00 in programmatic support funds
  • Marketing assistance from MSAE
  • Access to MSAE membership network

Event Requirements:

  • The event must be open to the public.
  • Preference will be given to applications outside the Chicago area to help expand MSAE’s reach across the Midwest.
  • MSAE membership is not required to propose an event, however supporting MSAE members’ proposals will be our priority. 

Application Submission:

Applicants should submit a complete proposal that includes the following components:

  1. Contact Information: Include the contact person’s name, pronouns, role/affiliation, and any other relevant details.
  2. Applicant Background: Briefly describe yourself or your team. What relevant experience, interests, or perspectives do you bring to this event? Please also include a CV or resume to your submission.
  3. Location: Where will the event take place?
  4. Goals: What are the intended outcomes of the event?
  5. Connection to MSAE Organization and/or Mission: How does the event align with the mission of MSAE?
  6. Expected Community Impact: What is the expected impact on the local community, and how will the event foster engagement with sound and listening in their environment?
  7. Budget: A detailed budget for the event, including any expenses covered by the grant.

Eligibility: 

Artists, educators, community organizers, scholars, and individuals or organizations based in the Midwest. Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Timeline:

  • Proposal Deadline: June 1, 2025
  • Notification of Award: July 15, 2025
  • Proposed events should be between September 1, 2025 and May 1, 2026

Submission Instructions:

Please submit your completed application as a PDF or Word document to programs@mwsae.org.

Your submission should include a written proposal (1–3 pages) that addresses all required components listed above. 

You are welcome to include optional supporting materials such as images, sketches, audio/video links, or past work samples. These may be embedded in the proposal document or submitted as separate files if needed. For any questions or clarifications, please direct your inquiries to info@mwsae.org.