FAQ's


*What is leisure?

According to Merriam Webster leisure is, "freedom provided by the cessation of activities; especially: time free from work or duties. "But that's just a dictionary definition. Do with that what you will. What we are interested in is your own ideas of leisure.

One person might unwind by drawing a piping hot bath, popping in the latest Enya cd, applying just the right mixture of essential oils and getting in touch with their chi. Yet, for someone else downtime could consist of making replicas of national landmarks by whittling soap, or learning how to taxidermy by trial and error, or packing up the car and heading to the beach to whale watch and have a clam bake.

The possibilities are endless. These are just a few examples to help you get a sense of how open-ended leisure can be. It's truly up to you.

*How can I apply for a $500 leisure grant?

We are currently in between grant seasons. Please check back in the fall for deadlines. In the meanwhile, you can spend some time drumming up a leisure project or two. As we stated above, the range is vast. You may want to jot your ideas down on a piece of paper so when it comes time to apply, you’ll be ready. The application itself is quite simple. It consists of two parts: Your proposal for your leisure project and an itemized budget of the costs involved in your leisure project

*What sorts of projects were awarded leisure grants?

Haivan Ngo’s leisure project consists of a four-day camping trip with her four-year-old son. Their trip includes a stop at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center where they will admire dolphins, jellyfish and the world’s largest whale skeleton. The mother and son duo will camp at Manresa State Park in Watsonville, where they will spend their days hiking and learning about native and invasive plant species, while their nights will be dedicated to stargazing and marshmallow roasting.

Peter Glover’s leisure project consists of repairing and restoring a skateboard ramp in the backyard of an apartment complex in Oakland. The ramp was built with salvaged lumber and recycled materials and incorporated flora such as palm, jasmine and lemon trees. In its heyday it was a mecca for local skaters. When the ramp’s creator started a family several years ago, his priorities shifted and the ramp fell into a state of disrepair. Peter Glover will use his $500 leisure grant to restore the ramp to its earlier greatness, purchase a barbecue and invite skateboarders and community members to enjoy grilling and skating.

*If I’m not the greatest writer will that be a strike against me when my application is reviewed?

Not to worry, prospective grantees are not being judged on writing skills and ability. Instead, our panel of independent leisure experts is simply looking at your proposed leisure project and evaluating its leisure quotient.

*Just who are these independent leisure experts and what are they looking for in a leisure project?

Our leisure experts do not work for the Bay Area Leisure Foundation. They recognize that leisure is a uniquely personal endeavor and will be considering the grant applications with that very notion in mind.

*Who is eligible for a $500 leisure grant?

You are if you either live or work in the Bay Area.

*What if my leisure project costs more than $500?

The sky is the limit as far as your budget goes, but unfortunately the Bay Area Leisure Foundation is only offering grants in the amount of $500. So that means that if your project costs $2000, and you were awarded a $500 grant, you’d have to come up with the remaining $1500. You’ll notice on the budget page of the application there is space for you to explain how you plan to fund your project if its costs exceed $500. If you are proposing a project that costs more than $500, the jurors will want to see that you have lined up the necessary resources to cover your budget.

*If I am awarded a leisure grant am I required to do any sort of follow up beyond executing my leisure project?

Yes, but not much. We request that within a month after you have completed your leisure project you submit a short summary of your downtime and how the grant effected your life.