Urban Prankster, one of the non-Bible blogs I read, recently highlighted something called the Instant Grant Program. The general idea is to raise money and give it away quickly and easily to artists who just need some cash to get started on their projects.

From The Federation of Students and Nominally or Unemployed Artists website:

The FSNUA aims to re-inspire creative thinking and action in everyday people by removing a small barrier and providing encouragement. We give small, unsecured grants in the form of $10-$60 for creative projects thought up on the spot by everyday people. In the past this has included a merchant marine, two 10 year old girls, a US soldier on leave from Iraq, an accordion player from Alaska, and around 40 others. We funded their new paintings, drawings, knitting, and photojournalism projects, and the repair of one accordion. Projects that may not have happened had they not come across 10 people in the park to support and inspire the thought.

Beyond the small amount of money, the project encourages people to see themselves as something other than workers or consumers even if it just for the length of time required to apply for the FSNUA grant. We also hope to re-inspire dormant desires to create while presenting an example of generosity without an ulterior motive.

Here’s a video of them handing out grants in a park:

Instant Grant Program from Steve Lambert on Vimeo.

Personally, I think this is wonderful. It’s hard to hear about people wistfully talk about some kind of art they would be doing if they could just afford X, Y or Z. It’s also, to me, a great picture of how to show love to our neighbors and community.

Should churches replicate this idea? Other thoughts?