With Love, Frankie
A Micro-Grant
This micro-grant honors the life and legacy of Frankie Alinda Foltz; a woman of extraordinary resilience, deep compassion, and quiet brilliance.
Born in Chicago on July 16, 1950, Frankie was a force of nature. A gifted mind and tenacious spirit, she graduated early from Hirsch High School and earned a certificate in Social Work from Kennedy King College. At just 26, she began her career with the Cook County Department of Corrections, eventually rising to the rank of Captain; a rare feat for a Black woman in that environment and time. She navigated difficult systems with both poise and purpose, never losing sight of her mission to serve.
Frankie was the ultimate way-maker. She crocheted clothes in the winter to keep her children warm, and gardened in the spring to keep them fed. She lived love through action, with unwavering dedication to her family, her community, and her calling.
Even in retirement, she remained a pillar, nurturing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with the same tenderness and care. Her life was a masterclass in grace, grit, and generational strength. Frankie’s legacy teaches us the value of unapologetic independence, of using what you have to uplift others, and of leading with both fire and faith.
This grant is for those who reflect that spirit in their creative lives. It’s not about fame. It’s about heart. It’s for the storytellers, the soul-healers, the builders… those who remind us of what truly matters.
Grant Application Details:
Honoring Integrity. Family. Faith. Determination.
In celebration of the life and legacy of Frankie Foltz; our Founder’s grandmother, a woman who lived with deep purpose, creativity, and unwavering love - we’re offering a $500 micro-grant to uplift an artist or musician in our community who embodies the spirit she carried. Frankie believed “to whom much is given, much is required”. At PEC, we’ve been given much- and looking to pay it forward as we can.
This isn’t about fame or fanfare. It’s for the ones who create from the soul; who bring healing, joy, resistance, and remembrance through their art. Folks who show up for others, lead with integrity, and let their work speak love, truth, and purpose.
You don’t need a big platform-just a big heart. We’re seeking nominations for artists and musicians whose presence reminds you of Frankie: steady, generous, rooted in community.
To nominate someone:
Submit a short write-up (max 250 words) and a sample of their work by July 13, 2025. Details on how to submit are in the application. Work samples are required for consideration.
Let’s honor the ones painting light and singing truth into the world.
Happy Birthday, Grandma!
Application Rules:
1. Eligibility
Nominee must be a working artist or musician (any discipline welcome) who demonstrates creativity, integrity, and a heart for community.
Nominees do not need to be business owners, signed artists, or affiliated with a gallery, label, or institution.
Open to residents of the U.S., ages 18 and up.
2. Who Can Nominate
Anyone can nominate someone else—friends, family, collaborators, community members.
3. How to Nominate
Submit a written statement (max 250 words) explaining why your nominee embodies the spirit of Frankie Foltz—integrity, determination, faith, creativity, and community-mindedness.
Include at least one work sample from the nominee (e.g. link to music, performance, visual art, writing, etc.). Nominations without work samples will not be considered.
4. Submission Deadline
All nominations must be submitted by 11:59 PM CT on July 13, 2025.
Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
5. Selection Process
A review committee will evaluate all eligible nominations based on alignment with the spirit of the grant, originality, and impact.
Recipient will be notified by July 15, 2025, and announced publicly at the City Winery Performance in celebration of Frankie Foltz’s birthday.
6. Award
One recipient will receive a $500 micro-grant, delivered via check or electronic transfer within 14 business days of award announcement.
7. Additional Notes
Work samples must be accessible online (Google Drive, Dropbox, YouTube, Instagram, portfolio link, etc.).
Only one nomination per artist will be reviewed.
By submitting, you give Pink Elephant Creatives permission to feature selected excerpts of the winning nomination and/or work for celebratory purposes.