The trustees of the micro-philanthropic group A2Awesome have awarded their 4th $1,000 grant toward the creation of "awesomeness" in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area.

The funds were handed over in a brown paper bag to Amanda Sari Perez, a co-founder of Syncytium, which is an open group dedicated to creating large-scale, interactive art in the Ann Arbor and Detroit communities. The funds will be used to complete the construction of a 16-foot (radius) geodesic dome out of 1.5-inch thick electrical conduit. The structure, says Perez, is intended to serve as a platform on which others in the community can express their creativity.

“The dome will be deployed at A2 Maker Faire, Detroit Maker Faire, Figment, and Lakes of Fire - all of which are local events that support creativity and community, and celebrate the arts, and DIY building,” Perez said in a press release. “And I want it to be readily available for others in the Ann Arbor area, who have the space to host it, and creative ideas concerning how to use it.”

Among other things, Syncytium plans to stretch cargo netting across the inside of the dome and use it as a jungle gym, and cover it with lights, using it as a portable shelter for DJs performing in the Detroit area. “Other people,” said Perez, “may want to use it for parties, fundraisers, gatherings, or performances. They may want to hang hammocks or swings inside of it. They may want to cover it in some way, or leave it open.” Ultimately, according to Perez, she would like to see it find a semi-permanent home where it could exist as a giant instrument, filled with cords that would trigger sound, either electronically or mechanically, when tugged or clambered upon.

According to A2Awesome Board Member Linh Song, Perez’s dome project was chosen as this month’s recipient, because “It’s the kind of thing that could continue to foster awesomeness for years to come. Not only will people be able to play on it at Maker Faire, which is awesome in its own right, but it’ll exist as an easily-transportable cultural asset that could be used in hundreds of different ways. We’re excited to see how it inspires people. The potential is endless.”

This is the fourth grant to be awarded by A2Awesome. The first grant was given to Nathan Ayers, of Ann Arbor, who is presently using his award to build two bike-powered vegetable grow racks, which will be used in the K-12 science classes that he teaches in Ann Arbor and Detroit. The second grant was awarded to Ozone House, for the creation of an in-house gym facility for the at-risk youth with whom they work. And the third grant went to the Bona Sera Supper Club for the creation of a restaurant in downtown Ypsilanti that will help support their philanthropic work.

A2 Awesome, which is composed of 13 individuals, is organized under the banner of the Boston-based Awesome Foundation. The stated purpose of the local group, according to chairwoman Lisa Dengiz, is “to provide streamlined seed funding for creative folks and projects that bring spirit, wonder and awesomeness to our local community.” The organization intends to make one grant a month for the foreseeable future. All grants will be in the amount of $1,000.

Those with creative, inspired ideas are encouraged to apply for the grant online. Grant deadlines are on the last day of each month.

Every month, chapter trustees contribute their own personal funds toward a $1,000, no-strings-attached grant to an awesome project that promises to make life better. In addition to Dengiz and Song, the group includes Mark Maynard, Dick Soble, Paul Saginaw, Jeff Meyers, Heather MacKenzie, Monique Deschaine, Hans Masing, Alice Liberson, Omari Rush, Tanya Luz and Larry Gant.

Created in 2009 in Boston, the Awesome Foundation now has chapters in more than 30 cities across the globe. In addition to the new Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti chapter, there are Awesome Foundation outposts in both Detroit and Grand Rapids. Projects funded have included efforts in a wide range of areas including technology, arts, social good, and beyond.