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GRANT WRITING TIPS FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS
Tips on grant writing for individual artists (all disciplines) article courtesy of The Artists Foundation
Thank you
The first step to grant writing is to have a well written artist statement
(1/2 page version, 1 page version, and a 2 page version).This will help, you to focus on the writing of your grant narrative (this will also help
you with press release writing!). Be careful not to over use "art
speak" terms/language and write for an audience who has never interacted
with /seen your work. In other words, keep it simple, clear, and straight
forward. The committee reviewing your proposal needs to understand the
proposal the first time they read it.
The second step is to have good documentation/support materials of your
work. Slides/photographs/video documentation need to be done well (hire
a professional - it is worth the investment). Also save articles and reviews
of your work (this info can also help in the writing of your artist statement/grant
proposal). Project your slides to make sure they project well. Check the
viewing order of the visual support materials you are submitting carefully
(slides/photos etc..). Make sure the viewing order makes visual sense
to viewers. For example, if you are submitting a diptych- submit a slide
of the entire diptych first, followed by the details of the piece
(this goes for 3-D/ installation as well).
The question of sending a CD with JPEGs comes up more often. Not all
places have the technology necessary to view CDs. Call before you send
a CD to see if they have they accept them for review. Also remember that
technology does fail, so it might be wise to send slides or a print
out and a CD. The same holds true for DVDs- call and make sure they can
access the technology. Most places can listen to sound/music CDs. (continued below)
Always have two copies of the grant guidelines/form on hand (or make
copies). Use one of the forms as your working document (i.e.. write notes/questions
directly on this copy). Follow the directions/guidelines CLOSELY. Start
the grant well ahead of the deadline and have one to two people proof
read your proposal!! Do not send extra materials that aren't asked for.
Do not make lots of calls to the organization about the grant- be organized
with all your questions. They should be asked in one or two phone calls.
For the budget, factor in your labor time as well the cost of your materials
(make a lists of things you'll need and their price- that way when you
look for inkind donations you will have a better idea of what you need).
We also recommend that instead of researching grants by yourself, that
you should organize a group of artists to do the research together. It
will take you much less time to research grants with more people looking
and you can proof read each other's grant proposals!
Types of Grants
Individual artist grants/ Private
& Public Fellowships (specifically awarded to artists to make
their work and are usually unrestricted in how artists use the funds). Helpful Resources: The Foundation Center,
The Chronicle of Philanthropy,
Associated Grant Makers (AGM)Event and Residency grants - could
be also be under professional development. Alliance
of Artists Communities'
2000 Residency Directory
Project based grants - Artists usually
need a sponsoring/umbrella organization to apply for these moneys (i.e..
nonprofit with 501-3c number). These grants can cover these types of
projects: Public art projects* that are either community based (i.e..
the local community is working on the project with the artist(s)) or
a project in which the artist(s) are working independently/alone; film/video
projects; theater projects; projects* in which the artists are working
with a population/specific community (youth, seniors etc.). *UrbanArts
Institute (617-879-7973)
Inkind Support/ Volunteers/ Sponsorship
- identify businesses that can give you moneys/sponsorship; inkind donations
(materials, printing, computer programs, services); & Volunteers/Personal
etc.. The best place to do this is the Kirstein Business Branch of the
Boston Public Library- 20 City Hall Ave. (617-523-0860. This branch
has all kinds of information on local, state and national businesses
(annual reports of companies, directories of who makes what, and also
job information). If you can work with a nonprofit on soliciting inkind
Donations/Sponsorships it might entice the company more. A donation
to a non profit is considered a tax deductible contribution.
One of the best places to start researching grants is often your local arts organization.
Here are some of the questions you should be prepared to answer:
Does your organization have 501(c)3 status? Most grant makers typically provide funds for organizations that qualify for nonprofit status under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Individuals should check the grant specifications. Sometimes the specs will require affiliation with a 501 (c)3 organization even for individuals.
What is the mission of your organization? Do you have a written mission statement that explains clearly and concisely the services you provide and to whom you provide them? How well does your mission align with that of a potential funder?
What are the goals of the particular project for which you need funding? Can you demonstrate how the project meets a need in the community? Are there others providing services that meet the same need?
Who is in charge? What is the background of your management, staff, and trustees? Do you have the experience to accomplish the mission of your organization and of the particular project for which you are seeking funding?
Where does your funding come from? Be prepared to disclose all of your income sources. Funders generally want to see some indication of continued support. Suggest other sources of alternate or partial funding you have or are considering.
Need Something Neat for A Nook?
Abundant Artist supports NOVICA in their efforts to help artisans around the world receive a fair wage for their products. For an special, even one-of-a-kind gift, think of Abundant Artist's NOVICA affiliation. It will be a win/win/win/win that way.
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