Are you dreaming of taking a watercolor workshop? Are you longing for snazzier frames? Would you like to finally launch your own website?  Maybe it’s time for you to apply for an art grant. A grant is a gift (not a loan) of money to further the goals of an artist or an arts organization, and it may be just what you need to advance your artistic journey. Last fall, I decided to take the plunge and write my first grant proposal. I am happy to report that I received a Regional Artist Project Grant from The United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County to attend the 2008 Charles Reid watercolor workshop organized by WSNC. Below I outline what I’ve learned from my grant writing experience.

Set clear goals. Artists have the same need for money as most folks,  but to receive a grant an artist has to identify a specific art-related need. Take the time to clearly define a feasible goal that costs a specific amount of money. For example you may want to take a course or workshop, mount an exhibition, produce a catalog or create marketing material.

Find the right match. When it comes to getting grants shared goals are essential.  Find the organization that provides funds for exactly what you want to accomplish. It is critical not to twist and distort your goals to fit the expectations of the funding source. For example, when I read the goal statement for the Regional Artist Project Grants I thought “hey, that’s me they’re talking about”.

Share your passion. Your artwork will speak to your talent, but your proposal has to illuminate what motivates you to create. It is important to let the grantor know that you have the drive to meet your goal.

Follow directions. Being unique is wonderful when you’re painting.  However, when preparing a grant proposal it is best to do as you’re told. Include all the requested material in an organized packet. Write your narrative to include all the required information. If the prospectus stipulates a one page narrative, three pages will not be even more impressive. Put yourself into the place of the person receiving your packet. Spare that person the headache of searching for missing items or reading through a long rambling narrative. Make sure your submission is clear and to the point.

Create a realistic project budget.  Make sure you request enough money to complete your goal. This requires careful planning.  Contact people who have done similar projects. Ask if there were any unexpected costs. Get current estimates. Don’t base your budget on last year’s prices. Once you have gathered this information present it in a clear and concise budget.  Be sure to note all costs even those that you may plan to cover yourself. 

Get feedback. Show your proposal to other artists who have taken on similar projects. Grantors will sometimes organize meetings to assist applicants in the preparation of their proposal. Some organizations generously offer to preview submissions. Take full advantage of this assistance.

If at first you don’t succeed try, try again.  It is important to persevere and not let rejection paralyze you.   If you get a rejection letter, ask “Why?” Contact the granting organization for feedback on the proposal; ask “Who was accepted?” “What’s next?” Focusing on my next project helps me stop dwelling on my rejection and get on with my life.

Grant Sources to investigate:

North Carolina Arts Council www.ncarts.org  (919) 807-6500

Americans for the Arts www.artsusa.org

The Foundation Center www.foundationcenter.org (212) 620-4230