Applying for grants can be a tedious process but is worth exploring as part of your ongoing artist’s strategy. If you’ve never applied for one before or have applied for a couple here and there and gotten rejected, these guidelines are for you.
- No grant application can stand in place of your work. Be sure the work you are submitting as part of the process is not only what the grantors are looking for but also is the very best of your work. Your images must be formatted exactly as requested. If you don’t know how to format your work for size or resolution, google it. If you are having your work professionally photographed, ask for files in the format requested by the granting organization.
- Apply for grants that are suitable for your work. This may sound elementary, but the grant application process is not unlike looking for a job. Sending out applications blindly is a waste of everyone’s time.
- Follow all instructions exactly. In most cases if you don’t follow instructions your application will be automatically rejected. If there is something you don’t understand, check the FAQs. If you don’t see the answer there, pick up the phone and call. There’s no need to feel uncomfortable about asking questions.
- Be sure that your writing is clear and concise. Avoid adverbs, flowery language and art-speak. Use adjectives sparingly. Say it well and say it once. Three beautifully constructed sentences that say the same thing confuse the reader. Pick one. Follow the number of words guidelines. Do not exceed them. Ask someone to proofread your work. First impressions count.
- Start small. Look for smaller grants. Once you have received a grant or two, this counts as experience in the world of getting grants. It gives funders a sense of security when they see you have won grants from other organizations. Be sure to include all grants, awards and residencies (or other forms of recognition) on your resume.
- If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again. There is no reason not to reapply for a grant for which you have previously been denied. There are more applicants than grants and competition is stiff.
- Don’t get discouraged.
- Make searching and applying for grants part of your regular task list.
A simple Google search will help you in finding grants as well as other artist opportunities. No need to reinvent the wheel so a good place to start is this article from Artwork Archive.
For other ways outside of traditional funding, check out Brained Carey’s Fund Your Dreams Like a Creative Genius.
If you need help writing your application (I’ve written a lot of successful ones) please don’t hesitate to reach out to contact me.
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