What is grant writing?
A Comprehensive Guide for Creatives
Written by: Miles McKeller-Smith
December 6, 2023
Finding money for your creative projects can be an intimidating process if you don’t know where to start. Artists often think they need big investors that will fund their projects in full and often overlook opportunities that may be right in front of them. Grants are one of those resources that are often an underutilized resource by various artists. While some creatives such as filmmakers are typically directed to grants to fund their projects, any artist can find funding opportunities for their work. In this article we’ll explain grant writing, how to apply to them, and where to find grant opportunities
Table of Contents
- What are grants?
- Who can apply?
- Common Grant Application Questions
- Where to Find Grant Opportunities
What is grant writing?
Grants are financial support offered to individuals or organizations to help them complete their creative projects. Basically, they’re sums of money that you may be awarded and you don’t have to pay back. Look at grants like an endorsement of your creative vision, a formal acknowledgment that the concept of your project has merit. Unlike loans, grants are not financial obligations but rather investments in the realization of your ideas. With that in mind, grant writing is the process applying to various grants to acquire project funding.
Who can apply?
Grant eligibility will vary with each funding opportunity. For example, if you are applying to an artist support grant through your local or state arts council or arts commission, they may accept applications for all types of creative projects, but they may limit applications to residents of the city or state where the organization is based. With that in mind, there are plenty of grant opportunities for almost every art form if you’re willing to do the research and find opportunities for artists like yourself.
How to apply?
Applying for grants can be a simple process! Although every grant is different, there’s a common thread of questions that you can expect to answer regardless of the application. Let’s look at some fundamental questions that you should craft well-thought answers for.
Common Grant Application Questions
Project summary
The project summary in a grant application is like giving your art project a quick and catchy introduction. It’s your chance to explain in a nutshell what your project is all about. Think of it as a short and exciting preview of your idea. You want to grab attention and make it clear why your project is worth supporting. Keep it snappy and interesting so that whoever reads it gets excited about your project and wants to read more.
Project narrative
Project narratives serve as the heart of an artist’s grant proposal. This is where you provide a detailed and engaging explanation of your project. Articulate its concept, goals, and artistic process. Can you think of any ways that your project aligns with the mission of the grant organization or the specific grant opportunity? This would be a clever place to work that into your application. What’s the final product of your project? A tangible piece of visual art? A musical performance? A film screening? A well-crafted project narrative not only informs but also captivates, allowing grant reviewers to fully understand the artist’s creative journey and envision their work coming to life.
Project Budget
The project budget in a grant application is the artist’s financial roadmap and is a crucial tool to convince grantors that the completion of your project is realistic. It details the estimated costs associated with every aspect of the project, including materials, equipment, personnel, and other relevant expenses. A well-prepared budget not only reflects the artist’s financial responsibility but also demonstrates a clear understanding of the project’s scope. Artists should ensure that their budget aligns with the grant guidelines and provides a realistic and transparent overview of how the grant funds will be used.
Project Impact
Project impact sections are where artists explain how their art can make a real difference. It’s not just about the cool things they’re creating; it’s about the positive changes their art could bring to people, communities, and/or their own career. Discuss the long-lasting effects your work might have on culture, society, or whatever’s important to you. It’s a chance to show how your art is more than just something nice to experience – it’s something that can really matter and make the world a better place.
Furthermore, project impact is a great place to explain how this project will help you grow as an artist. Is this project an opportunity that will move your career forward? Grant reviewers need to know that! Be specific and honest about how this will nurture your creative growth.
Biography
This is where you introduce yourself. (Surprise!) Of course you should address the essentials: your background, education, and experiences that make you the perfect fit for the grant. But you should also take this opportunity to insert your personality into your application. What makes you, you? I know this can be a big, vague, question for some creatives, but if it’s one that you haven’t already asked yourself – now’s a great time.
Additionally, you should highlight your artistic journey, achievements, and any relevant training or education. This is the place to showcase what makes you uniquely qualified to bring you project to life. A compelling biography not only establishes credibility but also helps grant reviewers understand you behind your proposal, creating a connection that strengthens your overall case for funding.
Creative team
In the creative team section, you will introduce your collaborators (if any) who will bring their project to fruition. It’s a chance to highlight the diverse talents and skills that each team member brings to the table. You should briefly introduce team members, emphasizing their relevant experiences, expertise, and roles within the project. This section showcases the strength and synergy of the creative team, assuring grant reviewers that the project is in capable hands. Whether it’s fellow artists, technicians, or collaborators from different fields, the creative team section is an opportunity to convey the collective power and capability behind the envisioned artistic endeavor.
Timeline
The timeline is your chance to outline the step-by-step plan for bringing your project to life. It’s like a roadmap that helps both the artist and the grant reviewers understand how and when each phase of the project will happen. Artists break down their project into manageable chunks, giving an estimation of when they’ll start and finish each part. This section ensures clarity on the project’s trajectory, and demonstrates your ability to thoughtful plan and commit to meeting project deadlines. A well-structured timeline not only serves as a guide for the artist but also assures grantors that the project is feasible and will progress smoothly within the proposed time frame.
References
Think about some people in your network that can endorse your work. These can be collaborators, instructors/mentors, organizations, etc. Including strong and relevant references adds credibility to your grant proposal. Artists should choose references who can speak to their artistic talent, work ethic, and the potential impact of the proposed project.
Every grant application is different, but if you prepare solid responses to these sections, then you’ll be ready for different funding opportunities – especially when you find out about that perfect grant the day before the application is due.
Where to find grant opportunities?
crEATe Artist Opportunities Spreadsheet
We have an extensive list of funding opportunities available to various artists. The art forms are separated by tabs at the bottom of the page; find one that interests you and check out what grants are available. This is a live spreadsheet and is constantly being updated with new opportunities. We recommend saving the link to any grants that you’re considering.
Explore the crEATe Artist Opportunities Spreadsheet here.
State and local arts councils or arts commissions
Local and state arts councils and arts commissions are awesome places for artists to find grant opportunities. These organizations exist to support and fund creative projects in your community. They often have specific grants just for artists like you! It’s like a treasure hunt in your own neighborhood – these grants are designed to help artists bring their ideas to life. Artists often underutilize these incredible resources, so go find your local arts council and see what you can apply for. Find your artist council here.
Nonprofits and Universities
Other nonprofit organizations that cater to the arts may also have grants that they award to artists. Some ideas for organizations to consider could be galleries, collectives, educational groups. Universities may also have grant opportunities for their students. crEATe actually received some of its initial funding from a university grant! Applications will usually be limited to students of the school that is offering the grant, but it’s worth double checking.
Creative companies (Adobe, Leica, Canon, etc)
Companies such as Adobe, Leica, and others do regular competitions for artists to apply for funding. Though all of these are not always grants, per se, their application process usually consists of the same elements. Since these opportunities are hosted through large, trusted organizations, you can expect to have much more competition. However, if you’re awarded one of these you can gain the added bonus of exposure to the brand’s audience; on top of the money for your creative endeavors.
Conclusion
When it comes to raising money for your creative projects, grants should definitely be a part of your strategy. Let this article be a guide to help you start the process of grant writing. Honestly, even if you aren’t planning on applying to a grant soon, this can be a great exercise to make sure you have a deep understanding of your project. Applications can be a great way to find loopholes in your project or important questions that you maybe haven’t asked yourself yet.
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