Tips for grant writing

[Louis Lame]

I'm applying for some emerging artist grants in the fall and I figured this would be a good place to ask for some basic advice. I live in Canada so the process is probably different, but if any FOTs have experience writing successful grant applications tips would be appreciated.

[JustSheaNo]

First off, good luck.

Second, there are alot of resources for basic grantwriting on the web. Here's one from the South Carolina State Library in participation with the Foundation Center (fdncenter.org).

A book I like to refer people to is The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing by Jane C. Geever.

In Canada, the Council for the Arts has information sessions specifically on grant-writing.

Questions for you:
Were you invited to apply for the grant, or is it an open RFP? Your approach may vary slightly depending on the circumstances under which you are applying/are being considered.

[tenni]

I'm applying for some emerging artist grants in the fall and I figured this would be a good place to ask for some basic advice. I live in Canada so the process is probably different, but if any FOTs have experience writing successful grant applications tips would be appreciated.

I'm also from Canada so I'm assuming you are applying for the FACTOR Grant or something similar?

Vish did a really great piece in Exclaim! a few years ago, which you can still read here:
http://exclaim.ca/musicschool/needtoknow.aspx?csid1=72

I also think there's a seminar this Tuesday April 20th that you can stream online titled, “How To Successfully Apply to FACTOR”.

FACTOR will answer any questions about applying and give the information needed to put together the best possible application.  This interactive two hour round table discussion is open to all interested individuals and the FACTOR staff will be present to provide tips, dispel myths and answer questions on all the programs available.

Topics will include:

• How to get through the paperwork and make the best possible application
• How to make the process run smoother for both you and the FACTOR staff
• Questions on the type of documents and information you need to include with application
• Questions about the online submission process
• How FACTOR can help you with your musical career

The seminar will be held Tuesday, April 20th from 5:00-7:00pm, at the FACTOR offices, 30 Commercial Road, Toronto, ON. For those who are  unable to attend but would like to to listen in on the discussion, please visit http://www.factorseminars.ca for live audio streaming.

http://www.factor.ca/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=144

Hope this helps!

[Louis Lame]

Yes! Thanks so much dudes, yea one is a FACTOR grant, the other is a provincial grant. That exclaim video is great and I'll definitely check out that workshop.

Thanks

[thom]

Complement the approval committee's sexual prowess.

[Spalding]

I work for an agency in the US that gives grants to artists. After reading the organization's guidelines thoroughly and making sure you're eligible, another important first step is calling and talking with the organization's grant officer. Run your project ideas by them to make sure it fits within their guidelines. Some organizations will also review a draft proposal and give feedback on it. Take advantage of this if it's offered. Also, ask if you can see a copy of a recent successful proposal.

[Louis Lame]

This is wonderful advice, I'm gonna go in there feeling like a total pro thanks to you guys.

Spalding- as someone in the industry, how do you feel about thom's advice?


Thanks dudes