Grant Writing Basics
Carefully Read the Grant Guidelines
Take note of deadlines, the type of support materials required, necessary letters of support and proof of charitable tax status. Create a list of necessary items and gather them early – a rushed letter of support doesn’t help your application!
Different funding bodies have different rules about eligible expenses. Some grants allow for administrative positions, while others only support purchased materials. Also stay within the requested word count and use the preferred submission method – you don’t want to be eliminated on something so minor!
Make a Good First Paper Impression
Ensure that the proposal has consistent and readable fonts. A font size of 12 is good. This is not the place to try out a new stylized font that’s hard to read. Most grants require you to print on 8 1⁄2 x 11 paper. Do not staple the papers! (Your proposal will be photocopied and given to a jury, and staples make more work).
Samples
Most arts councils require sample work with the application. Ensure that the sample you are sending is relevant to the project and in a format the jurors can view or listen to.
Give a Background to the Community, Artists and Need
While many jury members are chosen from within the Manitoba art community, you cannot assume they have heard of you, the artist or the community. It is helpful to provide an accurate description of everyone involved. This can be in the form of artist bios, community centre board documents or a description of the community. Paint a clear image for the jurors of the where and who of the project.
Market it
Basic marketing is about writing for your audience and knowing your product. Each grant proposal will need to be tailored to a specific grant depending on the granting organization and guidelines. A proposal to an arts council will focus on the art, the artist and work to be created. A proposal to a family support organiza- tion would focus on the needs of the community and children. Read through the granting organization’s literature, website and annual report. What key words keep appearing? Can you use these words in your application to help build com- monality?