According to research by IBISWorld, federal arts funding has been in a state of decline since 1980. However, the good news is that there are local initiatives, including crowdfunding platforms like Causability, providing grants for creators. They make exciting collaborations between nonprofits and artists possible.
However, to secure one of these grants, you need to know how to write a winning proposal. So let’s review four steps you need to take to ensure your proposal hits the mark.
1. Do You Qualify?
Some art grants are geographically restricted. Thus, only artists living and working in the target area will be considered. This is one of the first things any artist should check. It will prevent you from wasting time on a proposal that can never gain approval.
If you live in the target area and meet any other qualifications, carefully read the small print. It’s easy to get excited about a project, only to realize later that you’ve gone off-piste. First, check the technicalities and then let your artistic juices start to flow.
2. Do Your Research
You can learn a lot about what the grantor is looking for by researching projects they have approved in the past. Of course, this is not about repeating the same ideas. But it can give you an idea of the scale and feel of projects they approve.
If the grant connects you with a nonprofit, consider what they’re looking for carefully. For example, do they work with a particular socio-economic group? Is fundraising their final goal? Do you need to get the audience involved?
Having all of these points clearly in mind will help you to formulate a winning concept.
3. Give Yourself Time
If the deadline is months away, it’s easy to put it off for another time. Then, before you know it, the deadline will be upon you or may even have passed. Remember, the deadline is the final date for submission. It’s much better to complete your project, submit it in plenty of time, and relax and focus on other projects.
4. Prepare Your Idea
Now it’s time to let the inspiration for your art project flow. Once you have the idea, include the following in your proposal:
- Describe your project in detail, including the materials and final outcome
- Discuss your influences and the message the project is communicating
- Explain how it will benefit the nonprofit
- Talk about its connection with the local community
Make sure that the format of your proposal meets the brief. It’s also beneficial to include examples of your past work, to show the standard you are able to produce.
Applying for Causability Art Grants
At Causability, we’re passionate about connecting local artists with nonprofits in mutually beneficial collaborations. We’re a crowdfunding platform working in the very heart of our communities, currently in Oklahoma County, OK, and Dallas County, TX areas.
Are you an artist with a passion for giving back? We offer grants of $5,000 for creators rather than expecting you to give your time away. Click here to start the application process right now!