Art grants often fund projects to inspire young learners.
Grant seekers in the arts usually face high levels of competition, making it extremely important to hone their grant writing skills. Before looking for funding, develop a strong project concept so you fully understand what you wish to do. This will also help you target the right grants. Know also who (if anyone) will be participating in the implementation of your project, and the status (if applicable) of the organization you work with.
Following Instructions
Create an outline for the grant proposal before you start writing, including all sections the funder has requested in the call for proposals. If the funder hasn't given specific instructions, follow standard grant writing procedures. Begin with your needs statement, concisely stating the problem your project aims to solve; then state the goals (what you want to accomplish) and objectives (steppingstones to that goal); and write the methodology section, which describes your strategies for achieving those objectives. Include a detailed budget and an evaluation section at the end that shows how you'll measure your progress.
Using Research
Instead of expecting reviewers to instantly understand how your art project may benefit society, use solid research to make your case. Cite statistics about how your particular modality of art has improved communities and helped individuals to succeed. If your field is highly experimental, discuss similar fields. Remember that reviewers probably aren't experts in your field of the arts, so avoid jargon in the process. Drawing in central research in the needs statement and abstract will hook readers, making a great first impression.
Demonstrating Success
Particularly in your methodology section, demonstrate your ability to succeed in the type of project you're pursuing. If you're pursuing a public outreach project -- a central area of arts funding -- it helps to show you've done public outreach projects in the past. Having someone on your team who has done such projects also helps. Demonstrating your leadership abilities or marketing skills will show you have the potential to accomplish your goals. In short, artistic ability isn't enough. If you're a world-class violin player but have no outreach experience or a clear plan of reach people, you probably won't get funded. Clearly articulating a thoughtful plan that makes use of your interpersonal skills (or those of others on your team) will help you get funding, and achieve success.
Showing Distinctness
Show how your project differs from existing ones, or builds upon what they've accomplished. Articulate your own artistic vision as you describe your project in your introductory materials like the letter of inquiry, abstract and introduction. Also make sure you've explained your project concisely and clearly in the abstract and intro. Ask someone who's unfamiliar with your work to read these sections to find out if you've explained your work, and its distinct merits, clearly. Include supplemental materials, unless the call for proposals says not to, that illustrate your work. Musical recordings, a CD of images of your work and reviews of your art can all give reviewers a clearer picture of your project.
Fine-Tuning Writing
All grant writers must fine-tune their work. Cut out all unnecessary works, making ideas as concise as possible. Using primarily declarative sentences, which begin with the subject, will help make your writing clear. Do vary your sentence structure at times, particularly if you find your sentences all begin with "I," or "Our organization," but keep sentences short.
