Why the Poor Stay Poor in America - Grants For Artists And Others

“President Biden’s fiscal year 2023 budget builds upon the administration’s previous historic investments in the arts and recognizes the critical role of the National Endowment for the Arts in supporting American communities,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) statement on this administration’s 2023 budget , proposing $203.55 million for the continued support of the NEA

I’m veering slightly off topic for today’s post…maybe. But if you are a talented artist (this means you, writers!) but struggling financially, or even doing well, but want to take your career to the next level… or you are a prospective college student without a trust fund and trying to piece together a financial aid package, you should explore the many grant options available.

While it is not totally “free money”—you have to work to get it, work to use it in the case of art grants or maintain a certain grade point for student grants. And most of the time for arts grants you must document how you have used the money, and the contribution your grants-funded project has made to the community. And if you think about each of these requirements, it’s only fair that grant recipients demonstrate they are worthy of the money, and how their use of the money has contributed to the greater community. And that’s what artists (and hopefully college grads) do—contribute to and enrich their local and greater communities.

When it comes time for government, philanthropic and business support of the arts, the funding must be generous. We know that in general, the arts enrich us as individuals and communities beyond measure. What is the value of a robust arts education and music programs in the public schools? Unfortunately, schools in poorer neighborhoods often don’t have the money for arts programs, or it is the first area that is cut when budgeting for the school year. That’s just one way the poor and marginalized communities are shortchanged, and it has a lasting impact.

Thankfully, President Biden just issued a proclamation establishing the month of October 2022, as The National Arts and Humanities Month, and jointly issued an Executive Order on “Promoting the Arts, the Humanities, and Museum and Library Services” —a first for our Executive Branch:

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Given this renewed emphasis and funding for the arts, this might be the prime time to apply for grants. For close to five years, I co-wrote grants for a small arts organization in Columbus, Ohio, which continues to bring acoustic singer-songwriters from across the country for Central Ohio Audiences to enjoy. I’m on my 27th year volunteering for this organization, and I learned so much about grant writing from my experience, I thought it would be helpful to share with you a few of the application and grant writing tips I’ve compiled.

But first, I’ll list some national arts organizations, and the government’s Pell Grant website that provide grants to artists and prospective college students for your review and possible application. (Note that Pell Grants, too, received a recent influx of funding!). And don’t forget to check your community for local arts organizations that make grants available for individual artists and groups. It might be best to start local, particularly for artist funding.

“The Arts . . . belong to all the people of the United States.”

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is the only arts funder in the United States—public or private—that provides access to the arts in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. jurisdictions. Each year, we award thousands of grants to provide everyone in the United States with diverse opportunities for arts participation.

See the NEA’s Grants page here: https://www.arts.gov/grants

2. Arts Bridges doesn’t fund individual artists, but instead supports partners and projects to bring American art to a wider audience. Their site helps you learn how a different type of art funding works:

   https://artbridgesfoundation.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvq2BiMjC-gIVGcmUCR3LQwUbEAAYASAAEgK_FfD_BwE

3. At the top of this Google Search page is a list of national foundations that provide artist grant funding. Why not explore these opportunities?

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Art+funding+organizations&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAOOQMZJMLCpRSCvNS8nMS1fIL0pPzMusSizJzM8rjjLzAzMScxQci0qKUSUVSjISSxQKivLLMlNSFYBmZBaXKKQXJeaVFJ9i5NLP1TcwMTCuzDU7xcgJ4pimpVTkQNmGBYVVRVBFRZVlyQUGUIn0lILiglOMvPrp-oaGGWkVZVWWFhVQOYssY8NiKDvDJLesCspOSSnPs4SyjcyTMkx_MUo64vJRAwvjIlbc0rfYJBlMP7YycRTfVVL_0eQ2xTkpS-3VjSoraXENAMVJRc0qAQAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi5tf2jysL6AhUyjYkEHRTACAAQ4qYDegQISRAI&biw=1920&bih=930&dpr=1

4. Just one example of grants and fellowships specific to writers from Poets and Writers Magazine:

https://www.pw.org/tags/markets/grants

5. Pell Grants: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell

If you are an individual artist, it’s important to look at the big picture of your career and how it might be boosted if you receive a grant. Applying for and hopefully receiving a grant, no matter the size of the monetary award, could jump start your career. Any type of award provides you with funds to implement a new project you envision and/or resources to buy much needed equipment for your work. For example, I plan to apply for a grant from a local arts funding source to expand this newsletter. The award is fairly small, up to $1,200, but it would be enough to buy the equipment I need to expand my podcast and perhaps give me a bit of breathing room as I concentrate on research for this newsletter.

I was surprised to learn that the more you apply for and receive grants, the greater your chances for larger awards from the same organization, or fellowships and internships with other institutions and organizations awarding funds. If you work is good enough for one or more grants, you are then a more attractive candidate to get additional funds.

And finally, here are a few grant writing tips that I put together to help you fill out these sometimes daunting applications:

                                           TOP TEN (PLUS) GRANT WRITING TIPS

1. Know Your Funding Source

__ You must thoroughly research the grantor and where it gets the funds it distributes. The more you know about the grantor, the easier it is for you to demonstrate in your answers that you understand their organization and its needs. It really isn't about you!

__One way to conduct this research is by reading as much of the material on the grantor's entire website, in addition to the grant application and its instructions. This includes the grantor’s press releases if available, and recent articles written about their organization. Publicly funded organizations often go into great detail defining the terms used in their applications, and having a thorough understanding of these terms will help you better understand how to answer their questions.

Note: When money for grants is often reduced drastically in hard times, funding organizations often make changes to their grants and grant schedules to continue to function with reduced funds. These organizations may eliminate some grants and/or decrease or change the yearly grant cycles to reduce overall funding. And these things change at a moment's notice, so as you're researching and writing the application, check back frequently with the funder's website. (Once you have registered online for an application, you will usually receive notice of changes or updates by e-mail).

2. Pay Special Attention To The Organization's Mission Statement

__ It will help your chances if your answers directly address (within the framework of the questions) those ideas and principles that the organization cares about most. It also can help if you repeat some of the words and concepts that are used on the funder's website in your answers (don't go overboard!) It demonstrates that you've read their site, care about what they do and think, and want to carry on their mission through your work… and with their money!

3. Pick the Right Grant For You

__ You, the applicant, must meet the grant specifications exactly. Some grants are gender specific, have age and/or state or country residency requirements. Some grants are for new or "emerging" works only, while others are for those established in their profession or trade with an extensive body of work. Read through the grantor's website and the grant application. If it seems like a stretch for you to answer any of the questions honestly, or you think you'll  have trouble making a compelling case for yourself and your project, this grant may not be the best fit for you. If you are still unsure of the appropriateness of a particular grant, call and ask. Grantors prefer you to do this rather than giving them one more application to read and toss aside.

4. Answer The Exact Question Asked

__ Many times grant application questions seem to overlap. Even if you're convinced that the questions are forcing you to repeat yourself, they're probably not. Give the grantor the benefit of the doubt—they spent a lot of time producing that application, and they know exactly what kind of information they want from the applicant.

5. Use Simple, Direct Language To Answer Each Question

__ "Big words" will not make you sound smarter, or make it more likely that you will receive funding, it just makes you sound pretentious. And they are not necessary for a grant application.

__ Cut the clutter! Review each draft answer for unnecessary words. For example, "I am planning on using the money..." can be cut to: "I will use the money..." "Due to the fact that" can be cut to "Because".

Not only do you want to make your point in the most direct manner, you may have a strict word or character count for each question, so make every word mean something, not just take up space.

_ ** Always have someone else read your grant application before you submit it. Ask them to proofread for typos and whether the substance of what you have written makes sense-to both someone in your field and a layperson.**

6. "Make A Case" For Yourself And Your Project

__ You must persuade the grantor through your words (and perhaps photos of your work) that you deserve to receive some of their limited funds. One of the best ways to do this is to organize the information that you provide for each question in a clear, logical manner. Don't let your ideas "leap around" of go off on tangents.

__ Choose strong, affirmative words that demonstrate your passion for your work and your desire to help others with your project, as appropriate.

__ Write in the active rather than the passive voice. Example: "I will do this" rather than "This will be done by me".

7. Be Humble

__ Remember that you are not entitled to any money from the grantor, and there are many talented, well-intentioned people applying for the same money. Receiving free money from the taxpayers or through the good will of a foundation is a privilege, not a right, so choose your words accordingly.

__The tone of your answers as well as their substance is extremely important. A grant application is not the place for sarcasm, negativity or casting aspersions on anyone or any organization.

8. Ask Not What The Grantor Can Do For You, Demonstrate What You Will Do For Others With Their Money

__ Don't make your answers about you and what you're "interested in' or are "inspired by" (unless the application specifically asks). Usually, your answers should focus on what you and your work will do to help individuals or groups, and the community at large.

__You must think about what other people (like the granting organization and the panel members) want to know. You have to get outside what you find interesting, and think about what other people find interesting.

Remember: Public money is used to benefit the public, even if it is given to you.

9. Take Advantage Of All Help The Grantor Offers

__ Many grantors, particularly those that are publicly funded, offer free grant writing workshops, the opportunity to submit drafts and receive written feedback and some hold a public meeting where the grantor discusses their comments on your final submission and scores you application. Additionally, you may be able to schedule an in-person meeting to discuss the comments on your draft application.

10. If You Receive A Grant

__Celebrate but get to work! Many grants have strict timelines during which you must complete your project. Many publicly funded grants require that you keep receipts and produce a report on your project by a certain deadline — and you must do this or risk having to return those tax payer dollars! Note: Many private foundations and fellowships also require some documentation that you have completed your project.

11. If You Don't Receive A Grant

__ Be gracious to those who did-and vice versa. The competition is tough!

12. If You Are Asked To Submit Images

__The images must grab them. Try and anticipate what the viewer will wonder about when looking at each image, and then answer those questions in your written work. Think about what people usually ask you when they see your work for the first time, then address those questions. If you're not a great photographer, have a professional take the photos.

13. If You're Just Not A Great Writer

__Pay or trade services with a professional grant writer to write it for you. Paying a professional often proves to be the best use of limited funds.

Later this week (I’m aiming for Thursday, October 6). I plan to hold our first “Thread” when you can visit, comment and ask me questions about grant writing. I’ll look forward to chatting with you!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on grants and grant writing. Have you applied for a grant or multiple grants? What was your experience? Any other thoughts? Let me know in the Comment Section below!

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