FUNDING.
HOW CAN EASTERN RIVERINA ARTS HELP YOU GET IT?
We all have great ideas. But before any organisation will fund them there is a lot of work to be done. Identifying a funding opportunity is the easiest part. Grants are becoming more and more competitive. So how do you ensure your grant application is on top of the pile.
1.
Think of the project first, then identify funding possibilities. Don’t try to come up with a project because you know some funding is available. While you may come up with something good – it shouldn’t be about getting the cash.
2.
Do your research. Every funding organisation has goals that it wishes to achieve with the money it grants. You need to be able to clearly articulate how your project will help the funding body meet its goals. Make sure you have read the guidelines, understand the criteria and clearly identify how your project fulfils them. Look at projects they have previously funded. Is it a good fit? Don’t be afraid to contact them and discuss your project.
3.
You need to be able to clearly explain what your project is. What are you going to do? You also need to make your project standout. What makes your project exciting, innovative or fresh. Remember the assessment panel may be reading 100s of applications. What will make yours memorable? (ps coloured paper and wacky fonts will not help)
4.
You need to clearly articulate how you intend to spend their money if they give it to you. You need to make sure that you are not trying to spend it on things they don’t fund. Read the guidelines. Again. Make sure your budget balances
5.
Know what is going on in your community? Has somebody else already done a similar project? Are their other people or groups who might want to work with you or provide support. How can you demonstrate the need for the project in your community? Is there evidence of the demand? Your council’s cultural and social plans are great places to look for information.
6.
Get someone not connected with your project to proofread your application. If they can’t understand it, the assessment panel won’t either
This information has been gleaned from years of successful and unsuccessful grantwriting and from spending hours and hours assessing grants for Regional Arts NSW and Arts NSW. For further information on Grant Writing check out Regional Arts NSW’s Grant Writing Guide