When applying for Arts grants always read the application, especially the parts about supporting documents
We have discussed the five main issues when applying for funding or grants within the arts sector and identified that the main reason for the failure the lack of preparation given to the application. I want to expand on each step more in the next five posts.
The five steps were first to identify which grants you would like to apply for well before their submission dates and to leave any grants with a submission date within the next two weeks. Secondly, look to see if the grant applies to you. check out the award details. Thirdly, look at the amount of the award. Financially, does it fit with what you are doing? Fourthly, read the application form and make a checklist of all the supporting documents or information needed to apply. Finally, fifthly, step five asks that when you come to write the application, read the application carefully and make sure you you refer to the items mentioned in the remit of the award.
Recap of step one
Remember rule number one, it is critical that you identify your grant well in advance, place the dates for submissions on a calendar, and work backwards, looking at what you need to complete to achieve that submission date.
Recap of step two
Step two asks applicants to look and see if the grant applies to you. Check out the details. Does the grant really fit with the work that you do?
Recap of step three
Step three asks you to look at the amount of the award. Financially, does it fit with what you are doing? For example, even if the maximum award is €200,000, should you be applying for €200,000? Think about it: if you only are looking for an award of €20,000, only apply for €20,000.
Moving Forward to step four
Having taken steps one, two and three on board, let’s look at step four. Step four asks you to read the application form and make a checklist of all the supporting documents or information needed to apply. I find it amazing how many people do not read the application form, and it is only at the last minute that they realise that they need to do an extra amount of work to get all the documents and supporting documents together. Getting the documentation together is one stage that you cannot rush. Like the whole application, it needs planning.
Going a little deeper into step four
I can imagine we have all done it. You have the application form, you have read it and made the notes that you need to make on it. I filled it in and went to submit it only to realise that it asks for supporting information. Supporting information takes time but forms and integral part of the application process as this is the background. The foundation blocks of your reputation building and the part that shows you have the resources and knowledge to complete the project you are applying for.
This situation can be easily avoided by reading the application form and the accompanying notes. I will say it again, you need to build a plan. A lot of supporting documents relate to finance, previous work, testimonials, plans, and the like and as such they take time to put together. There is no point in asking someone for a good testimonial an hour before the submission deadline. This needs to be planned in advance. A good application will only be let down when the awarding body looks and sees that your supporting documents look rushed, do not look professional are not in a cohesive fashion. You need to spend time defining and accumulating what it is you actually need and when you need to receive it.
Plan, plan, plan. Be strategic!
Building a plan will help you understand the grant process and the work required to apply, complete the work and finalise the grant reporting aspects. It will also indicate the timescales involved from application to finish, as this will be critically important in working out your work schedule. Finally, understanding your work scale will help you to plan for better and bigger projects.
Help with your applications and planning
Ian Oliver
Head of Operations
Head of Operations at Letcombe Production I have been working in the arts and culture sector for over 20 years in Ireland. I am passionate about business development for artists and creatives as well as building totally inclusive societies.
Letcombe Production
The Digital Agency For Arts & Cultural Organisations
Letcombe Production is dedicated to the arts, creative and social enterprise sectors. Our website has dedicated reels on running your creative or artistic practice as a business, articles and opportunities for artists. In addition, we can organise digital media, marketing, project management, grant writing, application assessment, and tools to help you run your creative and artistic practice.
Working predominantly with arts and social enterprises, Letcombe Production can assist in all getting projects from idea to distribution. We can look after any size of project.
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