Miscellany: Thinking About Arts Grants?

Spring 2011

I’ve now gone through two years of grants cycles. I’ve come close—I was selected as the Fulbright Scholar alternate to Ireland and nominated for the Windgate Fellowship sponsored by The Center for Craft Creativity and Design. While in the end, I decided to pursue my research into medieval Celtic metalwork using private funds, rather than completing another cycle of grants, I would consider reapplying for the Fulbright and other grants for future projects and would recommend the process to others. Some tips I would offer from the trenches:

o        Start well in advance. (Easier said than done…) It will take twice as long as you think it will to research and prepare your proposal, fill out all the applications, track down recommendations, etc.

o        Find friends and family to read drafts of your proposal/application. If it’s a substantial grant, consider enlisting the help of a professional (writer, editor, etc).

o        I know- this sounds like a no-brainer- but you’d be surprised what details get missed when you’re in a hurry or take on too many things at once- make sure you follow all the sponsoring organization’s directions when filling out the application and obtaining the required elements.

o        Also, don’t get ahead of yourself- sometimes including extra information that was not requested by the organization can get your application declined. Many organizations receive a flood of applications and might be looking for any reason to narrow the selection.

There are an unbelievable number of grants available out there if you are willing to spend the time searching. Remember that there are grants at every level, from your local community or geographic region to national foundations. Learn more about some of the grants that I’ve applied for:

Fulbright Scholar Program

http://us.fulbrightonline.org/home.html

The largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international study, research, and teaching.

Windgate Fellowship

http://www.craftcreativitydesign.org/research/windgate.php

The Windgate Fellowship Award Program is administered by the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design in Hendersonville, North Carolina. A limited number of outstanding colleges/universities across the United States are invited to nominate two graduating seniors for one of ten fellowships awarded annually. This program was established to help encourage and advance the development of serious, innovative U.S. artists whose work is in some way related to, or informed by, the process, material, or idea of craft.