Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Computer
- Project
- Guidelines for your proposal (provided by the funder)
How to Discuss an Arts Project in a Grant Proposal
Step1
Approach your project narrative in three sections: a project overview, schedule of activities and target audience. Organizing your information in this way makes the artistic work the highlight of your proposal, while still giving the funder what they need.
Step2
Project Overview: Here, you will dive into the details of your project. In the arts grant writing, it can be difficult to balance the facts and figures that funders want with the artistic vision that may be so important to you. Don’t worry; you don’t have to give in to the numbers game.
Step3
Begin the project overview section with the heart and soul of your project. It’s really important to connect your project to your mission. At the same time you can discuss themes, the artists and the idea behind the arts initiative, program or performance you are proposing. This is extremely important, particularly when working in the arts. A proposal that is only facts and figures is uninspiring, and often won’t get much attention. Make it exciting by really talking to your artists and getting a sense of their work.
Step4
Scheduled Activities: Next, move on to the nitty gritty details—the what, where, when, and how. This is your opportunity to let your funder know how many performances you’ll be presenting and at what venue, and also let them know about any other organizations or individuals who may be partnering with you on the project.
Step5
Target Audience: Let them know who you will be targeting and why. If you have the statistics, you can include a paragraph on your audience demographic--this is particularly helpful when you’re writing to a corporation. Also let them know how many people you reach through your marketing efforts. Include hits on your website, and the number of people who get announcements on your activities through you and/or another website, ad or listing.
Novice 
