How to Find Grants for Photographers

Grants for the individual artist are different than grants for non-profit art organizations. It is important to read grant guidelines to make sure that the grantor/foundation is willing to award grants to individual artists. Once you’ve found a list of applicable grants, be sure to create yourself a grants calendar of the application deadlines. Also, it’s a good idea to print the applications or a summary of each grant to be kept in a file. Be sure to start organizing your grant at least one month before the due date. Also, always feel free to contact the funder with any questions. Communication with the funder can save you a lot of wasted time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Internet search for grants. Conduct an internet search for “grants for photographers.” This will provide you with several pages of foundations and organizations that give grants to photographers. Be sure to carefully check that you are eligible for the grant. Michigan State University has a good database of grants for photographers. Getty Images provides photojournalists with major grant opportunities.
2. Internet search for fellowships. Fellowships are very similar to grants. Usually, the fellowship has a residency requirement. The Japan-US Friendship Commission sponsors a program that offers artists six month fellowships in Japan to follow creative pursuits.
3. Join newsletters and mail lists. There are several websites and organizations that produce newsletters and emails that announce grant funding opportunities. The Art List website announces fellowships and grants, as well as contests, calls for public art, and other related information.
4. Magazines. Photo District News online provides a current list of contests. Art in American also provides a list of funding opportunities. An internet search under “photographer grants magazines” actually creates in interesting list of magazines that offer grants including National Geographic.
5. Books. There are several books on the market that provide lists of grant and other funding opportunities. “Photographer's Market” is specific to your area of interest. Other publications that list opportunities for individual grant seekers are “Foundation Grants to Individuals.” The date the book is published is very, very important, as books older than two years old can be close to useless. Foundation deadlines, grant amounts and application guidelines can change annually. A book more two years old can have terribly outdated information.
6. Databases. There are online databases available for grants for individuals. They are usually fee-based. However, most of the fees are reasonable. Just make sure before signing up to a database that memberships can be canceled without penalty. The website for "Foundation Grants to Individuals" sponsored by The Foundation Center is a reputable service. Please note that you will have dig through a lot of information to find grants applicable to photographers.
7. Check with your local or state art organizations. The local and state art organizations will have up-to-date information for grants available to individual photographers in your region.

Tips & Warnings

• Start early.
• Communicate with potential funders.

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