How to Write a Winning Grant Proposal

For many artists, the "business" side of art feels like a distraction. However, unless you have a wealthy patron, grants are often the only way to fund ambitious, non-commercial projects.

Grant writing is a specific genre of writing. It is not poetry, and it is not an academic essay. It is persuasive copy. Here is how to turn your idea into a compelling application.

1. Kill the "Artspeak"

There is a temptation to use complex words to sound smarter. Avoid this. Grant jurors are often reading 500+ applications in a weekend. If they have to read a sentence twice to understand it, you have lost them.

• Bad: "My practice explores the ephemeral juxtaposition of urban decay through a post-structuralist lens."
• Good: "I paint portraits of abandoned buildings in East London using construction materials."

2. Answer the "Why Now?" Question

A common mistake is describing what you want to do, but failing to explain why it matters right now. Grants are investments. The funder wants to know what impact their money will have.

• The Fix: Connect your project to a larger conversation. Is it relevant to a current social issue? Is this a pivotal moment in your career where this funding will push you to the next level?

3. The Budget is a Storytelling Device

Jurors often look at the budget before they read the description. If your budget is vague, they will assume your plan is vague.

• Be Specific: Don't write "Materials: $1,000." Write "20x Canvas ($400), Acrylic Paint ($300), Timber for frames ($300)."
• Pay Yourself: A professional grant application includes an artist fee. If you don't pay yourself in the budget, it looks like a hobby, not a job.

4. Read the Eligibility Guidelines (Twice)

Nothing is more heartbreaking than writing a perfect proposal only to be disqualified on a technicality.

• Check the fine print: Do they only fund residents of a specific city? Do they exclude students? Do they require a specific file format for images?
• Pro Tip: If the application asks for 10 images, do not send 11. Ignoring basic instructions suggests you will be difficult to work with.

5. Get a Non-Artist to Proofread

You are too close to your own work. You know what you mean, but a stranger might not.

• The Test: Give your proposal to a friend who is not an artist (like an accountant or a nurse). If they can explain your project back to you after reading it once, your writing is clear. If they are confused, rewrite it.

Writing grants forces you to clarify your ideas. Even if you don't get the money, the process of defining your project often makes the artwork stronger.