Grant Writing Tips from an Artist's Perspective

In comparing an NIH project to a sponsored art project, there seems to be very little in common. However, when we look at grant development practices before funding is awarded, the process and strategies that the researcher or artist must use are quite similar. Gigi Rosenberg is an artist and seasoned grant writer who has written the book on The Artists Guide to Grant Writing, and below are some of her recommended strategies:

Don't work alone
Grants are large endeavors and can feel daunting, especially when you think about writing alone.  Consider creating a writing group where you share work on grants and other writings together. This can help keep you on task and also allows you to bounce ideas off of other writers. Even if a writing group doesn't work for you, at the very least, you need to have a person who can review your grant and provide feedback and advice. And, it is also important to have a proof-reader.

Desperation has no place in grants
One of the biggest downfalls in American fundraising is taking a needy approach to your grants. This is counter intuitive, because oftentimes begging seems like the most logical approach to getting funding, or desperation reflects how you are feeling about your need for funding. However, philanthropists, sponsors, and reviewers alike want to be a part of a vision, something that will propel us forward, allow us to think differently, or inspire us to build something new. So, unless you are the Red Cross, do not let any element of desperation creep into your grant.

Writing grants is a good idea even when you do not win
Grant writing involves more failure than success for almost every grant writer, and it is hard to look at the bright side right after you have gotten a rejection. But, once you have put the rejected grant away and nursed your ego a bit, it is important to take out any reviewer comments and feedback and learn from the suggestions of the sponsor. 

Even if you do not receive comments back, having written a grant has forced you to organize your thinking, define your project, and create a compelling case. You have set yourself up to go after other funding in the future.  Also, you have gotten your name out there. Whether you are an artist or scientist, those reviewing your project now know a great deal about you and your work - you have begun or continued to build a network.

Write an artist's statement
Now, for those non-artists still reading, this is still applicable to you.  What is an artist's statement but a mission and vision of the artist and their work?  Any person seeking funding should develop their statement or their elevator pitch.  This creates excellent fodder for grants and is asked for in many grant applications, but an artist's statement or elevator pitch language can be used to market yourself and your work at conferences, exhibitions, or when you run into someone on the street that may be able to help you in some way.

Certainly, artists and other researchers have very different work, but as a seasoned grant writer once said to me, "A grant is a grant is a grant." The process and strategies in grant writing are pretty much the same.

Resource: Gigi Rosenberg's Resources