Do you frequently read The Lab, Creative Capital’s blog for artists?
“I do now!” (we humbly suggest you respond). Because the Lab is packed with good stuff. It has tips on applying for funding (from Creative Capital and elsewhere) along with lots of other nitty gritty aspects of being an artist and being awesome at it.
A recent article written by experienced fundraiser Stephanie Bleyer explores how to find foundation and philanthropic funding for social engaged projects. The whole article (part one of a series) is useful, but I particularly like this idea, which could apply to any artist seeking funding: creating a “master proposal” to use as a language bank for all future queries, formal letters, and full proposals to prospective funders:
Creating Your Master Proposal
I start by spending six to eight weeks developing a master grant proposal. I’ll comb through questions from dozens of grant proposal guidelines so this master document covers everything that funders could possibly ask. Throughout the fundraising campaign, I will pluck language from this master proposal for LOIs (letters of interest), one-pagers, e-mail solicitations and full grant proposals. Do this work up front and you’ll save yourself tons of time in the long run. This process will also help you think through timing, budget, metrics, partners, marketing, media plans, advisory board, staffing needs, etc…
Image: Installation view of DEEP WOUNDS (20060) by Brian Knep, a past Creative Capital grantee. DEEP WOUNDS will be showing at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum as part of their ‘united states’ semester of shows, through February 24, 2013.
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