August 10, 2001

Finding the money to launch a new arts project has never been easy, especially in today's fragmented funding environment. Guidebooks sell access to thousands of potential funders, each with their own guidelines, priorities and limitations. The Internet is full of dated, inaccurate or irrelevant material. Grantseeking requires resources, researching and office skills -- and lots of patience. Rushing too quickly into the grantwriting phase can too often invite a letter of rejection.

You can address the basic procedural requirements with minimum confusion and stress. Start with the four principles of funding: project, product, process and people.

Project: Exploration is the first step. If you are an individual, find a fiscal sponsor with similar interests, goals and philosophies. Research similar programs -- identify their funding sources, get copies of their proposals if possible, talk to staff, etc. Identify the characteristics which set your idea apart from others. Exploring existing projects similar to yours can sharpen your focus, adjust the target audience and lead to revised expectations, plans and budgets. You can also wind up with allies and groups to share resources with. Exploration/research is an ongoing process throughout your project's existence. The second step, a comprehensive design, establishes the projectÕs significance and feasibility. Draft your plan in everyday language before writing grant proposals. Describe how the project connects to the community, collaborates with other organizations, utilizes existing resources and evaluates its own progress. You should be able to define the project's mission (organizational purpose), goals (how it plans to fulfill that purpose) and objectives (the specific services produced which meet those goals).

Product: Ultimately any project is judged on its ability to produce results (the product). Develop short- and long-term strategies to create this product. Divide the project into rational and straightforward components, each providing a clear goal/product. Prioritize each component and set realistic deadlines. To start choose a single component with high potential for success, producing a tangible result in a short time.

Process: Do your homework, and use this process to develop resources and find out how you can get your project up and running even before submitting your first proposal. Target appropriate funders and stay local. Especially for new projects, small grants from local foundations are relatively easy to obtain, while large grants from national foundations are virtually out of reach. Study the foundationÕs priorities, geographic area, target population and request money only for allowable activities. But note that you can't depend on grants to fund your whole budget. Cultivate multiple sources -- volunteer workers and internships, fundraising events (benefit concerts with local bands and DJs, silent auctions and social events), "venture philanthropy" (craigslist.org has helped pioneer the field and is a good place to learn more) and alternative resources. Office furniture, software, computers, etc., are often available to nonprofits for free through "in kind" donations or office liquidations, classifieds and so on.

People: The people more than the project is the key to successful funding. The entire process -- project design, developing resources, building collaborative networks and alliances and the delivery of product and services -- depends on the person or team directing the project. The skills and experience of the project director and team need to be incorporated as part of the funding request. Include quotes and/or supporting letters from project stakeholders and community leaders. Being a world famous expert is less important than letting funders know that you have the relevant experience and enthusiasm to do the job.

Patricia Morgan is the founder and executive director of Community Arts & Cultural Enhancement (www.communityace.org/).