Anyone with a clear idea of what he or she wants to do can write a successful grant proposal. While grantseeking is competitive, if you don't ask for money, you won't get it. Approach grant seeking as a process, a discipline that is an ongoing part of your professional life -- and don't pin all of your hopes on one grant.

Doing the homework
If you have questions about a foundation or application process, do your homework first and then ask any specific questions you may still have.

If the foundation's printed or Web guidelines tell you not to call, respect that request and submit your questions in a brief "letter of inquiry." If the guidelines say that it doesn't support a certain kind of activity, don't waste your ink trying to change that. Focus your attention on the funding sources that best match your artistic profile or project idea.

Attending the details
Follow instructions. Don't add extra material because you think "you know better," and don't skip questions because they seem irrelevant.

Any samples a foundation requests will be very important to the proposal. If you have anything duplicated, dubbed or edited for your proposal, double-check it before sending it.

Try to address your proposal to its audience. Will it be read by a "generalist" -- a program officer who reviews grants in numerous subject areas -- or does that person only read proposals in your field? Does the foundation use a panel of experts? Many government agencies hold open review panels. If at all possible, attend when your proposal is being discussed. You'll be delighted by your success or briefed on how to make a stronger presentation next time.

Writing the grant
Often the perspective and voice of the artist is the most compelling part of a proposal. Don't be afraid to write it yourself, but be concise. Make your point, but don't feel as if you have to describe your philosophy or approach at great length. If you're not a confident writer, try your draft out on a few trusted friends.

Finding information
The Foundation Center maintains a national repository of information about grantmaking foundations. We're lucky that one of the Center's five regional libraries is in downtown San Francisco, at 312 Sutter Street, Suite 505 (www.fdncenter.org/sanfrancisco/). Plan to spend some time there -- this is a reference library and you cannot check out materials.

Tell the librarian that you are an artist, as the Center has compiled a list of materials that may help you. To match a funding source with your project idea, search for grants in your geographic area, as well as the type of grant you are seeking (e.g. project grant, equipment grant).

Applying as an individual or an organization
Early on in your research, you will notice that some foundations say in their guidelines, "no grants to individuals." That's because to give money to individuals, foundations have to receive explicit permission from the I.R.S. If that is the case, you may need to apply as an organization or get a fiscal sponsor.

If you want to apply for funding as a nonprofit organization, either you will have to incorporate your project in California and apply for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status from the Internal Revenue Service -- see "The Nonprofit Kit for Dummies" (www.dummies.com/) and "How to Form a Nonprofit Organization" (www.nolo.com/) for detailed information. There is also a useful nonprofit information Web site at nonprofit.about.com/cs/startanonprofit/.

A quicker alternative to forming a new nonprofit is to get a fiscal sponsor, thus connecting your project to the work of an existing organization with 501(c)(3) status. While you may retain artistic control, that organization provides fiduciary oversight of your project.

Frances Phillips is a senior program officer at the Walter and Elise Haas Fund (online at www.haassr.org/) and co-author of "The Grantwriting Kit for Dummies."