How do I know which grants to apply for?
Once you’ve assembled a healthy list of grant opportunities you’re interested in, you’ll want to prioritize the best fit. We call it kicking the tires.
What is this grant looking for? (Criteria!)
Most grantmakers will outline what they fund on their website. They may be general funding priorities (like climate change, kindergarten readiness, arts and culture) and/or more specific criteria (like artistic quality, feasible budget). Often, all the requirements and funding criteria will be outlined together in a set of guidelines. Here’s an example from the IAC.
Remember, you should already know what you’re seeking funding for.
To find the best fit, evaluate:
- Eligibility. Like creative discipline, age, residency. You may also need a fiscal sponsor if you’re not a 501c3.
- Timing. You may be required to use the money and report back by a certain date.
- Eligible expenses. There are some things you can’t use the money for.
- Matching requirements. You may be required to kick in some additional funds.
- Association with the organization. You’ll likely be asked to publicly credit your funder. Will this help your or hurt you?
- Flexibility vs. accountability. Will the rigidity of this proposal help you get it done, or do you need the funds to be more flexible? This may be a phone conversation with the program manager.
How are decisions made?
Knowing who will read your application and how they make decisions will help you write the best proposal. This could range from a public panel of professionals (like IAC grants) to an internal family/board conversation.
Which of my needs or ideas are the best fit?
Let’s back up a second. Why do organizations make grants? They want to see something happen in the world, and the grant is the means by which it can happen. The best grant proposal will clearly tie your needs with the funder’s desired outcomes. (One of the IAC’s outcomes is that artists reach their goals!)
There are probably parts of your idea that are more fundable than others. Can you divide or pivot your project while still reaching your goal?
If I have to change my idea to fit the grant, does it still allow me to do what I need to?
This is your call. How much are you willing to adjust your timeline, activities, or budget to fit this opportunity? Here are a few more things to think about.
Listings are not endorsements and do not necessarily represent the views of the Indiana Arts Commission or State of Indiana.
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