Grant Writing 101:Do’s and Don’ts of Grant Writing

Gain insider information on how to GET THAT GRANT!

Janice Lambrakos jlambrakos@arts.on.ca

www.arts.on.ca 1-800-387-0058 x 7429 toll free in Ontario

A to Z of the Session Introductions Video: Michael Belmore A bit about OAC Where to start Finding grant opportunities on the OAC website What’s in a grant application? Who makes the decisions? The jury process Questions?

We will cover:

How to decide which grant is right for you Reading the criteria Contacting a grants officer Tips for submitting a successful application Advice on budgeting and support material Some common errors

OAC Mandate & Who We Fund:

What we do:Foster the creation and

production of art for the benefit of all Ontarians.

How we do it:Support professional artists and

arts organizations

Who we fund:The OAC is committed to funding artists from all regions of Ontario; and Aboriginal, Culturally Diverse, Francophone and New Generation artists

Mandala, Alana Bartol 2012

Professional ArtistsWhat we mean by “artist:”

You are a recognized, practicing artist

You have completed basic training (formal or informal) in your field(s)

You spend a significant amount of time practicing your work

You seek payment for your work

You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or have an application pending for permanent resident status that can be verified

11Jay Spectre @ the Mussleman Inn

Types of Funding Available

Project funding for : Individual artists, Collectives/groups Organizations

Operating support for : Incorporated not-for-profit

arts organizations Two years of programming Minimum budget of $75,000

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Music Africa 2010

Where to start

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Salt of the Earth, Carole Condé and Karl Beveridge 2008

How to find grant information

OAC website: www.arts.on.ca

Resources:

Deadline brochure

Survival Guide

Call or email OAC staff… but don’t leave it to the last minute!

14 Photo from the Ice Follies in North Bay, Feb. 2008.

What’s in a Grant Application?

Applicant information +

Artistic Statement

Project Description

Resumes or biographies of all artists involved

Collective, ad hoc group, organization history

Partner letter of confirmation of participation

Budget

Support Material

Other support material15

Every program is different…read the Program Guidelines for more info!

Elements in Grant Applications

Artist Statement Why?

Project description What? When? Where? Who? How?

Budgeting: ExpensesWhat do you need to accomplish your project?

Artists Supplies and/or equipment Production support and/or services Space or venue Travel and Accommodation Marketing and Promotion

Other considerations: Research costs Supplementary budget and notes Contingency plan Revenues or expenses first?

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No juror has ever

complained about

a budget being too

detailed.

Budgeting: Revenues

Earned Revenues

Private Sector

Public Sector

In-Kind Support

18 Image from Sioux Lookout Creative Arts Circle

Support Material

Ying-Yueh Chuang, Cross Series #3 (detail), ceramics

Lorraine RoyTREE HOUSE, textiles24” x 8” x 8”2006

Photo credits – with thanks

Artist: Lorraine Roy

Art Textiles, Dundas

Photography: Janusz Wrobel

Who Makes the Decisions?

The jury process…

OAC grants are peer assessed

Juries are made up of arts

professionals just like you, chosen

by OAC officers

Jurors review your application and

support material

They meet and discuss all the

applications in the presence of the

program officer

The jury will decide who gets a

grant based on the criteria below

and the budget of the program

People on juries represent…

A range of artistic disciplines

Geographic diversity

Cultural diversity

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Would you like to become a juror, or recommend someone? Email your resume to jurors@arts.on.ca.

The Jury Process:How are Grant Decisions Made?

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Criteria:Artistic meritImpactViability

The Jury Process: Results

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Ontario Arts Council151 Bloor Street West, 5th Floor

Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1T6

416-961-1660 or toll-free in Ontario: 1-800-387-0058

info@arts.on.ca / www.arts.on.ca

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