What to expect, what to watch out for when applying for an Arts Council literature grant.
Receiving a literature grant from a state Arts Council not only provides funds for conferences or writing time, but is a big boost to a writer’s ego. Here are some tips to consider when applying for a writer’s grant.
Plan Ahead
It takes time to put an application together. You’ll be selecting your best work for samples. You’ll probably have a narrative to provide, which may cover why you should receive the grant, what you will gain from use of the money, and/or how the public will benefit. If you are applying for a professional development grant, you'll also need to research and plan a budget. You’ll have a better chance of success if you don’t try and do it all in two days.
Follow the grant application instructions exactly.
Grants are denied every year because the application is not filled out properly or the packet is incomplete. Be precise: if they want a 10-15 page work sample, do not send 15 ½ pages. The deadline is usually a “received by” date, so either mail early or hand-carry your application to the organization.
Call the Arts Council
The Arts Council staff who work with the applications are eager to help you succeed. Feel free to call with questions about the application itself, or even with questions about the appropriateness of your project. But call early—they won’t have much time for you the week before the deadline.
Provide a thoughtful narrative.
Be specific when describing how you will grow as an artist. Will you be able to explore a new genre? Improve the lyricism in your prose? Learn to write more freely? Combine two or three techniques in a better way?
Be passionate about your art! Let your enthusiasm for your project, the quality of the conference you’ll attend, the value of your public benefit shine through your writing.
Public Benefit
Some grants require a public benefit of some sort, so be creative. The fact that your state may have another published author is NOT a valid public benefit! Think about how you can share your art form with “underserved populations.” This includes minorities, low-income residents, children, seniors, etc. Can you do school visits? Lead workshops? Speak at libraries? Do readings at Senior Citizens Centers?
Write well
A sculptor may be allowed choppy sentences and poor style, but you are a writer and you will be judged accordingly. Be straightforward and clear in your language, and double-check for spelling and punctuation errors.
Panel Discussions
Each Arts Council convenes panels of experts to review the applications. If you are able to attend the literature panel discussion the year before you apply, you’ll learn what panelists are looking for and be able to revise your future project if necessary. If that’s not possible, at least plan to attend the panel discussion at which your application will be reviewed. Come early or stay late to hear other applications being discussed.
Final Report
Most Arts Councils require a final report when the grant period is over. Read the final report form before you do your project! Some states require statistical information such as number of residents served, which counties, ethnic breakdown, number of seniors or children, etc. It’s hard to provide this information if you didn’t gather it while you were at the event.
Here are links to grant programs in various states:
Midwest State Art Grants: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin
North Central State Art Grants: North & South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska
Southern State Art Grants: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia
More Southern State Art Grants: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida,
Northwest State Art Grants: Oregon, Washington, Idaho
Mountain State Art Grants: Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming
Appalachian State Art Grants: Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
