Individual artist grants are a unique kind of grant that a limited number of grant programs administer.
When looking for a grant opportunity, you want to look for the grants that will have the smallest applicant pool – this means better odds for your application.
Start local and expand – if you live in Eureka, California – you’re going to have less competition (and therefore better odds) if you apply for a grant program based in Eureka, than if you apply for a grant program open to anyone in California.
Below are ideas for places to look for grant opportunities. The people who work for these programs will also have great advice for you on other organizations/programs to look into:
- Your local city/state community foundation.
- Your local city/state arts council/agency.
- Your state advocacy group or association for your artistic practice.
- Local or state tourism boards.
- Regional arts groups or associations.
- National arts groups or associations.
- Private foundations that support the arts based in your city.
- Private foundations that support the arts based in your state.
- City/State taxation programs – for example the City of Austin has a grant program funded by hotel taxes.
If you’re interested in a specific residency, conference, or festival – there are often grants or scholarships available. Do your research and dig around on the website – or just reach out to the listed contact.
Make a list of the grants you think you want to apply for and write down the due dates. For each grant make a calendar reminder for yourself to begin the application draft at least 3-4 weeks before it’s due. Many grants require additional materials and you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute.
Many artists aren’t familiar with how to think of their artistic practice in the framework of a grant program. We’ve developed the checklist below to help you build a winning grant application.
