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
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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:
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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 Artists
What 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
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Jay 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
Salt of the Earth, Carole Condé and Karl Beveridge 2008
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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!
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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 material
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Elements in Grant Applications
Artist Statement
 Why?
Project description
 What?
 When?
 Where?
 Who?
 How?
Budgeting: Expenses
What do you need to accomplish your
project?
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Artists
Supplies and/or equipment
Production support and/or services
Space or venue
Travel and Accommodation
Marketing and Promotion
Other considerations:
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Research costs
Supplementary budget and notes
Contingency plan
Revenues or expenses first?
Budgeting: Revenues
Earned Revenues
Private Sector
Public Sector
In-Kind Support
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Image from Sioux Lookout
Creative Arts Circle
Support Material
Ying-Yueh Chuang, Cross Series #3 (detail), ceramics
Lorraine Roy
TREE HOUSE, textiles
24” 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…
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OAC grants are peer assessed
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Juries are made up of arts
Would you like to
become a juror, or
recommend
someone? Email your
resume to
jurors@arts.on.ca.
professionals just like you, chosen
by OAC officers
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Jurors review your application and
support material
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They meet and discuss all the
applications in the presence of the
program officer
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The jury will decide who gets a
grant based on the criteria below
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and the budget of the program
People on juries
represent…
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A range of artistic disciplines
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Geographic diversity
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Cultural diversity
The Jury Process:
How are Grant Decisions Made?
Prepare for
the jury
meeting
Review
support
material
Rate the
applications
Decide on
the grant
amounts
Criteria:
 Artistic merit
 Impact
 Viability
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The Jury Process: Results
If you get the grant:
If you don’t get the grant:
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Notified within 4 months
Cheque included
Final report
For individuals–grants are taxable
Notified within 4 months
Some programs offer feedback
Re-apply
Don’t be discouraged
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Ontario Arts Council
151 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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