Don’t let your passion project whither because of the practical details of money. Get these three things in place, and you’re on your way to successfully funding your photograph project!
How to make applying for photography grants easier
Imagine this. You’re driving down a beautiful highway. The road stretches out for miles ahead. You are filled with joy and inspiration as the music blares and the wind blasts by your open window.
Then, red and blue lights ahead. A guy in an orange vest holds a stop sign. Road block.
That’s about what it feels like to launch into an amazing new photography project you’re passionate about, only to discover a lack of financial resources to pay for it.
All this awesome creative energy slams to a halt because you have to focus on funding. You might even question if you want to keep working on the project at all.
YES, YOU DO! You very much do.
The process of finding funding doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, you can break it down into three steps.
Step 1: Track Grant Opportunities
The first step is to pull grant opportunities into a simple tracking system. I love spreadsheets and nerding out on details, and I want you to be well-prepared. A grant tracker spreadsheet is your best friend here. This spreadsheet will help you keep track of all the grants you’re interested in, including deadlines, requirements, and more.
Finding grants is just the beginning. The real challenge is staying on top of due dates and requirements. Having a few irons in the fire with different grant opportunities is crucial because grants open and close at different times of the year. A tracking system is incredibly helpful as it cuts down your overall time investment and ensures you don’t miss out on any opportunities.
When you find a grant that seems perfect, add it to your spreadsheet right away. This way, you won’t waste time searching for it again. Having all the important details in one place allows you to compare and select the best grants for your project at a glance.
Also, look beyond photography grants. Your project might fulfill the requirements for other grant possibilities like community improvement grants or funding for places you collaborate with, such as wildlife rehab centers or nonprofit organizations. If you’re working with a researcher, you might be able to get written into their grants under broader impacts.
Step 2: Gather Your Project Materials
Sometimes you discover a grant, and the due date is just around the corner. Having everything you need in a single folder means you can apply quickly and efficiently. Here’s what you need in your folder:
- Your Bio: Almost every grant application asks for your bio. Have a short version (around 250 words) and a longer one ready to go.
- Your CV: Different from a resume, a CV lists your experience, awards, publications, and accomplishments. It can be many pages long and is essential for grant applications.
- A Portfolio of Images: A 12 to 25 image portfolio from your project or a past project that showcases your style and strengths as a visual storyteller.
- Artist’s Statement: This should be about your project—why you started it, its importance, your approach, etc. Have both a short version and a one-page version ready.
- Project Statement: This is specifically about the project itself—its details, purpose, and your elevator pitch. Again, have both a short and a long version.
- Letters of Support: These are from partners or collaborators on your project. They show that you are serious about your project and have support.
- Budget: Many grants require a budget. Create one for your project and keep it updated.
With these materials ready, applying for grants becomes a breeze. You can pull from this folder, plug in the specific details required, and submit your application with confidence.
Step 3: Apply for Grants and Track Submissions
Now that you have your foundation in place, it’s time to dive into completing and submitting those applications. Set aside blocks of time to focus solely on filling out grant applications. Applying for grants requires concentration, and setting aside dedicated time helps you stay focused and accomplish your goals.
When applying, focus on one grant at a time. This allows you to tailor your application to what the specific grant is looking for. Once you submit an application, update your grant tracker with the submission date and status. This helps you stay on top of when you should hear back and whether you need to follow up.
Wrap-Up
To recap, here’s how to tackle the funding conundrum in three steps:
- Track Grant Opportunities: Use a grant tracker spreadsheet to keep all the details in one place.
- Gather Project Materials: Have a folder with your bio, CV, portfolio, artist’s statement, project statement, letters of support, and budget ready to go.
- Apply and Track Submissions: Set aside focused time to apply for grants and update your grant tracker with submission dates and statuses.
Following these steps will make the grant application process feel less overwhelming and more manageable. You’ll be able to consistently bring in funding for your photography project, whether it’s short-term or a multi-year endeavor.
I hope you implement this system and continue your inspiration-filled, creative journey without roadblocks. Remember, I’m always here to support you on this journey. Happy grant hunting!
