10 Quick Grant Writing Tips
Arts Program Specialists share their top tips for writing grant applications
You are less than a month away from the deadline to apply for the California Arts Council’s latest grant opportunities. Hopefully, you are already writing, editing, and reviewing your applications, but if not, there is still time to begin.
Arts Program Specialists are busy answering your application questions and providing technical assistance for the online application portal. We asked the specialists to take a break from their busy schedules to share a few tips and tricks with our prospective applicants navigating this year’s grants application season. Check out what they had to say below.
Applications for the 2024 grant programs are due on June 6, at 11:59 p.m. For more information about this season’s grant opportunities, visit https://arts.ca.gov/grants/grant-programs/.
Good Luck!
TIP 1: START EARLY
Have you started your application yet? This year’s application cycle launched in March, and the deadline will be here before you know it. People are more likely to make mistakes when they rush, and we want you to have enough time to submit outstanding, accurate responses to the questions. The sooner questions arise while drafting your application, the earlier you can ask and get a response from the Arts Program Specialists. We are available for assistance and eager to connect with you!
-Natalie Peeples, Impact Projects Specialist
TIP 2: REVIEW THE APPLICATION RESOURCES
Many prospective applicants shared that writing a grant application can be intimidating. Arts Program Specialists listened to your feedback and developed a new Grants Manual (Español) to guide you through completing your application. We worked diligently to streamline the application guidelines and questions for your review, updated the frequently asked questions, and scheduled office hour sessions. These resources are available for you to familiarize yourself with the grants before starting the application. Visit the Grant Resources page to review the collection of application resources available for prospective applicants in both English and Spanish (Español).
-Arielle Rubin, Creative Corps Specialist
TIP 3: TELL A COMPELLING STORY
Be concise, use the active voice, and look for ways to make your responses stand out from the number of other applications. Your arts programming is vital to the communities you serve, and the panel of statewide peer-reviewers should know your organization is a great candidate to receive funding from the CAC. Panelists read roughly 30–50 applications during the review process — use the application as another opportunity to shine and promote your essential work as artists and arts administrators.
-Emily Taggart, Arts Education Exposure and Arts Integration Training Specialist
TIP 4: WRITE TO GET IT RIGHT
You must start somewhere, so start writing an outline as soon as possible. Your first draft will not be perfect, and that is fine! Once something is prepared, return to the guidelines and application questions to ensure that you are responding to everything accordingly. Arts Program Specialists are available to speak with you if anything comes up while writing your application. Allow yourself time to develop and refine your application before you submit it on June 6… or before the deadline!
-Carlos Casillas, Statewide and Regional Networks Specialist
TIP 5: BE SPECIFIC
Your responses to the application questions should include significant details that directly highlight the work of your organization and clarify the budget narrative (if applicable). Applications are adjudicated by California-based panelists with different levels of experience in the arts and culture field. They might be unfamiliar with the programming your arts organization provides and they want to know exactly how you will implement the plan identified in your application.
-YR, Application & Panel Support Specialist
TIP 6: BE THOROUGH
Once you have provided the unique details about your organization, programming, and budget, thoroughly respond to all aspects of the questions, especially when the question includes multiple parts. Take apart each question and confirm that your response answers each one in its entirety.
-Gabrielle Rosado, Creative Youth Development Specialist
TIP 7: AVOID ACRONYMS
SRN, RFP, SLP, GenOps… The list of shorthand phrasing used in our work at the CAC (😊) grows by the day. We understand that the public may not know how we use these terms, so we use the full names of the programs when promoting the work of the agency. You are the subject-matter expert when it comes to your organization, but don’t assume our grant panelists are, too! Avoid acronyms and abbreviations used at your organization in your application answers. Keep in mind that you are writing for an informed stranger.
-Charlie O’Malley, Literary Arts Specialist
TIP 8: PHONE A FRIEND
Now that you have spent hours working on your detailed responses, ask someone either at your organization or familiar with your organization’s programming to review the answers before submitting your application. Since you are closely related to the work, it is helpful to have another person provide insight and constructive feedback for things you might miss or take for granted. It is a great gauge to know if you are addressing all aspects of the questions.
-Leslie Giovannini, Arts & Cultural Organization General Operating Support Specialist
TIP 9: TAKE A BREAK
If you find yourself stressed while working on your application, step outside to enjoy the scenery or practice your art. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful state where your commitment to the arts provides various creative opportunities across communities. As arts professionals, we know firsthand that art can help us emotionally navigate challenging experiences, and we must care for our well-being before effectively supporting the needs of others. Taking a moment for yourself will not prevent you from submitting your application on time.
-Jonathan Estrada, State-Local Partners and State-Local Partners Mentorship Specialist
TIP 10: DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DEADLINE
Make sure you submit your applications well before the deadline because anything can happen at the last minute: Your computer crashes, the weather disrupts your internet connection, you take a quick nap and wake up on June 7 — we have heard it all! Plan accordingly, as the online application portal closes promptly at 11:59 p.m. on June 6.
-Cathy Vue, Cultural Districts Specialist
