Grant Fancy #02 | Buckle Up, Baby!

Editor’s Note: This is a long one. We are still getting our bearings here at Grant Fancy HQ and we have lots to share. On the other hand, we don’t want to overwhelm you. You can always find archived issues on grantfancy.com, where we will also be posting more evergreen information.

Hey, you fancy MF!

(That stands for “money finder,” if you didn’t know.)

Welcome to another issue of Grant Fancy—a free collection of human-generated insights and resources to help independent artists and non-profit organizations identify and apply for grants in the arts.

Each issue will offer a wealth of inspiration and opportunities to help you find the support you need to continue making great art. This week’s feature is our Anatomy of a Grant Application. If you have any fears about the grant application process, you’ll want to read that. It might take some of the sting away.

Have a question, a tip, or an idea for a story? Just reply to this email. We’d love to hear from you.

So, what now, Hoss?

Federal grants programs are taking a shameful beating right now. You’ve read the news, you’re in the shizza, and you’re PO’d about it all. What are you going to do?

• You could take the Harvard University route and ask private business to fill the funding gap.

• You might call your local senators and have them do your bidding for you.

• You could take to the streets and protest with likeminded peers and colleagues.

And maybe you should be doing all of these. But here at Grant Fancy, our current mission is to make lemonade from our lemon surplus. It is to ride the wave of cultural change and adapt to our environment. We are not against putting up a good fight. Heck, we even encourage it. However, the purpose of this newsletter is to focus on your biggest priority: your work.

A wise playwright friend of mine (‘sup, Philly!) recently told me that when art is threatened, artists get busier. Okay, that’s a paraphrase. But his sentiment was that the powers that be will never successfully squash the voice of the independent artist. When times get tough, art gets more interesting. It may be more challenging, but it’s always worth the effort.

In my recent searches for arts funding news I have learned that budget cuts in this area are not unique to the United States. Alas, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia have all had to endure this problem in the past couple of years. So, when we try to reframe our funding strategies, we might want to consider what others have done to endure these hardships—in and out of the arts and humanities sector.

When funding for schools was cut, American schoolteachers found creative ways—from crowd sourcing to partnering with local businesses—to get more school supplies into their classrooms.

And not so long ago, when streaming maimed the record industry, musicians changed the way they work, focusing more on touring and merchandizing than relying on advances from record labels. Writers are doing more of their own PR than ever before. They are often expected to have a following before being considered for a publishing deal. The times they are a changing, and I haven’t even mentioned AI (though I kind of just did).

Make no mistake: we are in the very early stages of a culture war—or at the very least, a sea change—that may continue for years. To put all of your effort into trying to turn the old spigot back on is probably not the most practical path forward. You should also consider digging new wells. Don’t think of it as giving up; think of it more like securing your seatbelt before taking on the curves ahead.

The Leads

Federal Grants

Did you just DOGE a bullet?
Not so much a lead as a news flash: Just this past week, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) lost its right to control the grants.gov website. Grants.gov is the U.S. federal government clearinghouse for federal funding opportunities, and earlier in the year, head DOGE-bag Elon Musk had insisted that all requests for funding be approved by DOGE. With the Boy Wonder now out of the oval office (a.k.a, the Pennsylvania Avenue Tesla Showroom) his influence there is waning. And the good news is that Musk’s DOGE nerds will no longer be using your proposals to make paper swords for their LARP games.

What does this mean? Will that spigot be turned back on full blast? We shall see. But at least the opportunities that are listed now will be processed by the agency that originally requested them. For example, here are a couple from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

Grants for Arts Projects (GAP)
NEA’s Flagship Funding Program for Artistic Excellence and Public Engagement

This is the NEA’s largest and most competitive grant program—open to virtually every discipline. Whether you’re developing new work, deepening community access, or strengthening organizational capacity, this is a cornerstone opportunity. Matching funds are required, but the program supports both local and national impact.

Grantmaker: National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
Amount: $10,000 to $100,000 (1:1 match required)
Deadline: July 10, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET (Part 2)
Who can apply: U.S.-based nonprofits, local and state government agencies, and federally recognized tribes with a minimum 3-year history of arts programming
What it funds: Public-facing arts projects in any discipline—from creation and presentation to education, healing, and innovation
Eligible formats: Visual arts, dance, theater, music, design, literature, media arts, folk/traditional arts, artist residencies, and more
Project start date: On or after June 1, 2026
Total pool: Dependent on Congressional appropriations; highly competitive
Apply via: grants.gov (SAM.gov and login.gov registration required)
More details: arts.gov/grants/grants-for-arts-projects

State and Regional Grants

Kansas | Arts Everywhere Grant
Supporting Public Art and Creative Experiences Across Kansas Communities

If you’re working in Kansas and want to integrate the arts into everyday life, this flexible program could be a great fit. It supports artists and organizations creating public art, performances, or creative interventions that engage local communities in meaningful ways.

Grantmaker: Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC)
Amount: Up to $10,000
Match required: 1:1 match required (can include in-kind contributions)
Deadline: Rolling (applications reviewed monthly; apply early for best consideration)
Who can apply: Kansas-based nonprofits, local governments, tribal entities, and individual artists working in collaboration with a nonprofit or community partner
What it funds: Public art installations, performances, artist residencies, festivals, and other creative placemaking projects
Eligible formats: Visual art, performance, interdisciplinary installations, community engagement projects, and more
Project location: Must take place in Kansas and benefit Kansas residents
Apply via: Online application through KCAIC portal
More details: kansascommerce.gov/arts-everywhere-program

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Maine | Individual Artist Fellowships
Recognizing Maine Artists for Artistic Excellence

Grantmaker: Maine Arts Commission
Amount: $5,000 (unrestricted)
Match required: No
Deadline: Typically in May each year (next expected: May 2025)
Who can apply: Individual artists who are current, full-year Maine residents with a strong body of work; students enrolled in a degree program are ineligible
What it funds: Artistic excellence — no project proposal required; funds can be used however the artist sees fit
Eligible disciplines (2025): Check current guidelines; categories typically rotate and may include visual arts, literary arts, performing arts, craft, or digital media
Selection criteria: Artistic quality and career impact — based on submitted work samples
Apply via: Maine Arts Commission's online grants portal
More details: mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Funding/Individual-Artist-Fellowships

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Oregon | Individual Artist Fellowship

This fellowship supports Oregon artists demonstrating excellence in their field. It’s designed to honor artists at various career stages and across disciplines. Fellowships are unrestricted and meant to support the artist’s practice, development, or contributions to Oregon’s cultural landscape.

Grantmaker: Oregon Arts Commission
Amount: Up to $5,000 (unrestricted)
Match required: No
Deadline: Typically opens in spring (check site for next cycle)
Who can apply: Professional Oregon-based artists working in any discipline; students in degree programs are not eligible
What it funds: Artistic excellence—no project proposal required
Eligibility notes: Focus rotates each year across disciplines (e.g., visual, performing, literary, media arts); open to emerging and established artists
Apply via: Oregon Arts Commission online portal
More details: oregon.gov/arts > Individual Artist Fellowship

Private Funding

American Academy in Rome | Rome Prize

Awarded annually by the American Academy in Rome, the Rome Prize supports artists and scholars pursuing advanced, independent projects in a wide range of disciplines. Fellows live and work at the Academy’s historic campus in Rome for five to eleven months.

Grantmaker: American Academy in Rome
Amount: Stipend of $16,000–$30,000 (depending on length of stay), plus room, board, and studio space in Rome
Deadline: November 1, 2025 (early), November 15, 2025 (final, with fee)
Who can apply: U.S. citizens and foreign nationals who have lived in the U.S. for at least three of the past five years; open to artists, designers, writers, and scholars
What it funds: Independent creative or scholarly projects in the arts and humanities
Eligible disciplines: Architecture, Design, Historic Preservation & Conservation, Landscape Architecture, Literature, Musical Composition, Visual Arts, Ancient Studies, Medieval Studies, Renaissance and Early Modern Studies, and Modern Italian Studies
Residency period: September 2026 to July 2027 (5–11 months)
Apply via: Online application portal at aarome.org
More details: aarome.org/apply/rome-prize

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Cafe Royal Cultural Foundation Grants
Funding New Work by New York City Artists

This foundation supports artists in New York City who are developing new work in a range of disciplines. Grants are awarded quarterly and are intended to give artists the time and resources to create—without requiring public engagement or finished products.

Grantmaker: Cafe Royal Cultural Foundation
Amount: Varies; typically around $10,000
Match required: No
Deadline: Rolling (quarterly application cycles)
Who can apply: Artists based in New York City
What it funds: Creation of new work in literature, visual art, film, and performing arts
Apply via: Online application at caferoyalculturalfoundation.org

Anatomy of a Grant Application

Are grant applications difficult? The short answer is no. For many artists, they fall under the category of “boring tasks I don’t want to complete.” Truthfully, once you get a little organized, they just ain’t all that scary. Officious? For sure. But not scary. Let’s take a peek, shall we?

A typical arts and humanities grant application includes several components designed to help funders evaluate the merit, feasibility, and impact of a proposed project.

Here’s are some of the things you’ll see a lot:

1. Project Summary/Abstract

• A concise overview (usually 150–300 words) that describes the project’s purpose, scope, and significance.

2. Statement of Purpose/Project Description

This is a detailed explanation of:

• What you plan to do

• Why it matters

• How it contributes to the field

• Who it affects and how

Essentially, this is the reason for your being an artist. It may or may not include a focused “artistic statement.” Now, you could just say that your purpose is to get rich or die tryin’. But, I suggest you try for something a little more staid. Even if you have to make it up. Stay tuned for future issues when I’ll give you some ideas on how to do just that.

3. Background/Context

This illustrates your knowledge of the field or artistic discipline and explains how your project fits into or builds upon existing work. Basically, you are indicating that you are not a poseur. You know what you’re up against and you are ready to rock.

4. Methodology/Work Plan

This describes how you’ll do the work, including any research, creative processes, or curatorial practices that you may have. It may include a timeline or phases (milestones, deliverables) and any collaborations or community involvement. Basically you are showing that you have thought about this project for more than 5 minutes.

5. Budget and Budget Narrative

This is usually an itemized list of expected costs (e.g., artist fees, materials, travel, equipment). You are justifying the need for each expense and showing some financial responsibility. (I know. You might have to fake it. You’ll be fine.)

6. Biographical Sketch/CV/Artist Resume

Well, you’ve got this in the bag. It’s all about you, your background, experience, and qualifications. You might even include bios of collaborators or team members. (Be nice!)

7. Work Samples/Portfolio

Sadly, sometimes these are required for creative projects. I know it feels like turning in homework. Where are all those files? Are they in a binder in your dad’s garage? Well, get them out of there and digitize them. Once done, forever availed. They might include writing samples, video clips, images, scores, etc. Pay attention to format and file size rules. Some sticklers will use your lack of adherence to their rules as a reason for instant disqualification. (Have you heard the Van Halen M&Ms story? It’s kinda like that.)

8. Letters of Support and Commitment

Recommendations from individuals and institutions show you have credibility and trust from others in your community. These aren’t always required, but it is good to have some prepared as they prove you aren’t working in a vacuum. Ask any creative partners (past or present), host organizations, institutions, or collaborators to help you with this. Offer to return the favor. Maybe you’ll become pen pals. Win-win.

9. Goals, Outcomes, and Evaluation Plan

All right, this one actually kind of sucks. It’s a bit like an annual evaluation for your day job: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years, Bob?” 🙄 (No longer needing to answer tedious questions like this, perhaps?)

• What will success look like? (You’ll buy a brownstone in Williamsburg?)

• How will you measure impact? (Your Insta goes bananas?)

These answers are especially common for publicly funded grants.

10. Public Engagement/Dissemination Plan

How will you share your work? World tour? Museum exhibit? Vegas residency? Nowadays your dissemination plan can include exhibits, talks, workshops, publications, performances, and digital outreach. The important thing is to get your work in front of the masses. And then . . . take a bow!

There you have it: the essential components of a grant proposal. In future issues, I will dive more deeply into each of these topics to discuss how you might respond to these requirements. Let’s begin today, talking about how to write an abstract. It’s the best place to start. We all could use a good abstract.

This week’s challenge

Write an abstract for your project

As mentioned above, an abstract is a short summary (typically 150–300 words) that captures your project’s purpose, scope, and significance.

You should clearly describe:

Think of it as your elevator pitch—clear, compelling, and jargon-free. Be human, for crying out loud.

An abstract typically includes:

1. What you're doing
   (Introduce your project clearly and succinctly.)

2. Why it matters
   (Explain its artistic or scholarly significance—what gap it fills or question it addresses.)

3. How you'll do it
   (Briefly mention your method, approach, or creative process.)

4. What the impact will be (Behold, the IMPACT STATEMENT! Mercy!)
   Describe expected outcomes and how you’ll share your work. Get creative here. A girl can dream, can’t she? Jeez, we aren’t pulling teeth here. How will the world change for the better because you are f&$#ing fabulous? Write THAT!

Come on, people! We’re talking about 300 words! That’s like . . . not even 400 words! You can do this.

Example 1: Barnyard Ballet

“Barnyard Ballet is a site-specific dance performance series staged in underused public spaces across three non-contiguous rural villages. Through a mix of modern dance, hip hop, and spoken word, the performances will explore themes of surveillance, resistance, and food scarcity in the farming community. Each piece will be choreographed in collaboration with local 4H members and accompanied by live music performed by disgraced celebrities. The work aims to disrupt conventional notions of performance space while inviting public audiences into moments of shared reflection. Funding will support artist stipends, permits, rehearsal space, and documentation. The project will culminate in a free public showcase and an online archive featuring filmed performances and artist interviews. There will also be a free all-you-can-eat buffet.”

Example 2: Printers! (The Musical)

“This modern operatic stage play dramatizes the untold story of women printers in 17th-century Venice and their covert role in circulating banned philosophical texts. Drawing from historical records and personal journals, the script brings to life the daily risks and quiet defiance of these overlooked figures who operated at the intersection of censorship, intellectual freedom, and survival. The play will feature an original score inspired by themes found in the printers’ own writings, blending Baroque motifs with contemporary musical elements to deepen emotional resonance. Grant funds will support script development, archival research in Venice, and the commissioning of translations of primary source material. The project will culminate in a staged reading, followed by a public discussion on historical erasure and freedom of expression. A digital program will provide contextual resources, including excerpts from the journals and a visual timeline of the women’s printing networks.”

✏️ Note: The examples above are a little under the suggested minimum 150-word count. They’re here to give you a taste of how to shape the tone, structure, and content of your abstract—without overwhelming your inbox.

Have a project to plug? Tell me about it and maybe I will feature in my forthcoming Art Worth Seeing calendar. Reply to this message and spill the tea.