• Do your research

- What is the timing of the grant? When are others coming up? Do they work with your timelines? 

- Do read the program guidelines thoroughly, make sure you’re eligible and your application answers all criteria. This is what you’ll be assessed on. 

- Do research previous grant recipients for an indication of the types of activities supported. Check news stories for previous projects. Does your application fit in - - the program’s aims? 

- Don’t be afraid to call the funding body. Pick up the phone or send an email. 

• Don’t assume anything 

- Don't see your artform, genre or project type on the previous recipients list? 

- Don’t assume the Assessment Panel know who you are. Make sure you explain who you are and what you’ve done. 

• Plan ahead 

- Do gather your support material and any letters of support. Don’t leave this to the last minute. 

• Budgets matter 

- Do a thorough budget, work out your expenses and projected income. The Assessment Panel need to see your project is viable and the grant money will be put to good use. Make sure your budget is well researched and realistic. 

- Do refer to the program guidelines on the any funding requirements and what can or cannot be supported. 

• Avoid waffle 

- Do bin the jargon and use clear, plain language. Members of the Assessment Panel may not be familiar with your practice so make sure anyone can understand your application. 

- Do be upfront about what you want the funding for. The Assessment Panel needs to know exactly how you plan to spend the money, so make sure your project description is clear and not buried within the questions. 

- Do describe what you will do, not just who you are. Imagine you’re the assessor, what would you want to know about the project? 

• Make your case 

- Do supply high quality support material and only include it if it’s directly relevant to your application. Refer to the program guidelines of what needs to be provided. 

- Do include notes and captions, they help the Assessment Panel link the supporting material to your project. 

- Don’t be modest. Remember the onus is on you to make a compelling case. Why should the government support your project? What’s the value of your project in a broader context? 

•  Before you hit send 

- Have you had someone else read through the application? It’s often helpful to have someone unconnected to your field of expertise read it, like a family member or close friend. If they don’t understand what your project is and what you’re asking for, it’s time to revise. 

• Links: 

  1. The importance of Human Resources in successful event management 

  2. How to write a successful grant application 

Follow the same tips above when writing a grant for a private entity such as philanthropic trust or foundation, but don’t be afraid to go deeper and be more specific. You are dealing with more often than not an individual or small group with a focused agenda around their hard-earned money should go and how it will be used to enact change. Go to the heart of why you deserve and need this money. Also engaging with this type of funding is highly relationship based. Securing a modest amount one year and delivering above expectations will not go unnoticed and you can easily experience a boost in funding therein. Demonstrating the impact the funding has done is key. 

• Links: 

- 10 safety risks every event manager should plan for 

- Tips to get Grant Funding