As an artist (music producer, emcee, DJ or creative person) there is always thought of the next project. Then there is the thought of the budget for the project – maybe that comes before the thought of the project. Know this – there is always somebody out there somewhere, who wants to give you money for your next venture – you just have to find who it is. Once you find them – you have to know how to apply…
Applying is easy when you know how, but what if you don’t know how? This is a short guide that will help you. For further help, click the link below for a comprehensive guide/course that will take you through the process. It costs £5 for a limited period of time and you can refer to it again and again.
Know exactly what your idea is
Making your project too big or ambiguous is a mistake lots of people make. Sure you have a big vision with big goals but is it feasible to do with the amount of money you are requesting? What about all the time you need to put in? Instead of creating a new 15 track album and promoting it with a 20 day European tour, perhaps you could release a new single with a 5 day UK tour. Narrow your idea down to a focus that can easily be translated verbally and on paper.
Make sure you/your idea is eligible for the grant
Is it the right grant for you? Do you meet all the criteria? Be honest with yourself – if now is not the right time for that particular grant, there is surely a smaller grant you can use as a stepping stone in the meantime. If the grant is for organisations only, if you are an individual, you will not be able to apply. Many funds have this stipulation, so it is worth checking. Maybe there is an organisation you can use as a host?
Complete all the sections of the form as best as you can
This doesn’t mean you need to write pages of waffle, it does mean you need to be clear. Avoid putting information that is irrelevant into the form. Unless they ask for your feelings (I have not come across any that do) don’t include them! Assessors spend lots of time looking at forms – if the information they need is not there, or is not clear, that is a mark against you. If it helps to write bullet points, then do so. Some funders are able to give guidance over the phone – if so, make use of it!
Read the questions thoroughly
Some questions may have three questions in one – they tell you exactly what they want to know. If it is a three part question, make sure you answer all the parts. If a question reads:
Tell us why you are applying for this activity, why now is the right time for you and how it will impact you as a musician
Then you need to address all three questions. Don’t assume they will know the answer – they will not pick up the phone to call you – this is solely paper based shortlisting, so if the information isn’t there, off to the ‘no pile‘ you go.
Know your numbers
If your budget doesn’t add up, or does not make sense, why would anybody want to give you money??? Include details. Most forms provide the headings for you – include the relevant information in the correct place. If you are applying for studio time, an example would be:
10 hours @ Redbull Studios x £30 per hour x 1 £150 mixing and mastering fee = £450
as opposed to:
Studio time £450
See the difference?
Proof read your application
This is so crucial! So simple! But the amount of applications I have seen that haven’t been checked is astonishing. Don’t do all that work and just hit the submit button without even looking through your work. It could cost you a few thousand pounds. Get a friend to proof read it – ask them if it makes sense – have you hit all the relevant points? Does anything need rewording? Does the budget add up? Is there anything you need to add? Any waffle that needs removing? Is it clear? Go back to it the next day if you need to and go through it again.
Don’t rush your application – leave yourself a good week before the deadline
if possible. If you found out about it last minute dot com, then good luck!
Need more help? Check out our course which provides an intensive guide for accessing funding.
http://mcb-courses.thinkific.com/courses/artist-funding-online-workshop
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