Grant Writing with ArtsNL: Q&A with Katrina Rice

Whether you’ve submitted one, none, or a dozen, preparing a grant application can feel like a daunting task. There’s pulling together a perfect project description, getting your support materials together all in one place, figuring out your budget, and so much more.

If you’ve ever felt stressed trying to tackle it all, we’re here to help with our latest grant writing workshop, led by ArtsNL’s Senior Program Officer Katrina Rice.

During this free, online session on February 12, Katrina will walk participants through how to prepare and submit applications for ArtsNL’s Professional Project Grants Program (PPGP), which supports the creation and/or presentation of works in the disciplines of adaptation, dance, film, music, multidisciplinary arts, theatre, visual arts, or writing. (Click here to learn more about the Professional Project Grants Program on ArtsNL’s website.)

This session is so popular, we’ve added an extra half hour to ensure we have enough time to cover all the materials and questions that are sure to arise. Everyone’s welcome to join!

In case you can’t make it (or want a preview beforehand), we’re re-sharing a previous Q&A we hosted with Katrina to share some tips and best practices to help increase your chances of success.

Katrina Rice

(This Q&A was originally published in Spotlight on Partnerships in 2020.)

Business & Arts NL: Is there anything that makes a grant application stand head and shoulders above the rest? What can artists do to increase their chances of success?

Katrina Rice: Unfortunately, there isn’t a formula to write a grant application that is a guarantee to funding. However, there are good practices to creating a grant application. Before applying for an arts grant ask yourself questions such as: What will I do? Where will I create it? Where will it show or be presented? When will the creation happen? When will it be seen? How will I create the work? Why is the project important to my artistic growth and development? How does the project connect to, depart or build on my past work? Why is this project important to my artistic career now? Once you can answer questions like that, you can probably present a clear idea of what you are intending on creating.

Business & Arts NL: What are some common mistakes you have seen in the past with regards to grant applications/the submission of them?

KR: Sometimes an application can seem rushed, so I usually advise applicants to start early. A month or more is needed to develop all the aspects of an application. Also, be clear in the project description and use support material that is in direct support of the proposed project.

Business & Arts NL: For those who may feel overwhelmed by the application process (especially those applying for the first time), any words of wisdom you can share with them?

KR: Break up the application process, take your time, and seek out help. When it comes to initially writing a project description, you might use a prompt question and write for 10 minutes. This allows you to get your thoughts onto paper, or have another strategy to get your initial ideas and thoughts onto paper. This will give you points to build your first draft. When writing a budget, start writing a list of expenses and write down everything you will need, and get price quotes when possible rather than guessing at amounts. Read the application before starting to complete the application form and always call ArtsNL with any questions. We are happy to answer any questions to help with the process.

Workshop: Grant Writing with ArtsNL
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 12 from 1-2:30 pm (NL)
Location: Online via Zoom
Price: Free
Registration: Click here to register for Grant Writing with ArtsNL