A four-part workshop series covering everything you need to know to apply for arts grants. While each workshop module is standalone, participants are encouraged to attend the entire series in order to get a full understanding of the arts funding landscape and how to approach preparing a grant application.

MODULE 1: Finding the Right Program - November 14, 2022

This workshop will provide you with a deeper understanding of the arts granting landscape, including the various funding agencies, their programs, priorities, and processes. We’ll look at different types of grants, eligibility requirements and assessment criteria to help you determine “fit” and target the right program for your artistic practice or project/activity.

You will learn:

• Funding agencies (municipal, provincial, federal) and their priorities
• How different funding agencies organize their programs
• The different types of grants (operating vs. project, one-time vs. multi-year, activity-based)
• How funding decisions are made (granting officers, assessment panels, juries)

MODULE 2: Writing Your Application - November 21, 2022

This workshop will look at your grant application as a narrative and the importance of storytelling in communicating impact. You will learn how to write compelling but concise project descriptions, artistic statements, and responses to different types of application questions.

You will learn:

• Storytelling as a tool for creating compelling and persuasive content
• Messaging that will resonate with your audience (funding decision-makers)
• The concept of “impact” in an arts context
• The writing process (brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, editing, and proof-reading)

MODULE 3: Budgets, Work Plans and Support Material - November 28, 2022

This workshop will look at look at your grant application as a business plan and examine its technical components. We will develop a budget and work plan according to program guidelines and discuss how to select your strongest artistic support materials and supplementary documentation. And finally, what to do if your grant application is successful (or not).

You will learn:

• How to make a business case for investment
• How to develop a budget according to program guidelines (the grant as a % of your overall revenue, eligible expenses, cost estimations)
• How to develop a work plan according to program guidelines (eligible dates, eligible activities)
• How to determine the most appropriate materials to support your application
• Your obligations if your grant application is successful
• Your best course of action if your grant application is rejected

MODULE 4: Mock Jury and Granting Clinic - December 5, 2022

This workshop will provide you with a hands-on experience of the peer assessment process from the perspective of a jury member. In breakout groups, you will review real grant applications, score them according to program criteria, and discuss them with your peers. There’s lots to learn from being on the other side of the table.

This is a unique opportunity to bring in a past grant application or one that you’re currently working on for review and feedback. Get invaluable customized advice from an expert in arts granting.

ACCESSIBILITY:

Those who require additional assistance or support to participate are welcome to send us a request. Please request this assistance at least three days in advance of the event. To do so, or for any additional information please contact bao@brampton.ca.

FACILITATOR:

Noora Rizvi is currently the Program Manager of Arts Across Canada and Arts Abroad at the Canada Council for the Arts, Canada’s national arts funder. As an arts producer, audience development specialist and strategy consultant, Noora has over twenty years of management experience in the arts and cultural sector. She holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and has held positions at the City of St. Catharines, Emancipation Arts, Ontario Arts Council, MANIFESTO, Young Centre/Soulpepper, and the Canada Dance Festival.

Noora (Sagarwala) Rizvi, BA, MBA | LinkedIn