Apply For A Grant

The Grant Process

The Arts Work Fund assists small arts and cultural organizations to develop sustainable organizational capacity. Grant funded projects may take a variety of forms, each tailored specifically to the organization receiving the award. Eligible project categories and examples, include, but are not limited to:

marketing research and planning and audience development efforts strengthening financial management and fund development capacity  improving board functioning and governance  identifying and addressing structural and operational issues

establishing or refining personnel or volunteer management systems organizational and executive coaching business, strategic and succession planning creating new collaborative efforts among arts organizations technology planning

In applying for a grant, the Fund strongly encourages applicants to think creatively about how to achieve their objectives and to risk trying innovative or collaborative solutions. Organizations are welcome to contact the Arts Work Fund prior to applying to discuss their ideas.

Download the Grant Guidelines and Application Process document >

Application Deadlines

The Arts Work Fund awards grants three times per year. Complete proposals (including all attachments) must be postmarked by the deadline date.

PROPOSAL DEADLINE	DECISIONS
September 15	December
January 15	April
May 15	August

How to Write a Good Proposal

1. Make sure your organization is eligible for Arts Work Fund funding (see guidelines for eligibility requirements).
2. Provide a rationale for the proposed work that is clearly defined. Discuss how your organization identified the issues at hand and its significance to the organization's development (i.e., Why this? Why now?).
3. Clearly described the proposed project and its outcomes. In the case of applications for consultant services, describe the process used for choosing a consultant and the relevance of the consultant's credentials. Include a copy of the consultant's proposed work plan and projected deliverables.
4. Discuss the potential project impact on organizational capacity and effectiveness in achieving the organization's mission.
5. Make sure the proposed budget is adequate to accomplish the proposed work. Include cash and in-kind contributions.

Proposals Less Likely to Receive Support

Following are characteristics of proposals less likely to receive Arts Work Fund support:

• Applicants that do not clearly meet the eligibility guidelines.
• Recurring marketing or fundraising costs.
• Proposals that do not present a clear case for the identified management or governance challenge or the potential for results.
• Requests for activities which appear to be ongoing in nature, such as costs associated with the annual audit.
• Projects that do not show evidence of commitment from the Board or executive leadership.
• Applications requesting funding for a consultant but do include the consultant's work plan and fee schedule.
• Projects that engage an independent contractor to perform typical staff functions.
• Applications listing a current Board Director or family member as a consultant, or one where a Director resigns from the Board to become the consultant for the applicant.

Submit Your Application

There are two ways to submit your application.

1. Submit the proposal cover sheet, proposal narrative and all required attachments online.
   
2. Submit the proposal cover sheet and proposal narrative online and mail a hard copy of the entire proposal with all attachments to:
   
   Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development
   P.O. Box 577309
   Chicago, IL 60657-7309