Typical Items You May Need for Grant or Residency Applications

(all applications are different, of course, but I often see some version of these items!)

1. An Artist Statement
approximately 500 words where you explain the work you do and why you do that work; you should be able to easily compress or expand the length depending on the application needs | the New York Foundation for the Arts provides some helpful information about writing artist statements (h/t Erika Dreifus)

2. A Current Resume or CV
include your publication history; if you are pre-published, especially make sure to highlight the ways you have attempted to grow in your craft (perhaps participated in classes, writing workshops, webinars, etc.)

3. A Project Description
an explanation of your work in progress and/or a clear plan for how you will use the funding or time at the residency; granting organizations understand life changes, but they love to have a sense that you will put their resources to good use

4. Work Samples
consider your work and identify your strongest; work samples often are 10 to 20 pages in length; these are sometimes one complete work, an excerpt from one work, or multiple works

5. Letters of Recommendation
consider who you might be able to ask to write a letter of recommendation; some ideas include writing workshop leaders, editors you’ve worked with in the past, a writing coach, a writing colleague; I’ve found it helpful to keep a running list of people I could possibly ask to write a letter of recommendation

6. Budget
often grants for a specific project/purpose will ask you to include a budget as indication of how you will use the funds; please note that some grants will ask you to provide matching funds in various amounts

Tips for Applying for Grants and Residencies

1. Tell a story in your application. Don’t merely list the necessary details. Instead think about why you are applying for this grant now and why this opportunity matters to your writing life. Can you explain this information with a compelling story?

2. If you know a grant recipient, ask them for advice about the application process.

3. When asking people to write your letters of recommendation, make the process as easy as possible by including your CV, your proposed plan for the funding, and reminding them of any unique accomplishments you have that align with the grant.

4. Make sure that your application aligns with the goals and intent of the grant or residency.

5. Ask a writing critique partner or friend to read your application materials and provide honest feedback.

6. Make sure you’ve submitted all the requested documentation.

7. Close to the deadline for recommendation letters, don’t be afraid to follow up with your recommender to make sure they’ve submitted their letter. And definitely make sure to thank your recommender for their time.

8. Don’t let a “No” discourage you from applying again or for another grant; continue doing your research and keep applying for opportunities where your work aligns with the organization’s funding desires. If an organization is willing to offer feedback regarding your declined application, definitely take advantage of that! And remember that the more you apply, the easier it is to apply in the future. You will have so much of the application material either ready to go or easily available to edit and revise for a new application.

9. If you receive a “YES,” congratulations!!! Definitely thank the organization immediately. After you’ve used the funding or participated in the residency, sending another thank you note is a wonderful practice. And whatever work may come as a result of this opportunity—even in part— make sure to share that with the organization! Organizations love learning how their funding has made an impact!!