Our Free Resource Series: On Basic Grant Writing

For every artist who has ever had a brilliant idea, but felt stuck when it came to asking for support. In the creative journey, talent and vision are your language. But the world of grants, budgets, and applications can feel like a foreign dialect. We believe that a great idea should never falter simply. This is why we share the basic notes. Our philosophy is rooted in a few core beliefs: Basic access: we hope to ensure that emerging and underrepresented voices have a genuine shot at securing the resources they need to thrive. Empowerment: Grant writing is not a mystical art. Our aim is to demystify the process, to replace anxiety with confidence, and to empower you. We trust that you have the talent. These notes are a starting point—a spark. They contain the essential framework to help you begin, to structure your thinking. The paid, in-depth workshop will always offer more but everyone deserves a foundation. We share this because we have seen too many brilliant ideas go unrealized but we hope you bring your work into the world. 

Our Free Resource Series On Basic Grant Writing:

The Grant Readiness Checklist:

  • 5 Questions to Ask Before You Write a Single Word.
  • Concept: This free resources provide basic guidellines and critical thinking first before drafting the grant.

The 5-Question Grant Readiness Checklist

  • Feeling overwhelmed by grant applications?
  • You are not alone. Most people jump straight to writing, only to end up with a generic proposal that misses the mark. True success starts before you write. This checklist, from the Grant Writing & Proposal E-Workshop, will guide you through the strategic thinking that funders truly reward. Answer these questions honestly to see if your project is ready to win.

The Alignment Check:

  • "Does My Project Solve Their Problem?"
  • Grantors fund projects that advance their mission, not just yours.

  • Action: Find the funder's mission statement in their guidelines. Underline key words.

  • Your Turn: In one sentence, how does your project directly support their stated mission?

  • "My project supports [Funder's Mission] by [Your Project's Direct Contribution]."

The Problem Statement Test: 

  • "Is My 'Need' Urgent and Backed by Evidence?"A vague problem ("arts are important") gets a weak response. A specific, evidence-based problem demands a solution.
  • Action: List 3 concrete pieces of evidence that prove your problem exists  E.g., local statistics, community surveys, expert quotes. Your Turn: Draft a one-sentence problem statement using your strongest piece of evidence. "Despite [Evidence], our community lacks [Specific Solution], leading to [Negative Consequence]."

The Goal Clarifier: 

  • "Can I Distinguish My Goal from My Objectives?" Funders look for clear, logical connections. Your Goal is the broad vision. Your Objectives are the measurable steps to get there.
  • Goal Example: "To improve literacy rates among 3rd-grade students in Sunside District." Objective Example: "By June 2025, 75% of participating students will increase their reading comprehension scores by one grade level." Your Turn: Write one overarching goal for your project. Then, list 2-3 specific, measurable objectives.

The Budget Reality Check: 

  • "Is Every Dollar Justified by the Narrative?" Your budget is not just numbers; it is the financial expression of your project plan. Every line item should trace back to your methodology. Action: Pick a major budget item (E.g., "Project Coordinator Salary"). Your Turn: Write a one-sentence justification for it, connecting it directly to an activity. "The Project Coordinator is essential to achieve Objective 1 (state objective) by managing [specific activity]."

The Uniqueness Factor: 

  • Why Me/Us? Why Now? Funders have choices. What makes your organization and your approach the best candidate to solve this problem Action: List your unique assets (E.g., unique location, proven track record, partnerships, specialized skills).Your Turn: Craft your "Why Us" statement. "Our organization is uniquely positioned because of our [Unique Asset 1] and demonstrated success in [Past Achievement]."

How Did You Do?

  • Mostly Answered? Great! You have a strong strategic foundation. Our full workshop will give you the tools to turn these answers into a compelling narrative. Struggling with a few? This is exactly where we can help! Many proposals fail due to weak alignment or unclear objectives.

  • Ready to transform your answers into a funded proposal? Join our Grant Writing & Proposal E-Workshop to master the art of persuasive structure, budget justification, and submission strategy. Move from confused to confident or feel free to use these basic pointers to draft and for those who may not be able to join us.

Why This Resource Works:

  • Solves the #1 Pain Point: It addresses the feeling of "I don't know where to start."

  • Provides Immediate Value: Anyone can use this checklist right now and improve their approach.

  • Targets Your Audience Perfectly: It is non-intimidating for beginners but structured enough for non-profit leaders to appreciate.

Next Steps:

  • Feedback on the Draft: What are your thoughts on the questions?
  • Visual Design: We can think about a clean and professional layout for the PDF.
  • Adding an Example: Would it be helpful to include a past or sample draft. E.g., for a community art project.