| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Tracey |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 08:19:40 AM
Does anyone have experience with this? Either on the writing or receiving end?
I've applied to get into a particular competition, and if accepted I'll be needing funds to help me accomplish my goal. While I've written plenty of letters for non-profit fundraising, I'm finding it a bit trickier to talk about myself in a way that makes a business want to be part of what I'm doing.
Any thoughts or discussion on the matter would be greatly appreciated! 
Mesteno Wild Horse Photogrpahy
http://mesteno.blogspot.com
http://carpentercreek.wordpress.com |
| 4 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Tracey |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 12:52:42 PM
Thank you for your response, Jenn.
No, it's not for my photography. It has to do with horses.
I suppose I should have indicated that I was thinking smaller rather than national, as I know I won't be able to reach them (yet!  )
My thinking is along the lines of sport sponsorships. I know which companies I'd like to target; I know which ones have something to gain by entering into a business deal/sponsorship and what it is they've got that I want (not necessarily just the money, but product.) It's just getting the wording right that I'm struggling with, and knowing which letter should contain which information. You know, cover letter, resume, here's how you benefit...that sort of stuff.
Mesteno Wild Horse Photogrpahy
http://mesteno.blogspot.com
http://carpentercreek.wordpress.com |
| La Patite Ferme |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 10:11:00 AM
Hi Tracey, sounds like an exciting opportunity.
Unfortunately in the fundraising world corporations and foundations generally do not fund requests from individuals. You could however, seek support from local businesses (small to mid-size) in your community. As an example Verizon or ATT, on the corp level, would not fund a sponsorship request, but your local Verizon or ATT phone store might.
I would also check to see if your county has any type of Community Foundation. These are local foundations formed to support local non-profits and other funding needs that larger foundations or corps would not. They are more likely to have private funds to support individuals. Also, community foundations have access to other funding options through on-line funding directories and databases. Check any arts councils in your area, they may know of local patrons that would be interested. Service organizations like Rotary are also good for small requests.
I looked at your blog and am assuming the competition is for your photograhy - which is good because there are arts grants available for emerging artists. Emerging artist grants do fund competitions and work projects. A community foundation would have that information. If your county does not have one try another county or a larger city.
If you have any art museums in your area you could also seek their advice. Many times they are willing to assist up and coming artists. Ask for their Development Dept or their grant writer.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time - a grant process can take anywhere from 3 months to a year before you are notified of their decision. Grant writing is also very comeptitive and there are no guaruntees. You should work several angles at once though - the grant writing, requests for community support, local arts patrons, etc.
As for writing a grant, your basically telling your story with a description of the project, what the need is, how much you're requesting and what it's for (a budget), how the funds will be used, etc. With arts grants they will probably require a sample of your work product so be prepared to send well made copies because they usually don't return anything. The grant will give you those details. If you decide to write a grant follow the directions TO THE LETTER or it won't get past the $8 an hour clerk checking for incomplete proposals.
I know this can be overwhelming, but it's actually just a systematic attack. Gather your information, decide which approach you want to take and create your timeline. Then go to work.
If you have any other questions let me know - I do this all day long.
Jenn
Take a look at these websites, you may be able to get info for your state or county:
www.foundationcenter.org
www.philanthropy.com
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| Tracey |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 09:05:17 AM
Corrine, thank you. I do plan on utilizing my blog to help raise funds, but the gas money that will be needed I think will be a bit more than my readers can handle I'm hoping to gain some media attention and hopefully that will bring in a bit of money as well, but what I'm really hoping for are some local businesses to jump on board and hopefully be able to retain them for future events and activities.
Mesteno Wild Horse Photogrpahy
http://mesteno.blogspot.com
http://carpentercreek.wordpress.com |
| Corinnelouise |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 08:41:59 AM
Tracey, since you have a blog, which shows your beautifull pictures, why not add a section explaining your goals and why you need money ?
Then, whenever you see the posibility, advertise it. I've heard of some people putting a paying add in a well read local or national newspaper and getting lots of money after that.
Good luck to you to reaching your goals.
Corinne
Sister # 101 |
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