Proposals and Projects

Sometimes grant proposals don't get funded, and sometimes they do. It takes a lot of time to write specific project outlines and budgets, and even when the application does not receive funds from the grantor, I have found that my work on goal-setting has not been wasted.  

Research has shown that people who write goals down on paper are much more likely to achieve those goals. Grantwriters use this acronym:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time bound

Writing projects, like art projects, are based on a series of tasks. To boost productivity, it's a good idea to set specific and measurable goals that fit these criteria. To increase the likelihood of receiving a grant, writers should get S.M.A.R.T. too. In addition, I highly recommend reading the grant instructions carefully, planning enough time to do a good job, and finding a proofreader for both the application and work sample.

Grants Available for Minnesota writers:http://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/artist-initiative.htm
http://aracouncil.org/
https://www.loft.org/programs__awards/grants__awards/mcknight_artist_fellowships/