The Guitar Center Music Foundation does not review grants for musical instruments in the conventional sense; we've got a kind that grant applicants submit to us. But we want you to be armed for the grants you will be writing to other associations. It is a particular skill that we think will make it possible for YOU, as a pioneer in music education, to further the future of music.
NEED A GRANT FOR YOUR PROGRAM?
It is time to plan for the new school year. You are probably worrying about getting the cash for each of the things that you want to do: "I want to add a private lesson program; I want to buy three new computers for our music lab; I wish to take the choir to a festival in the other end of the state, etc." You worry that your budget will be cut or your own course size will be increased. You know that you're going to have to raise extra funds, but the idea of starting yet another bake sale provides you a case of the hives.
You wonder whether there's a better approach to acquire the funds you want. You've heard about grants for musical instruments and perhaps even know a colleague who has obtained grants for musical instruments. You want to know how to begin with the grant process. Let's begin! The very first step would be to steer clear of stating, "I need," and learn to identify and articulate demands -- of your pupils and your community. Try it! Change the wording from the opening paragraph of the article. "Twenty percent of the students in our middle school band program will be unable to continue since they lack, so they will need so as to continue Participating in this program has enabled them to" Do you find the difference? Do you want to make a difference? Learn how to shine the spotlight on the people that you will help rather than on yourself or your program.
As you learn to identify and express the needs of the people you serve and how your application will address these demands, bear this in mind: Be timely, be certain, and be brief! Use accurate and up-to-date data. Focus on specific requirements and the people who will benefit from a grant. Learn to write and speak succinctly -- focus on a single strong point.
The next step in a successful grant application is finding the right donor for your own program. Bear in mind, that this doesn't include grants for musical instruments from state and federal agencies. And these private foundations must spend at least 5 percent of the investment assets annually or face penalties from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and loss of their non-profit status.
Why Grants get refused
Now don't become over-confident. With so many potential donors and a lot of money needs to be invested, finding the right donor -- for your app and the demands in your community your program will address -- is really the most difficult step in the grant-seeking process. The number one reason a grant application is denied is that the folks asking the money didn't take some opportunity to realize that the interests, mission statement, and scope of the base (those who have the cash ) matched up with the aims of the program (which will deal with the needs.)
Most foundations clearly state the geographical, demographic, and financial constraints which they will consider in a grant application. It is easy to find this info on a Foundation's website or published materials. Some key information: Keep your hunt neighborhood. With few exceptions, foundations prefer to make grants for musical instruments to people and programs within their area or their region. Here's an Established way to find possible benefactors for the Fine or Performing Arts application:
Attend a performance by your regional orchestra and bring home the app.
The application will list each of the corporations, individuals, and foundations that have provided support for the symphony. This is your goal list -- individuals who have money and use part of it to support the arts!
Build a team to begin exploring these potential donors. Go to their websites and learn in their history of charitable giving -- who received funding, how much funding they will consider, what time of year can they believe grants for musical instruments, etc..
You also need to add all these art patrons into your own mailing list. Invite them to your next concert. Send them news about your program and how the neighborhood benefits as a result of it. State your objectives.
You may improve your odds of obtaining a grant if you recall:
Grant writing is not a"cookie-cutter" procedure. Do not practice"spray and pray" -- filling out one application and mailing it to every base in your area.
Be selective in attempting to match your application to a donor since you're in picking out a suitable piece of music for your group to do at a contest.
Follow all of the rules exactly! Here is the main reason that a grant application is denied.
Don't forget a deadline -- even by one hour.
Use the terminology they request. Talk about their language.
Utilize a dispassionate proofreader -- if you're sloppy with grammar, you indicate you will not be a careful steward of the base's money.
Supply all the forms requested. Do not go beyond the length they define.
Who has the money and who gets financed?
Besides an IRS mandate that foundations spend at least 5% of the investment assets each year, the government publishes the bases tax return -- as a matter of public record. This is Form 990 and has a great search engine to discover potential grantors. It is possible to search the tax returns of over 100,000 private foundations and charitable trusts. Search by state, zip code, size of assets, etc.. You'll see an itemized list of all the programs and people who received a music instrument grants for individuals with that base. Get in touch with these receivers to find out more about who they function, what they have accomplished, and request their help refining your search. Typically, grants for musical instruments fund:
Program grants -- to start a new one or expand the existing one.
To start or enlarge a private lesson program -- particularly for"at-risk" kids.
Professional Development -- includes attending in-service conventions.
Some other helpful websites I have employed include The Nonprofit Resource Center --and School Grants (founded by a former grant writer for the Dallas, TX school district) --Of course, you also need to become quite familiar with Advocacy materials when you're constructing your case to support your grants for musical instruments application. Your first stop is Service Music.
While searching the web, I discovered that these 7 questions -- asked in sequence -- which neatly define the grant writing process and will help shape your thought procedure. As you really answer each question you will make a successful transformation in the"I want" (material goods) point to the"We need in order to so that" goal. An in the procedure you'll make yourself more appealing to philanthropists and truly make a difference within your community. The 7 questions which I discovered. Obviously, you also need to become quite familiar with Advocacy materials when you are building your case to support your grants for musical instruments application.
What do you want to buy?
What will you do with it?
Why do you want to do that?
What makes you feel you're the one to perform it?
How are you going to know if you really did it?
How will you keep doing it?
As I have reflected on those 7 questions, I've found these to be a powerful blueprint for undertaking any endeavor. Art can die. A painting may disappear. What counts is that the seed" Philanthropists understand the importance of nurturing the seed. They realize that their cash partnered with competent people and organizations may make a huge positive change in our society.
Music is collaborative
Successful grants for musical instruments program requires a group effort. Foundations do not like to fund"lone rangers" -- which is people with an idea. They realize the importance of collaboration in order to have a program started on the path to self-sufficiency. Funders will need to see signs of real community support and participation in your own program. Who will create and monitor your financial plan? Who'll run the app? Do they require training? What other arts businesses can or will discuss your resources? Who will help maintain your business concentration? Who will create the evaluation reports many foundations need?
This guide is by necessity a summary of the grants for musical instruments writing process. I've given you links to useful websites where you can gain extra resources that will help you with your search. Future articles will concentrate on specific measures in the grant writing process. But, no grant application will ever be successful unless there is a legitimate match between the needs and strengths of your organization, the requirements, and support of your own community along with the goals and resources of your funders. Each needs to see that the other spouses discuss their values and are united in their goals. Be prepared to be successful. Be ready to make audio and make a difference within your community.
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