Now that you've developed a program plan, ask yourself: do I really need to write a grant to make this project a reality? It is all too easy to throw money at a project and think that you can do anything with it, but oftentimes, ingenuity is more successful (and sometimes less time consuming) than grantwriting.
For example, you might try raising funds through raffles, social dances, auctions of goods and services, bake sales, sales of candy and other items, and a variety of other creative fundraising methods. Another way to defray the cost of an event is to approach local businesses for donations. Here's one example of how this might be done:
Perhaps you would like to hang an exhibit which features student artwork. You've discussed the idea with one of the campus gallery directors and the gallery has set a tentative date and time for your exhibit. Now you have to consider how to pay for your show! There are several costs associated with hanging an exhibit, which may or may not be covered by the gallery. There are the cost of invitations, press releases (postage, paper), paint, gallery labels, frames (if the work requires this), flyers to recruit artists, picture hangers and wire, transportation of artwork, etc. Because the cost of invitations is often not covered by galleries (although many galleries on campus do provide this service), I'll use invitations to illustrate my point. Let's assume that you have discussed using invitations or flyers to promote the exhibit with your gallery director, and she or he has stated that the gallery does not cover this expense. You then discuss your invitation design ideas with the director, and after you have received his or her initial approval, you start your search for whittling down the cost of producing the invitations or flyers.
A great place to begin is by looking through the yellow pages of the phone book. Many paper companies are headquartered in Holyoke, Massachusetts, which is a short ride south of here. These companies regularly donate large quantities of paper to individuals and non-profits for educational purposes. Let's assume you've called several manufacturers, and finally find one who is willing to donate 100 large sheets of paper. When you've obtained the paper, you develop a design for your invitation on a campus computer (if you would like to know where these are located, call the general information number for PC Classrooms at 545-1611). After the gallery director has approved the design, you then bring it to Campus Design and Copy (401 Student Union; 545-2271), or a similar low-cost printer, and have them print the invitation.
Although you still have to pay for the cost of printing, you have saved a great deal of money on paper and design costs, which are some of the most expensive parts of a printing job.
These are just a small sampling of ways to raise money for your art event. Some programs require additional support which may be difficult to secure on your own. This is the time to consider submitting a grant to an on-campus funding agency, such as the UMass Arts Council.
