[How to Get a Grant]

By Fazeena Samad

Stop digging under your couch cushions for coins. Funding your film may be easier than you think. With the right words you may be able to steal a piece of the money pie and get your reels rolling.

There is grant money out there waiting for you to grab. It may be the only way to get your film made.

However, grant writing can be a frustrating process. The thought of filling out countless application forms and writing an infinite number of proposal letters is enough to send most fleeing under their beds. With the right tools you may be able to unlock the chest. By following a few simple guidelines you will receive your cheque in the mail in no time.

The important thing is to know your project. Consider your needs and how they match the requirements of each organization.

Dr. Jacob Kraicer, author of The Art of Grantmanship and a professor at the University of Toronto, recommends you “make sure your proposal fits with the mission of the agency and your objectives match with those of the agency. Make this match explicit in your written application.”

A successful application must satisfy the needs of the granting organization.

There are a number of ways to determine who will support your project. A good place to start is the Canadian Heritage website which provides a list of organizations. The directory lists the types of projects they support and financial information about the organization itself. The Canada Council for the Arts has three categories: emerging artists, mid-career artists, and established artists.

The application process for each category varies, so work within the specified guidelines. The amount of money awarded also varies. Emerging artists may receive between $3,000 and $16,000 for research/creation. Similar amounts are awarded for scriptwriting and production.

The Canadian Independent Film and Video Fund also accepts applications from emerging artists. They support media projects that promote lifelong learning.

 

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