By Anna Mall
— The organizers of Gatas y Vatas have been researching foundations and organizations in the hopes of discovering short-term travel grants that performers can apply for.
All of the foundations we researched were great, and the opportunities they provide women and artists of different media are admirable. Many are geared toward helping female musicians and artists in times of crisis or emergency with money for food, hospital/medical expenses and more, like the The MusiCares Foundation.
Unfortunately, some grant deadlines ask for submissions early in the fiscal year, and that disqualifies us for the 2015 festival. But there are rolling or continuous grants that have deadlines set throughout the year (or sometimes at the fiscal quarters). State-specific grants often request that you use the money to enrich your community within that state and not to travel elsewhere. So I searched for grants specifically related to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest that might help us fund the dream. Here are few sites that stood out to me:
- Seattle Neighborhood & Community Arts Grant: Application available Sept. 10, 2015, so that’s cutting it close.
- Artist Trust: Provides several different grants to check out. Please read the fine print to make sure you are eligible.
- The National League of American Pen Women: The Biennial Grants for Mature Women grants a Vinnie Ream Music Award to women 35 and older.
- The National Young Arts Foundation: Must be 15- to 18-years-old or in grades 10-12. Costs is $35.
- Northwest Music Foundation (for recipients in Oregon, Washington, Idaho or Alaska). Next deadline is Sept. 1.
Do you know of other grants that performers can apply for? If so, we would love for you to comment with the link and short description. Here are a few tips for writing your grant application:
- Write clearly, honestly and concisely.
- Use a direct and easy-to-understand style.
- Be as specific as possible.
- Make sure to emphasize the connection between the foundation’s objectives with the grant and your objectives with your art.
- Be positive in your writing. This will help the foundation or organization know that it’s a great opportunity to work with you.
- Make sure you read all of the guidelines for the grant. Many have fine print that may hinder your application.
If you are having trouble making the festival and you are booked to perform, LET US KNOW! We will do what we can to help.
You can also search for a ride share with a fellow Gata performer who is driving by checking into our Facebook page for performers. And scope this blog on travel tips for getting to the fest.