An arts proposal has to do two jobs at once: explain the artistic idea to a reviewer who may not share your discipline, and show who takes part and what changes for them. Here is a section-by-section sample approach with the data, indicators and compliance points funders recognize.
How arts funding works for small organizations
Small arts groups usually combine earned income, individual donors, local businesses, foundations, community foundations and sometimes public arts funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) or a state or local arts agency. Say clearly whether you ask for a project, a season or general operations.
Earlier NEA strategic plans set out five outcomes (Creation, Engagement, Learning, Livability and Understanding), and some state arts agencies, such as the Wisconsin Arts Board, still ask applicants to choose a primary one. Current NEA Grants for Arts Projects guidelines ask for clearly defined goals and/or proposed outcomes and how you will assess them, and recipients report in a Final Descriptive Report.
No 501(c)(3) of your own? The National Network of Fiscal Sponsors notes that the pre-approved grant relationship model is primarily used in the arts.
A sample need statement built on public data
An arts need statement is rarely about deprivation. It is about opportunity: who near you lacks access to the art you make or present, and what stands in the way. These sources are online:
- NEA Arts Data Profile series: profiles on the arts' economic value, artist employment and participation. The latest state participation profile in the series (#23) uses 2017 to 2018 data.
- 50 States of Arts Participation: 2022 (NEA): state-level results from the Survey of Public Participation in the Arts (SPPA), which the Census Bureau administers. It covers attending live performing arts events, visiting art exhibits, reading literature, personally performing or creating art, and consuming art through electronic media.
- American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau): age, income, language spoken at home and disability in your area, the facts behind access barriers.
A sample you can adapt:
According to the National Endowment for the Arts' 50 States of Arts Participation: 2022, [state finding]. Last season, [number] of our participants came from [priority neighborhood] (registration records).
Outputs vs outcomes in arts programs
Outputs are what you deliver and can count. Outcomes are what changes for audiences, participants or the community.
| Outputs (counted) | Outcomes (what changes) |
|---|---|
| Performances, exhibitions, workshops or classes held | More people aware of local arts opportunities |
| Attendees and participants | Fewer reported barriers (cost, distance, accessibility) |
| Free or reduced-price tickets distributed | New arts knowledge or skills among participants |
| Artists engaged and paid; new works commissioned | Greater appreciation of the arts; further arts activity |
| Partner venues or schools | Audience satisfaction; stronger community connection |
Example indicators funders recognize
The Urban Institute's Outcome Indicators Project has a Performing Arts table, but no general arts table. Example indicators in that form:
- Number and percent of community members aware of the organization's arts opportunities
- Number and percent of community members reporting that performances are too costly, too hard to reach or not accessible for people with disabilities
- Number of free tickets provided
- Number and percent of audience members reporting increased knowledge of local culture as a result of attending
- Percent of audience members reporting being very satisfied with their experience
If you survey participation, reuse the SPPA activity categories above so your data can be compared. Baselines and targets come from your own records.
Compliance points to mention
- Sponsor credits. Under Treasury Regulation 1.513-4, a qualified sponsor may be thanked with its name, logos and slogans without qualitative or comparative descriptions, locations, phone and website. Price information, endorsements, comparative claims or calls to buy make it advertising.
- Galas and benefit tickets. IRS Publication 1771 requires a written disclosure when a donor pays more than $75 partly for goods or services, and a written acknowledgment for any single gift of $250 or more.
- Fiscal sponsorship. Check that the agreement covers this grant and which model applies.
- Rights and images. Confirm rights to perform, exhibit or record the works, and get written consent for identifiable participants (from a parent for minors).
Writing tips
- Explain the artistic idea in two plain sentences before any jargon.
- Name each barrier you remove: cost, transport, schedule, language, venue access.
- Budget artists as paid workers, with a basis per performance, day or commission.
- Use a funder's outcome categories only for the outcome you really measure.
The Arts & Culture Grant Kit lists these example indicators on the Examples tab of Sector_Arts_Logic_Model_TRACKER.xlsx.
General information: this article is general information, not legal, tax or fundraising advice. No template can guarantee funding. Always follow each funder's own guidelines.
The Funder File is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the National Endowment for the Arts, the Wisconsin Arts Board, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Internal Revenue Service, the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors or the Urban Institute.
Sources
- Wisconsin Arts Board: NEA Strategic Outcomes
- NEA: Strategic Plan FY 2012 to 2016
- NEA: Grants for Arts Projects guidelines
- NEA: Arts Data Profile series
- NEA: 50 States of Arts Participation: 2022
- U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey
- Urban Institute: Performing Arts outcome indicators
- BetterEvaluation: Outcome Indicators Project
- National Network of Fiscal Sponsors: Models
- Cornell LII: Treasury Regulation 1.513-4
- IRS: Publication 1771
The Funder File is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to any funder or government agency named on this site. All trademarks belong to their owners.