I think it is, IF you do three things:
- First, be sure you're clear on who and what you are, and how having some additional funding or opportunities would help you build a career/business.
- Pull together some basic info and have it at the ready.
- Do your research, make sure you are a good match for the grant.
There is a LOT of grant money out there. There are fellowships, and other opportunities. They are NOT a fast fix for cash flow problems. Applying for them can be a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Sometimes years. But, hey, it's your dream, your passion, yes? Isn't it worth some investment of time and effort?
You don't always win on the first try, but when you do it can mean a major cash infusion to pursue your dreams and/or splendid learning opportunities.
I've worked with many creative people in this area. Were they successful? Honestly, most of them were not. Some were. Like I said, it can be a long process. If you really are in this for the long term, it may be worth your while to pursue a grant, a fellowship, or other opportunity. Most people I've worked with give up after one try, and that's just a waste of all the time they spent doing research and putting together the info for the application. Once you have that info, and a list of opportunities that you are well matched with, cookie cutter the process and go for it!
You can hire me to help you, or start here and explore: http://foundationcenter.org. The Foundation Center can help you identify funding sources. You can search their r-e-a-l-l-y big database online, for a fee, or at one of many "Cooperating Collections" at local libraries, for free. If you're not a nonprofit organization, check the area for Individual Grantseekers.
When searching for grants, fellowships and other opportunities, make very sure you qualify for them. Read the info thoroughly, follow the directions when applying. If you second guess them and don't follow directions to the letter, you're wasting your time. Then pull together all the basic info you'll need, keep it on your computer, you'll be using it again (and again).
Sign up for one or more of the Foundation Center's newsletters to be notified of grant opportunities in your area, or in your area of expertise.
Also, if you're an artist get Benny Shaboy's Art Opportunities Book. Lots of resources there.
Here's an example. I found it in today's edition of Philantrophy New Digest: The NYFA (New York Foundation for the Arts) has a program to help individual artists of all disciplines develop their career. Stipends from $200 to $1500 are avaiable. Not a fortune but the process to apply seems fairly simple. If you are a NY resident, check it out here.
Do let me know if I can help.
