CAN SA'S NEWEST INITIATIVE

AN ONLINE WORKSHOP FOR
FUNDING APPLICATIONS

This workshop is part of CAN SA's Community Arts Development (CAD) Program of workshops and forums.

We are trialling this online workshop format to address some issues of access and availability so
please let us know what has and hasn't worked for you

Introduction
Many artists and arts workers have great project ideas but struggle when it comes to finding the necessary resources to bring these ideas into fruition. This workshop aims to facilitate your process - and provide a template for developing your great next idea. While it is primarily focussed on helping artists and artsworkers in their applications for the 2009 Community Arts Development Project funding offered through Arts SA, it also looks at the wider spectrum of resources available for supporting arts and cultural activity, including both government and non-government funding. Such as the 2009 Project and Development Grants offered by South Australian Youth Arts Board (SAYAB) For information about grants and SAYAB

Creative resourcing …
Developing resources to support arts activity requires creativity and management skills, and it is time consuming - all without any guarantee of success. However, what you learn when writing a resourcing plan and/or applying for funding often contributes very positively to the development of the project idea.

Generally, the resources required for a project will come from a variety of sources. Sometimes, simple activities may be resourced entirely by one source - for instance, a local government project that already has a budget line for that activity. Sometimes, you will need a mix of sources in order to fully resource the activity; for instance Arts SA may fund the artist, local government may give in-kind support for the venue and the local paint shop may donate materials. Demonstrating different support sources looks good - it indicates you have generated wide support and interest in your project.

Timing plays an important role in planning a resource mix. Sometimes you need to have an indication of support - even just some in-kind support - before you can apply for funding. It is important to remember that public and philanthropic funding bodies often have fixed funding rounds and application dates, so if you have just missed one round, it could be six months or a year before you can apply again.

Maintaining interest from community and/or participants whilst waiting for confirmation of funding application can sometimes also be difficult!

What are the steps when preparing the proposal?
How do you link funding criteria and desirable outcomes?
Pitching ideas and concept development - what are they?
Info Sheet - 7 Steps to Develop your Project (PDF version)

Info Sheet - 7 Steps to Develop your Project (txt version)

What's out there... ...
Applying for and receiving Arts Grants. Public funding may come directly through government departments for the disbursement of taxpayer's dollars, or it may come indirectly through non-government agencies, which are still public institutions. These agencies are often themselves funded (to greater or lesser degrees) by the government, but have discretion in decision-making which is one step removed from the government and that allow them to distribute funds according to their stated interests (usually, their interests relate to the sectors, groups or industries they represent). This type of funding may be called 'arms-length or peer-assessed funding'

How are applications assessed?
CADP applications are assessed by a panel of peers - artists and arts industry people who are passionate about community art development projects.

What is the average allocation of funds per project?
For information on funding levels, ring and talk to the Arts SA CADP officer
Clare Tizard (Manager, Community Arts Development)
Leonie Seccafien (Program Administrator, Community Arts Development)
It is essential that all applicants whose projects involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) arts and cultures speak to Tamara Watson,
Arts Development Officer, ATSI Arts and Cultures before preparing their application.

How do I deal with the language?
Be as specific as possible with your proposal - describe in detail the project you would like to undertake. Ensure your application brings together the themes and values described in the guidelines and that you meet all the criteria. Use clear and simple language - short sentences, write to the point, include additional information in attachments (if permitted). And double-check your spelling, grammar, budget details - get someone else to read, proof and recheck your application.

Federal funding
Federal funding is funding that comes directly from the federal government, is not linked to a state or territory, but may be available for activity that is based in a state or territory. However, federal support is usually given on the proviso that there is support from the state level as well.
Australia Council for the Arts

State and territory-based funding
State and territory-based funding agents administer funding that comes either directly from state-based revenue or through state-allocated federal government funds (like some regional funding). Usually, this funding supports activity that occurs in or originates from within that state or territory. Below are links to State Arts Funding bodies in South Australia, for your State check out Supporting networks and organisations

Arts SA
SAYAB
Country Arts SA

Where do I find the current criteria and priority
areas for CADP funding?
CAD application form
CAD Guidelines

Regional funding
Funding that is regionally-based maybe administered through federal agents, or diverted to state and territory agents for distribution. Regional arts funding is often prioritised for accessible, participatory, community-based outcomes. Regional funding may be a partnership between a local government and the state or territory. In South Australia, regional arts funding is accessible through
Country Arts SA

Local government funding
Local government Councils are separate decision-making bodies; each determine their own budgets and spending priorities. Some are wealthier than others. Some are more progressive, more responsive, and more pro-active. Some will have funding available for local community groups, usually through a regular program of grants, available at set times throughout the year. Generally the grants are for relatively small amounts, however the local government grant goes far beyond its monetary value. Building relationships with your local Council can lead to joint ventures whereby they agree to become a 'partner' rather than a 'donor' and may then be in position to make available benefits to the activity (such as venue space, insurance cover, waste management, security, traffic control, etc).
LGA's in South Australia

Philanthropic giving
Philanthropy is the practice of 'giving' by private and public companies to the not-for-profit sector. Philanthropic grant-giving may be an aspect of corporate service to community, whereby monies are held 'in trust' so that the profits are made available to recipients; or there may be a practice of giving throughout the entire organisation, for instance where staff might make contributions to a trust. Corporate philanthropy may also take the form of 'giving of service' whereby expertise or other services are made available at no charge.

There are many variations to the legal, financial and management structures of philanthropic organisations. In simple terms, the majority come from the private sector (non-government) although there are some government foundations and trusts. Within the private sector, businesses (for profit) may manage a trust or foundation which is separate to its business profile, generally managed by a board of volunteers. In this case, the corporate body is said to be the 'parent' company of the foundation or trust, through which they practice philanthropy.

Arts and non-arts funding
Non-arts sources are generally accessed for activity that occurs in partnership with other organisations from other fields. Increasing the 'field-base' of the activity also increases the potential funding base, as well as impact areas. It is worth being clear about exactly what is being funded, too: the activity is one thing (process) and the outcomes and impacts another (community wellbeing, etc). Is the non-arts fund interested in your projected outcomes? Do the means (arts and cultural activity) justify the ends? Can they be separated? And do you have a good understanding on the strings that are attached to the funding?

Other funding initiatives include projects that work in the areas of Arts and Health, Disability Arts, Crime Prevention and Community Benefits.

What is and where can I locate appropriate information?
Our Community
Philanthropy Australia
Australia Business Arts Foundation
Grants Link
Foster's Community Grants
Community Benefits: Community Project Grant Fund

More useful information... ...
Clearly write out the concept?
Set my time frame?
Match my idea to the funding?
Design the proposal to match the criteria?
Do a decent budget?
Info Sheet - 7 Steps to Develop your project (PDF version)
Info Sheet - 7 Steps to Develop your project (txt version)

Hint Sheet - Writing Funding & Grant Applications (PDF version)
Hint Sheet - Writing Funding & Grant Applications (word version)

Fundraising for your project
Fundraising may be intrinsic to the activity (i.e. selling seats at a performance) or it may be adjunct (i.e. selling merchandise to raise funds). Generally, fundraising for arts activity is supplemental - it becomes part of the resources mix. Many small projects use the fundraising from the project as the kick-start for the next. This is a good strategy to overcome cash flow issues.

Raising funds means selling something - an idea, a product or a service. There are important industrial and legal considerations that need to be considered when fundraising. For the seller, (the organisation) there must be trackable financial records. Assuming that the organisation is not-for-profit, it is a 'public' institution, and therefore publicly accountable for its fundraising results.

There is legislation that requires fundraising activity to be registered, so that the public interest is protected. Those giving money need to be assured that it is going to be used appropriately in your activity. As the guidelines are different for each state and territory, it is incumbent on the organisation to check thoroughly and get financial advice before embarking on any fundraising activity. If unsure, contact the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs in your area. In addition, organisations that are in receipt of 'gifts' or philanthropic funding are usually required to have Deductible Gift Recipient taxation status.

What to do next
Where can I get information on recent
successful applicants or projects?
Previous recipients of Arts SA's CADP funding

Can I get someone to help with my application?
Book a consult with a CAN SA staff member for support,
advice and constructive feedback!

How can I maximise opportunities through
networking and maintaining relationships?
Supporting networks and organisations

Please let us know what you think... ...
We are trialling this online workshop format to address some issues of access and availability: please let us know what has and hasn't worked for you

Community Arts Network SA is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body
Community Arts Network SA is assisted by the South Australian Government through Arts SA