Grant Money or Sponsorship for Photo Project?

Not sure if this is the correct place for this but I have an idea for what could end up being a somewhat long term photography project.

Eventually, I hope to perhaps apply for grant money and also possibly seek some level of sponsorship from certain entities or organizations. While this is not so much a commercial effort, more an art/social commentary project, I see a possibility that at some point some money could be made off a resultant book or off certain images along the way.

 

Just wondering if anyone here has ever applied for or gotten grants or sponsorship for any projects?

 

A note to moderators; if this is inappropriate in this forum please move it to wherever it belongs.

 

 

Thanks to all.

If you are a student at a University, they probably have a "Research Office". If so, they can help (not guarantee) to find a granting institution and help with applications.

Depending on where you live, you may want to look for local programs. In the Syracuse, NY area, there's a place/organization called Light Work. They have an Artist-in-Residence program. In Pittsburgh, PA, there's Silver Eye, which does a yearly Fellowship program (the deadline is in the fall).

 

The only way to get such grants or fellowships is to find out about them and follow their procedures.

. . . this is not so much a commercial effort, more an art/social commentary project, . . . Just wondering if anyone here has ever applied for or gotten grants or sponsorship for any projects? . . .

 

Yes, a few of which two notable occasions were: a) documenting the life of the homeless; and b) documenting the effects of Children's Cancer. Both of these were very successful projects.

 

With respect to Bethe's comment "The only way to get such grants or fellowships is to find out about them and follow their procedures" - I disagree.

 

I think that comment is looking at the situation with an unnecessarily narrow scope. The two examples above were the result of proactive initiative; initially there was no "grant", per se.

 

On both occasions, there was an organization which was launching a social initiative; (the first was a City’s Local Government, the second was an Hospital). In the very formative stages of these initiatives, I approached the organization with a detailed written proposal to: document the initiative; provide photography for advertising; and range of other minor photography services. There was a constituent of pro bono, mainly contained within the usage rights agreement, which was 100% pro bono.

 

Whilst this style of arrangement might not agree with many businesses, I think that a name on the correct job can be well worth a what otherwise would be a truckload of advertising dollars, in which case usage rights for nix, and some pro bono work is simply good business: additionally one generally feels good doing it – well, I do.

 

WW

Not so long ago, I coordinated a local (amateur) photography project that received funding from a local collaboration of healthcare and social welfare organizations. Not for the photographers but to cover the costsof professional support and holding a six-week outdoor exhibition at 4 locations. The funding was given because the theme of the project fitted in well with the values of the organizations. Photographers were completely free to choose how they interpreted this theme and did so very differently.

 

I agree with @William Michael's comments: be pro-active in formulating and discussing your proposal with organizations and institutions that might share your interest and offer some level of sponsorship. There's a lot of research you can do on-line.

 

Just a couple of thoughts:

- the scope of 'art/social commentary' sounds very wide. Narrowing this down (like the examples William gives) would make it easier to find specific organizations/institutions who might be interested and strengthen the "fit" between these and what you propose.

- organizations/institutions in the social sector (including local government) are often quite active in communicating the social challenges they face and how they address these; photos/videos are an attractive and powerful form of communication. There are various ways they use visual media including exhibitions ("events"), reports/books and on-line.

- When "pitching" any proposal (and asking for sponsorship), you'll get the best results IMHO by showing the value/benefits to the partner/sponsor (rather than explaining why you need sponsorship for your project)

- Partners/Sponsors in the social sector can often help in practical ways too: contacts, references, facilities, etc.

 

Good luck!

 

Mike

 

PS. There's always Crowdfunding too

With respect to Bethe's comment "The only way to get such grants or fellowships is to find out about them and follow their procedures" - I disagree.

With all due respect, I was talking about the two I specifically referenced.

With all due respect, I was talking about the two I specifically referenced.

 

I beg your pardon. I misread your comment. It is obvious the second para directly relates to the first. My error entirely. Thank you for pointing out that mistake.

 

WW

Thanks, everyone!

Complete Guide to 2019 Artist Grants & Opportunities

In case it helps anyone.

Excellent, thank you for posting!