In this empowering episode of GrantTalk, host Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch, welcomes two remarkable women from the Arts Services Inc. of Western New York. Jen Swan-Kilpatrick, the director, and Holly Grant, the grants manager, join Libby (The Queen of Grants) to discuss their organization’s mission and their critical work in supporting the arts community through grant funding. With a combined 40 years of experience in the nonprofit arts sector, Jen and Holly provide invaluable insights into the grant application process, their organization’s impact, and the importance of accessible funding for small and micro nonprofits and individual artists.
About Arts Services Inc. of Western New York
- Mission and History: Founded 12 years ago to fill a gap in arts services in Western New York, they provide grants and support to the local arts community, covering multiple counties.
- Programs and Services: They offer various grants, including capacity building, afterschool programs, and support for individual artists and small nonprofits. They emphasize accessibility and support for applicants, providing training and draft reviews to help applicants succeed.
Grant Application Process
- Review and Approval: Applications are first reviewed for eligibility by staff, then evaluated by a peer review panel of artists and arts administrators. Final recommendations are approved by the board of directors.
- Common Mistakes: Applicants sometimes fail to read eligibility guidelines or make simple errors in their submissions. The organization encourages applicants to take advantage of information sessions and draft reviews to avoid these mistakes.
- Tips for Success: Applicants should have a well-formulated idea before applying and ensure their budget and narrative align. Demonstrating the need and potential impact of the grant is important.
Impact and Notable Projects
- Small Grants with Big Impact: Many of their grants are relatively small but can significantly boost the capacity and effectiveness of the recipients. Examples include providing a laptop for a small nonprofit supporting African-American veterans.
- Diverse Art Forms: They fund a wide range of arts and cultural activities, from public art programs to music recording projects and field trips for students.
Partnership with GrantWatch
- Promotion and Visibility: GrantWatch helps promote Arts Services Inc.’s grants, attracting new applicants and helping them find additional funding opportunities.
- Mutual Benefits: The partnership enhances the visibility and accessibility of grants for small nonprofits and individual artists in the community.
The Wrap Up
This episode’s discussion underscores the importance of accessible funding and Arts Services Inc.’s significant impact on the arts community. Partnering with GrantWatch, this intrepid organization continues to empower small nonprofits and individual artists, ensuring every community they touch is a thriving and diverse cultural canvas.
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About GrantWatch
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