Using the application template downloaded in Step 4, please write your grant application and develop your budget request.

Writing the narrative

The application template will walk you through the process of writing your application and submitting a budget request. By answering the questions in this template, you will be able to explain the proposed project in detail, who the project will serve and your organization’s track record. Most applicants tell us they spend two to four hours writing the narrative. The final length of the application should be between five and seven pages.

Amount of grant request

You may request up to 10 percent of your organization’s annual budget per year, to a maximum of $50,000. A competitive funding request will show a diverse base of funding for the organization and will have a realistic budget, ensuring the project will be able to be implemented.

Building the grant budget

Each line item should clearly relate to the proposed activities. For example, if the proposed activity is to fund the commissioning of a new theater production, the budget will include a line item for artists’ commissioning fees. You can request any expenses needed to implement the project, such as a portion of staff salaries and direct expenses that pertain to the project. You may also request up to 10 percent of indirect costs to support your organization’s overhead, which should be included as a budget line item with the total request not to exceed $50,000.

Requested grant term

The grant can be paid over one or two years. We encourage you to ask for two-year funding. Multi-year funding allows you more time to cultivate different funding sources to sustain the project (if appropriate) after Irvine’s grant ends. Multi-year funding also reduces your transaction costs in seeking new grants each year.