Applicants should contact the Program Consultant responsible for the programs in the arts discipline to which they are applying. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria and have eligible projects. Each program has a form to be completed, and accompanied by support material specific to that program. The Program Consultant will advise the applicant as to his/her eligibility, and will assist the applicant in preparing a complete application.

There are many reasons why a grant application is successful or unsuccessful. While it is impossible to determine in advance whether or not a particular jury will approve your application, there are a number of steps that you can take to ensure you submit the best possible application:

1) Contact the Program Consultant. Since consultants do not make the decision about awarding grants, they can assist you by: assessing your project's eligibility; clarifying and ensuring you have the most current program guidelines; assuring you have the most recent application form (applications forms are not available for download on the web site); and ensuring you apply to the appropriate program.

2) Read the Guidelines Carefully. Before making an application to the Manitoba Arts Council, please make sure you have the most up-to-date guidelines, which will be available on our website at least three months prior to the program deadline date.

3) Make a Clear Presentation. The "look" of the application is important when juries have several applications to review. Your application should be clean, concise, and easy to read. It should be submitted on white, 8 1/2 x 11 paper in a simple 12 pt font.

4) Tell the Jury What They Need to Know. Your grant information should be properly organized and easy to understand. Whether or not you are a senior artist with a long list of credits, or a junior artist with little experience, don't assume the jury knows about you. You should answer the following questions: Who are you? What kind of art do you produce? What has been your track record? What is the project? How will the project be completed? When will it start and finish? Why is this project important? Giving the jury context for your application allows them to focus on the merit of the project.

5) Choose Your Samples Carefully. If your application demands samples of your work, pick ones that best reflect your project. Ask people you trust: Which of these samples has the fastest/best/greatest impact? Which shows off my abilities in this genre? Which sample best reflects the project I am applying for? If you are supplying references, make sure they are from recognized people/organizations that can vouch for both your artistic merit and your ability to carry out the project.

6) Expect Nothing. No one piece of advice will guarantee success on a grant application. Competition is high, and the number of successful applications varies from deadline to deadline and from program to program. Jurors come from varied backgrounds, different regions and different cultures. They have to make hard decisions on the basis of the information you provide them. Be hopeful, but never "count on" a grant.

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