Focus Grant Application Guidelines

The cover sheet is the first page of your application and should include all the information listed below. This is the only text that should be on the cover sheet.

Name
ISU E-mail
Phone Number
Major
Working Title of Project
Media
Amount Requested
Project Advisor’s Name & E-mail

Abstract 

Write a short summary of the proposed project.

Theme 

Give a brief statement outlining the theme(s) and ideas to be explored.

Background 

Convince the committee that the work is worth doing and not merely a rehash of well-developed themes. References to the work of others in the field and/or personal preliminary investigation are essential.

Expected Outcomes 

Describe anticipated results or outcomes of the project in the sense of furthering knowledge in a field, and how the project will enhance your artistic development. Visual art proposals should be specific about what will be produced, including the number of pieces, approximate sizes, etc. Explain how you envision the piece being displayed. For performing artists, include the venue and possible dates.

Applicant's Background

Include your major and any coursework that has helped prepare you for this project, as well as unique experiences relevant to the proposed project, such as class projects, exhibitions, publications, performances, etc. Examples of and/or images of your previous work should be included if possible. Please summarize and do not include a complete resume.

Outline the specific steps you will take to complete this project, including preliminary work, test pieces, auditions, and other preparatory exercises. Other helpful things to include are when you will order supplies and when you will meet with your advisor. At a minimum, break down your project into monthly increments - two weeks will probably be more helpful to keep you on track later.

Performance-based projects must include a free, public event by mid-March. Focus has a list of requirements that are outlined in the Focus Performance Promotion info sheet. Use this resource to help with your timeline and to assist you in budgeting for promotional expenses. If your project is funded, a Memorial Union staff member on the Focus Committee will assist you in navigating the promotion resources and expectations.

Use the Focus timeline to help you set deadlines for all projects.

The more specific you are in your timeline, the easier it will be for the committee to understand your process, and it will also help you manage your time if your project is funded.

Creating a budget means breaking down each expense. Leave time to visit shops, talk to venue managers, or look online for prices. You will need to include the name of what you are purchasing, the price, the source of your price estimate (ex. Blick, University Book Store, etc.), and a brief justification for use. Please do not include links to items in your budget in your proposal.

Grants are limited to a max of $800. The previous maximum advertised amount was $600, but the committee added funds due to rising art supply prices.

Generally, funds should be used to purchase supplies consumed in the creation or production of the proposed work. (For example, you can purchase wood but not the hammer or fabric but not the sewing machine.) There are some exceptions depending on the project or how the item will be used, so please contact us if you have an idea, and we will see if we can make it work.

If you are completing 2D artwork, include framing costs. For 3D projects, pedestals and display items are generally provided by the Memorial Union unless your piece requires a specialized mount.

Funds cannot be used to pay yourself, employees, or travel.

Funds cannot be used for accessories or shoes for apparel projects unless the items will be made from raw materials, or altered in the project.

Performance projects should include venue and advertising costs. If venue costs are prohibitive for performance proposals, the committee will work with you to make your event happen. All events must have at least one performance that is free to the public to attend. Please use the Promotion of Focus Performance Projects outline when determining your budget and outline.

If you are applying as part of a student organization, funds may be restricted, so please e-mail us before submitting your application.

Do not include a "miscellaneous" category in budgets. 

For a detailed list of items we cannot fund, look at the last two pages of the Treasurer's Manual on the Campus Organizations Accounting Office website.

Your purchases will be tax exempt through ISU so you will not have to factor in tax, but you will need to factor in shipping costs if applicable.

It is important to submit a budget with actual prices, not estimations. The committee will require a revision or may decide not to fund a project if the budget section isn't complete, so it is important to submit a clear budget with your proposal.

Here is an example of the budgeting format:
10"x20" Gallery Profile Canvas     $15.00       Blick            Suface for painting project
Venue Rental                                 $200.00     M-Shop       Performance on March 10
200 Bound Books                          $455.00     doxdirect     Printing of final project

All applicants must have a project advisor who is a faculty member who is willing to play an active part in the grant process and has expertise in the media you plan to work in. If you don't know anyone, there are several ways to find someone, such as checking department websites for faculty information (College of Design, for painting instructors, for example) or asking one of your professors who may know someone. If you have tried these options without luck, e-mail Letitia Kenemer.

Project advisors must write a short letter attesting to the student's capabilities as well as providing an assessment of the validity of the project and minimum budget requirements. The letter should be emailed to the student so they can submit it with the grant application. The following questions should be addressed in the letter: 

How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
Evaluate the applicant’s capabilities as they relate to the proposed project.
Evaluate the proposed project, including the student’s timeline and plans for presentation.
Evaluate the budget for the proposed project. Are the documented expenses reasonable and accurate?