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  • 1.  writing grants/grant opportunities

    Posted 11-06-2015 10:24

    I am wondering if anyone has ideas for finding grant opportunities to fund their program or a special project within their program.  Everything I am finding is focused on elementary, or underpriveledged schools. We are funded through ticket sales and would be barely squeaking by covering all the costs through those funds, and would leave almost nothing for the next show.  I am looking for monies specifically to fund some special technical effects that I would like to do for an upcoming production (April).  Unfortunately (?) we are not considered a district in need or culturally diverse enough to apply to those opportunities I have found. All ideas would be welcome.

    Thanks.

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    Holly Thompson
    Worthington OH
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  • 2.  RE: writing grants/grant opportunities

    Posted 11-06-2015 14:43

    What sort of technical projects are you seeking to get funding for? Because that would play into how likely it is you'll get a grant for it.

    Usually, grant giving foundations or bodies want to see a need, to see how what you're asking for will enrich, develop or educate the persons the grant is for. Asking for a grant for a $15,000 projector because it's cool will get you a flat denial; however, if you're wanting a $15,000 projector because you are seeking to train your students to be graphics and video artists and teach them current industry standards in something that is a huge growth industry and is desperately looking for proficient personnel to fill jobs opening up in that profession (just for example), then it is possible they might take a closer look.

    Touting the educational, research backed reasons why the thing you want is essential for your program is vital, too. There are a couple of sources for that in the thread below (which I used when I wrote a grant for an educational technical theatre curriculum; the grant was given, and I am a happy owner of Bob and Marti Fowler's 'Practical Technical Theatre' set as a result).

    Work out what it is you need, and what the educational, practical and real benefits of your project are to your students.

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    Phillip Goodchild
    Theatre Arts Instructor/Assistant Department Head of English
    Hillsborough County Schools
    Ruskin FL

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  • 3.  RE: writing grants/grant opportunities

    Posted 11-09-2015 16:07

    Along the same lines, I would love to get some grant information about purchasing some additional LEDs for our theatre.  We have some which were purchased by the district and others that the club or our booster club purchased but I would like more. Obviously, I love their artistic versatility but also their energy saving capability and the fact that they generate so much less heat on stage. By some quirk of fate, the district bought us LED cyc lights but I know I can't go to that well again! In spite of the fact that the savings in energy are seen fairly quickly, most districts just don't have that kind of money to invest for the up front costs.  

    I know I can make a case for the value of theatre education and keeping students up with the latest technology but I am wondering if I would have some luck adding the energy saving element. Has anyone has tried to get grants through local energy companies (PG&E) on the west coast or other companies with an interest in helping schools with saving energy. 

    Helen Dixon

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    Helen Dixon
    Oakley CA

    Original Message