Resources Main Grants Residencies Grant/Residency App Writing Tips

Getting Through Grant/Residency Applications
Tips and Tools

/Any task you want to do and keep procrastinating

☞ If you want to keep it really simple and not get overwhelmed, just read the first tip and come back to the rest later if you want!


TIPS

→ Start Small, Break Down the Steps 🧩


Maybe set your goal to research, choose, and apply to one grant/residency by XX date.

Take it one step at a time! An example:

  • Step 1 is making a google doc / text document in an easy-to-find place! Put it in an enclosing folder named something like "Grant Applications"

    • Go do that now!

  • Step 2 is skimming through the Grants/Residencies and picking out 1-3 that seem relevant to you. As you find each copy/paste the link and brief description in your text doc. If you get stuck/overwhelmed just stick to choosing one grant, and skip over the next two bullet points.

    • Go do that! Then come back for the next step.

  • Prioritize: If you have a few to choose from, Is there one with a close deadline? Maybe start with getting that one done! Or perhaps one you're very applicable to, or has an easy application process? Or if you get really stuck, flip a coin!

  • Write down in small steps what you need to do. Create a new document called "To Do for Application(s)" Start with writing the first 2-3 tasks (for example:


    ———————

    To Do for Application

    Task 1) Read over and double check I meet the requirements

    Task 2) Make a list of what I need to get done to apply

    What I need to do to apply:

    • find a piece of mail or email with proof of residence

    • save the proof in a google folder or local folder named "TheGrantName Grant Application"

———————

(And so on)

→ Ask For Help ❗️

If you know someone who would be willing and able to help you, reach out to them!!!!

→ Talk Kindly to Yourself! 💌

If you find yourself struggling, remember to talk to and support yourself the same as you would a friend in the same situation: with encouragement, support, and love.

You deserve the same. 💙 Remember, you are on your own team : )

(and we are on your team too!)

→ Get an Accountability Buddy 🤝

Connect with someone else who has a task they want to get done, or maybe also wants to apply to grant(s)!

Be accountability buddies for each other: Set goals and deadlines (Like apply to one grant this week, or apply to this grant before the deadline etc)

Check in with each other at a set date on how you've progressed to your goals.

→ Ask Friends to Co-Work With You! 👩🏽‍💻

Reach out to friends and ask if they want to have a virtual co-working session. Outline your goals to each other, what you're going to work on specifically in the next 15-45 minutes, then set a timer, mute yourself (if you want) and check in at the end. Repeat as necessary.

If your friends are too flakey, chatty or otherwise, try using Focusmate for the same thing. (It's really great!)

→ Set a Time-Limit ⏰

Setting a limit for working on boring tasks helps keep it from seeming endless. You can set a time limit on an hour, 2 hours, etc.

If you really REALLY don't want to work on grant stuff, try just working on it for 10 minutes

Sometimes you'll actually end up getting in the flow and keep working on it longer! (But you don’t have to!)

→ Let Your Brain and Body Warm Up 🔥

Start with a warm-up task like making a to-do list.

Doing some jumping jacks, stretches, going for a walk is a great way to wake yourself up and feel more motivated.

Also good to check in if you need water or a snack.

Attending to your sensory needs like taking a shower, burning a good-smelling candle, putting on clothing you feel good in, opening a window etc are all helpful.

→ Figure Out When Your Peak Brain-Time Is 🧠

Many people find they work best on less-interesting tasks from a few hours after they wake up to about 4-5 hours after that. For example, someone who wakes up at 8am will likely work best from 10am-4pm. Someone who wakes up at 4pm will often work best from 6pm - 12pm.

However everyone is different so whatever your best time of day is, plan to tackle this stuff during that window!

→ Listen to some energizing music! 🎶

Put on some music that gets you pumped up, inspired, and helps you stay in the zone.

 

TOOLS

🔹 Focusmate

**https://www.focusmate.com/dashboard**

A co-working website that connects you with a co-working buddy. Really helps with focus and to beat procrastination. Free! for 3x of 50-minute sessions a week (or $5 USD / month for unlimited). HIGHLY recommended.

🔹 ADHD Adult Tips and Support Podcast

A lot of artists find ADHD/ADD resources very helpful. Here’s one of my favorites!

On Apple podcasts and Spotify:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adult-adhd-add-tips-and-support/id988935339

https://open.spotify.com/show/0vrXSIEtiprvJHnuL2ptGJ?si=UhOk3FbPRxuKYj13TaalPg

I recommend starting with the very first episode and going from there. Good to listen to while cleaning or doing dishes. Many many very helpful tips and tools/ideas that have become active positive parts of my life (like making monthly and weekly priorities lists, and finding your peak brain hours!)

🔹 StayFocusd Google Chrome Add-On

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/stayfocusd/laankejkbhbdhmipfmgcngdelahlfoji?hl=en

Block or limit time spent of distracting websites. You can make it hard for yourself to turn it off too!