CMCA

The Center for Maine Contemporary Art will offer a half-day workshop led by Ellis-Beauregard Foundation director Donna McNeil. The session, designed for artists seeking funding opportunities, will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the grant application process, from researching potential funding sources to drafting compelling proposals.

The workshop will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 14 in-person at CMCA, 21 Winter St., Rockland.

This hands-on workshop will walk participants through the essential steps of writing a grant proposal, including selecting appropriate work samples, crafting a strong narrative, and understanding the review process. Participants will be encouraged to come with a specific project in mind, and will have the opportunity to identify relevant grants with guidance from McNeil, such as the Maine Arts Commission Springboard Grant. The workshop will also cover tips for refining grant narratives, with McNeil offering personalized feedback both before and during the session.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a deeper understanding of the grant process and be well on their way to completing their own proposals.

Donna McNeil is the founding executive director of the Ellis-Beauregard Foundation and a former director of the Maine Arts Commission. With a career spanning across the for-profit, nonprofit and government sectors, McNeil is a passionate arts advocate and a seasoned expert in grant writing and arts funding. She holds degrees from Syracuse University and Harvard University and has curated numerous exhibitions, authored two artists’ books, and served as a juror for prestigious panels, including the NEA and MacArthur Awards.

The workshop fee is a sliding scale $75 to $100, with a student rate of $25 with a valid ID. Registration deadline is Dec. 7, and the capacity is limited to 20 participants. To reserve your spot, visit the CMCA website or contact artisttoolbox@cmcanow.org for more information.