You have been asked to be on the town’s board of Cultural Affairs. When you step into your new role, you quickly realize that the organization is in trouble; the other board members have been on the board for a long time and haven’t done much in recent years. They explain that there is no money in the budget.

QUESTION

Scenario

You have been asked to be on the town’s board of Cultural Affairs. When you step into your new role, you quickly realize that the organization is in trouble; the other board members have been on the board for a long time and haven’t done much in recent years. They explain that there is no money in the budget.

You hear about a grant opportunity. Every year, a wealthy resident of your town, Mr. Brown, offers a grant of $10,000 to one local organization. In the past, he has never given this grant to an arts organization because, in the words of another board member, “Mr. Brown does not think the arts are important.”

If you can change Mr. Brown’s mind about the importance of the arts in your community, you might just get the grant and be able to revitalize the town’s cultural arts scene!

Write the grant proposal summary for review by a few board members to be sure you are on the right track for the grant.

Instructions

Compose this document in the format of a letter to Mr. Brown. Your letter should include:

• two to three paragraphs using persuasive language.
• concisely written paragraphs using bullet-points if possible.
• a beginning paragraph that immediately captures the reader’s attention, using a story, surprising fact, or insightful quote.
• a complete but brief synopsis of the details in the proposal.
• the reason for the proposal and how the grant money will be used.

NOTE – Be sure the documents display proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.

ANSWER

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

Mr. John Brown
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Mr. Brown,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As a fellow resident of our vibrant town, I write to you today with a vision that can transform our community and breathe new life into our cultural arts scene. Allow me to present a compelling case for the importance of the arts and why they deserve your esteemed consideration for the annual grant opportunity.

Introduction
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” – Thomas Merton

The arts have an extraordinary power to transcend boundaries, stir emotions, and foster a sense of unity among diverse individuals. They are the vibrant heartbeat of our community, and it is in our hands to nurture and preserve this invaluable cultural heritage for future generations. Despite the prevailing belief that the arts hold little importance, we firmly believe that they are the essence of human expression and a catalyst for positive change.

Summary
Our proposal seeks to harness the transformative power of the arts and rejuvenate our town’s cultural landscape. With your generous support, we aim to achieve the following:

Engaging Programs
– Introduce a series of free art workshops and performances to involve residents of all ages and backgrounds.
– Collaborate with local artists to create interactive installations throughout our town, encouraging exploration and sparking conversations.
– Establish an artist-in-residence program, attracting talented individuals to share their craft and inspire the community.

Youth Empowerment
– Develop comprehensive arts education initiatives in collaboration with local schools, nurturing creativity and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
– Provide scholarships to deserving young artists, enabling them to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.

Infrastructure Enhancement
– Renovate existing cultural venues and create dedicated spaces for art exhibitions, theatrical productions, and musical performances.
– Install public art displays and sculptures that reflect the unique character of our town, transforming public spaces into cultural hubs.

Reason and Impact:
Your esteemed grant would provide the necessary resources to ignite a renaissance in our cultural arts scene, with profound benefits for our community:

Economic Growth
– Increased cultural tourism, attracting visitors to experience our vibrant arts offerings and boosting local businesses.
– Enhanced property values and increased appeal for potential residents and investors.

Social Cohesion
– Fostering a sense of belonging and community pride, uniting residents through shared cultural experiences.
– Providing a platform for underrepresented voices, promoting diversity, and celebrating our town’s rich cultural tapestry.

Personal Development
– Empowering individuals of all ages to explore their creativity, fostering personal growth, and enhancing well-being.
– Encouraging collaboration, empathy, and open-mindedness, fostering a more harmonious and connected community.

In conclusion, Mr. Brown, your generous grant has the potential to redefine the future of our town. By investing in the arts, we can create an environment where creativity thrives, unity flourishes, and cultural experiences become a cornerstone of our identity. We kindly request your consideration and support in realizing this vision, for the betterment of our community and the preservation of our cultural heritage.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We eagerly await your favorable response.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Title]
[Organization/Board Name]