Consulting Services
Grant Writing Consultation for Artists and Arts Organizations.
J. Stacy Utley, MFA · Public Artist · Design Consultant · Charlotte, NC
I've spent years on both sides of the grant process as a practicing public artist pursuing funding and as an educator who understands how ideas are built, argued, and communicated. I've navigated funding from the Knight Foundation, NC Arts Council, and Arts and Science Council. I know what competitive applications look like, and more importantly, I know why so many strong projects don't get funded.
The work is good. The writing just doesn't land.
That's where I come in.
WHAT I OFFER
I offer grant writing support for individual artists, nonprofits, and arts organizations who are serious about funding their work. This isn't ghostwriting from a distance. It's a working partnership grounded in your practice, your community, and your project.
Every engagement begins with a free 30-minute strategy call. No commitment required. We talk through your project, identify the right funders, and figure out the best path forward together.
SERVICES
SERVICE 01
Funding Strategy Session — $150 flat
A focused 90-minute session to identify the right grants for your project, build a prioritized funder list, and map your application calendar. Ideal for artists just getting started or pivoting their practice. You leave with a written funding roadmap delivered within 48 hours.
SERVICE 02
Draft Review and Polish — $75/hr · avg. 2 to 4 hours
You have a draft. I sharpen it. I review your narrative, artist statement, project description, and budget justification for clarity, competitiveness, and funder alignment. One revision round is included.
SERVICE 03
Full Application Writing — $75/hr · avg. 8 to 15 hours
I write or co-write your full application from the ground up. Project narrative, artist statement, community impact description, budget justification. You bring the vision. I build the case. Two revision rounds included.
SERVICE 04
Monthly Retainer — starting at $400/month
Ongoing grant support for nonprofits or active artists managing multiple applications. I manage your grants calendar, write one to two applications per month, and keep your funder relationships organized. Includes a monthly strategy check-in call.
Available on a limited basis. As a practicing public artist, educator, and speaker, I accept a small number of retainer clients each year to ensure each engagement receives my full attention. Contact me to discuss current availability.
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
Individual Artist Grants · Public Art Funding · Arts Education Grants · Fellowship Applications · Community-Based Project Funding · Nonprofit Arts Organizations
WHY THIS WORKS
Most grant writers understand the process. What they don't understand is your work.
I do. I've led civic commissions with municipalities, engineers, and community stakeholders. I've built site-specific public art that embeds cultural narrative into the landscape. I've taught artists, architects, and designers how to research, develop, and articulate ideas at the highest levels.
When I write about your practice, I write from the inside.
The difference shows in the application.