040 - Funders: How to Make Grant Funding Easier. Artists: How to Ask Boldly for Support, with Michael Romy Greer
Michael Romy Greer, President and CEO of ArtsFund, discusses how funders can simplify grant applications, reduce reporting burdens, provide unrestricted funding, and embrace trust-based philanthathy to better serve grantees. Artists and nonprofit leaders will learn how to confidently seek philanthropic support, communicate their value, and build sustainable funding strategies. This episode explores arts funding, grantmaking, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, philanthropy, equitable funding practices, and the future of community-centered investment.
Arts Funding: How Funders Can Remove Barriers and Artists Can Ask More Boldly, with Michael Romy Greer
Should funding be awarded to organizations creating the greatest community impact—or to those with the resources to navigate complex grant applications and burdensome reporting requirements?
In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, Michael Romy Greer, President and CEO of ArtsFund, challenges conventional grantmaking practices and offers a more effective approach to arts funding.
Funders will learn practical strategies for simplifying grant applications, reducing administrative burdens, embracing trust-based philanthathy, and increasing access to funding for the organizations they seek to support.
Artists, nonprofit leaders, and cultural organizations will gain a framework for confidently pursuing philanthropic support, communicating the value of their work, and making bold asks without apology.
At its core, this conversation explores how removing barriers to funding can strengthen communities, support creativity, and foster a more equitable arts ecosystem.
What You'll Learn
For Funders
- How complex grant applications can unintentionally exclude worthy applicants
- Why excessive reporting requirements often create unnecessary barriers
- The benefits of trust-based philanthropy
- Why unrestricted funding can lead to greater organizational impact
- How to make grantmaking more accessible, equitable, and effective
- The importance of supporting innovation and taking thoughtful risks
For Artists and Nonprofit Leaders
- Why your work deserves philanthropic investment
- How to overcome hesitation around fundraising
- Strategies for making a compelling case for support
- How to ask for funding with confidence and clarity
- Ways to build stronger relationships with funders
- How to advocate for the resources needed to sustain and grow your work
Key Takeaway
The organizations doing the most meaningful work should not be disadvantaged by administrative hurdles. Likewise, artists should not feel the need to apologize for seeking funding. Philanthropy exists because society recognizes the value of investing in work that strengthens communities, expands opportunity, and enriches culture.
