The Foundation reportedly receives 3,000 applications annually, while only awarding approximately 175 fellowships. That amounts to a funding percentage of roughly 5% - meaning the competition for these awards is incredibly fierce. 

It is VERY hard to get this fellowship (grant).

I’ve had the honor of helping several winners in the last couple of years: 

I have personally edited and worked on the Guggenheim Grant with five artists that received it. 

Mary Mattingly won the grant last time. 

And out of the ten artists I worked with the previous two years, two received it--Vicky Sambunaris and Dara Birnbaum.

So I know what a winning application looks like.

Here are the parts of the application that artists typically get wrong: 

Mistake #1: Misunderstanding the questions.

"Statement of plans" is NOT asking for a budget. and your "narrative" is NOT a resume. 

Mistake #2: Their application is too long 

All the winning applications I’ve done are almost the identical page length: 3 pages. 

Most people err on the long side. And this, indeed, is an err-or. 

The jury is very busy - so brevity and clarity in your writing is a gift to them that they will appreciate

I can help you clarify and condense what you’re trying to say, and make it concise and compelling.. 

Mistake #3: Rushing

Waiting too long… doing it in the last 48 hours… rushing…

All these lead to a sloppy application that is full of typos, meandering paragraphs, unprofessional spacing and grammar. 

Getting your application professionally edited ensures that you get it right. For example, When we work together, we start working on your application months in advance, I guide you through a step by step process to collect your thoughts, and I will edit with you until it is all done and submitted.

Mistake #4: Missing the mark when applicants explain what they’re going to do with the grant.

One mistake here is talking about spending it early in the year of the grant. 

You can't spend it until you get it! 

If you win, you’ll get the grant in spring of 2026. The actual sum won't be given until summer/fall 2026. 

So you can't begin spending it until late 2026/early 2027.

Your statement of plans needs to reflect this! 

If you would like to work with me, please reply directly to this email to learn about my fee structure. 

When you work with me, I look closely at your art and your history to help you shape your presentation. I then help you apply using the expertise that has helped my five previous winners receive their grants.

This process includes a one-on-one, step-by-step procedure where I will lead you through this application - about how to write and how to proceed, and then I will edit with you by email as much as it takes until it is all done and submitted. 

I will also look carefully at your art for the round where images are requested, so that with an understanding of your history and work I can help you to choose the very best work and images to submit for the application.

That is how I worked with the five applications I have seen win. Including the two recent winners. Same process.

Of course there are no guarantees, but I can get you the best possible shot at it. You will also have a powerful application in your hands that you can reuse for other applications and grants.

I work with a total of ten artists  on this on a first come first served basis and then it is closed. Two spots have been taken already so I have 8 spots left.

If you have any questions or if you would like to work with me, please reply to this email as soon as possible to ask about my fee structure.

Sincerely,

Brainard Carey