Applying for grants is a critical part of funding creative projects, businesses and movements. But, it can be hard and require you to think of your work in a new way that will convey both how cool your idea is, but also how it will work, how you'll use the funds and the impact you'll make with them.

For tips on how to write great grant proposals, we turned to Dara Silver, Senior Program Director at the NC Arts Council. Dara reads thousands of proposals a year. On this video, she shares what reviewers are looking for in strong applications.

Creative Convos are part of Charlotte Is Creatives Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative, powered by support from Wells Fargo, Mecklenburg County, ARPA, Aspire Community Capital and the Do Greater Foundation.