THE Group for Authors! discussion

Hopefully I've posted the following question and comments in the right folder. If not please forgive me. If so, admin. please re-post this in the correct location. With that said:

Has any other author(s) on Goodreads applied for "grant" monies to help aid in the completion and publishing of their manuscript(s)? After a year of researching for (plus cost of trips required for research purposes) a historical project that I'm working on full time, I have found that my limited personal funds supporting this effort have become depleted upon the eleventh hour. Due to the importance of finalizing and publishing the manuscript for this very important project in a timely manner, I find myself needing to get financial assistance by applying for a grant for authors. Why would the time be so important here? Because the fate of a historical landmark building which is on the registry for the National Water Works Landmarks in the U.S. lies in the balance and it future may be uncertain.

Allow me to share a little about the project, as it may help you in providing any advice or guidance that one may wish to offer up in hopefully steering me the right direction needed:
I have already completed the manuscript for a narrative detailing (in layperson terms) the inner working of the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida's original drinking water filtration plant. Which was built in 1926 during the 1920s Florida Land Boom, and was the beginning of the city's modern infrastructure. The plant was meant to enabled Fort Lauderdale to get its piece of the land boom pie, and grow into the city that it has become today. Growth that my family was also instrumental in during the years shortly thereafter when the plant was first built, and for many years afterwards.

Not only does the narrative begin with the reasons for the conception of this water plant and explain in layperson terms how this plant (who's engineering was well before its time) worked, it also shares the wonderful stories about the many important hats this place wore while providing safe drinking water to our city during the eighty- two years that "Dixie" was in service. [1926-2008] Plus about my family's direct involvement with the daily operation of this and another historic building located nearby, that was also pertinent in the city's early growth during many of those years. Then sprinkled throughout the narrative are the personal stories about the fun and exciting experiences I had as the only child allowed to grow up at the plant. While hanging out with my dad after school, who was in charge of the crew who operated the water plant. Much of the above history has never before been told or published in historical accounts until now. All is validated history from my family and some of those who worked at these historic locations which are mentioned within the narrative.

Also discussed is the uniqueness of the water plant's mediterranean architectural design, which was done by famous architect Francis L. Abreu, along with many of Francis's other projects within the city. It was his Spanish Mission style architecture of both the water plant (inside and out) and the other early structures of his within Fort Lauderdale that set the pace for the city's early architectural flair. Several of which are also mentioned in the narrative In fact, Fort Lauderdale is where he began his career in architecture after graduating college, before moving to Georgia.

But why would I put so much effort into telling a story about an old water filtration plant and believe that anyone would be interested in hearing about it? Much less possibly provide funding to complete and publish this manuscript? Because this place was much more than just a water plant, and today it is an important piece of our American and local history. Plus its a treasure worthy of being saved as museum for generations to come.

So, my goal with this project is to educate the general public along with the powers that be who control its fate, about the importance of sharing the pieces of our wonderful history with the public, and saving treasures such as this historic place for all to enjoy. The manuscript will serve as both a printed book version that is full of pictures related to the story from days gone by, plus as the script for my proposed guided walking tours through the old plant with me as the curator of the proposed museum, and as the tour guide who tells its and the city's rich history. Who better as the tour guide telling the stories, other than the one who actually was there and experienced them.

So any advice or personal experiences shared about seeking grant monies to help fund a non-fiction history book project will be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone can steer me towards a particular group or foundation known to aid in such projects that would greatly help so that I can move this project forward more swiftly.

Thank you

Why don't you see if the City itself has any grant money?
Or the Landmarks Commission? Meanwhile I suggest writing
essays (that can be in the book) about this water works and
placing or selling them to local papers. That might help you
get grant money to write the book.

You might try a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Gofundme. If it's truly a worthwhile cause and has others willing to support it, you may have luck going that route. There is some (small) investment to get those going, in terms of marketing and a video to tell the story. But many books (including mine) have been funded successfully using this route.

I don't know if you have pursued something like this yet, but here in Massachusetts, the state runs an agency called the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which handles funding for non-profit activities. Most of the grants are, for example, to help a library pay the performance fee for a lecturer or living history character portrayal. But applicants do include persons doing historical research. In Massachusetts' case, one applies for such a grant through the local branch of the state's Cultural Council, and the monies go through that local branch. New Hampshire Humanities Council offers a similar system of grants, but I believe the funding to the performer or artist comes directly from the NHHC, as opposed to going through the towns. Is there anything like this in Florida?

PS: This sounds like a promising project. Myself, I'm getting interested in the preservation of lighthouses, their history, and that of their keepers (I'm descended from a long line of lighthouse keepers). There are a lot of similar issues to deal with. You have your hands full, to write this stuff down, document it, apply for grants, work to set up a museum, etc. I hope you have guidance and advice from professionals in some of these areas, so you don't end up re-inventing the wheel, or just spinning them.

Michael wrote: "You might try a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Gofundme. If it's truly a worthwhile cause and has others willing to support it, you may have luck going that route. There is som..."

Yes Michael, I have been looking into the crowdfunding venues as a possibility. Went on the Kickstarter's webpage today and have begun setting up a fund raising page. Going to also look into the others that you mentioned. Thanks for the advice!

Sally wrote: "I don't know if you have pursued something like this yet, but here in Massachusetts, the state runs an agency called the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which handles funding for non-profit activit..."

Sally, I will be looking into what cultural programs the State of Florida might have available in supporting such a project as mine. In my research for funding, I've learned that it would be best if I were a non-profit organization. Which would open up doors for federal grants and those private grants which are typically only made available to such organizations. Which works since I plan to present the final concept to the city government (property owner) to allow me to manage and operate the museum/guided walking tours as a non-profit organization with all proceeds (including those from the book sales, tours, banquets, etc.) going to the organization. I would only be pulling a small administrative salary from the coffers for management and operation of the tour.

This is the one book that I'm writing that I feel it is more important to give the money to the cause and help to hopefully be a part of saving this historic landmark. Rather than profit from it. If anyone is interested in seeing a sneak peek at what this beautiful mediterranean style building looks like, you can do so by going to my Facebook page titled: Friends of the Walter E. Peele Dixie Water Treatment Plant. I have posted photos of both the interior and exterior, plus do regular updates on the progress of this project.