Gail Miller
Now based in Pullman, Washington, I earned a Ph.D. in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Performance Studies from the University of Texas-Austin. After teaching communication courses at universities around the country, I transitioned to independent grant writing. I specialize in performing arts grants and draw upon my university teaching and research background in Performance Studies.
I understand that foundations wish to fund organizations that demonstrate meaningful impact and change in their community.
Specialization in Performing Art Grants
My specialization in arts grants for nonprofits is built on a diverse artistic background. I grew up in a musical family—my father was a professor of music at Washington State University and I studied flute and sang in choral groups. My family now sponsors a music scholarship for talented WSU music students.
I believe in the ability of non-profits to transform society for the better and to be a force for local economic development and have written a number of grants for them. I keep abreast of national trends in philanthropy and use this information to help devise a grant strategy for my clients.
I enjoy putting the professional skills I developed in the academic world to good use in grant writing. An overwhelming majority of the grant proposals I have written have resulted in funding. I attribute this success to the grantmakers’ recognizing the value of my clients’ proposals through my ability to present a compelling case for support.
Grants for higher education is another area of specialization. I have a PhD in Communication Studies from the University of Texas-Austin. With my research background and grant database connections, I can find the right grants for you. See a list of some past and current clients.
My doctoral work emphasized the performance of poetry so I have a strong background in literature, especially contemporary American poetry. I have taken a number of creative writing workshops including poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, and playwriting.
I stay current in the field by taking advanced grant writing courses and participating in conferences and organizations, such as the Puget Sound Grand Writers Association. I can work remotely and am positioned to serve you wherever you are: Pullman, Moscow, Lewiston, Clarkston, Spokane, Seattle, Tacoma, and all points between.
Enjoyment
My theatre background includes both performing on stage and studying theatre history. I attend theatre regularly and keep abreast of trends in the field. I also have a background in literature and creative writing, and have received scholarships to participate in workshops in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and playwriting.
The poet Gary Snyder has written:
“We left—onto the freeway shoulders
Under the tough old stars—
In the shadow of bluffs
I came back to myself,
To the real work, to
‘What is to be done.’”
Let me help you obtain the support vital to the real work of your organization.