I am a visual artist that is trying to figure out what is the best way to get funding for art projects. I do art workshops with youth ages 4-17, and I don't charge the kids because a lot of them come from low income homes. I work for the City I live in, in the Parks & Recreation Dept. with kids. By being a city employee, even only being part-time disqualifies me from going after city funding. My second job I am a Mentor/Youth Advocate, I work with youth that are on probation in the juvenile system. With the sell of my art work and these two part-time jobs, that's how most of needs get taking care of.(art supplies, snacks, frames!) I have a d.b.a.(doing business as), I have been told to go after government funding by becoming a 5013c nonprofit organization. Others have said, continue to use d.b.a. and just seek out sponsors. Any suggestions? trying to get rid of the starving artist stigma while helping at risk youth.