Have a great idea that
stretches the minds of students and challenges teachers to extend
past their comfort zones. Your program or project needs to be unique,
have some sound benefits for students, and be able to be maintained
by the district and/or replicated by others.
Find a funder and a
grant that seems to fit the ideas that you've only dreamed of. Look
in your community first and then expand your search.
If time permits, make
every attempt to gather a team of educational personnel, business
people, community members, and parents who are or could become interested
in the program.
Read the grant application
and guidelines very carefully, taking special note of things that
seem to be important to the funders.
Remember and remind
funders who the grant will ultimately benefit - your students!
Address each and every
question posed in a clear, succinct way. Make sure to use the terminology
found in the grant application and stay away from educational and
technical jargon.
Prepare a budget that
anyone can understand. A detailed budget is usually preferred over
a general one.
Check, check, and triple
check to make sure the grant application is complete and that you
meet the deadline.
Remember that not all
applications are awarded funding, but if your project is one you
truly want to make happen, you can find a funder. Don't hesitate
to call or write to get the reviewers comments if your grant is
not funded.
Write a thank you note
no matter what the outcome.
This grant writing
pages were written by Nancy Powell, teacher at Bloomington High School,
Bloomington, IL, and a former Teachers Network Web Mentor.
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