Grant Writing for Educators

1. Grant Writing for Educators Julie V. Rivera Asst. Library Administrator Brownsville ISD

2. Grant Writing :The Questions • What is a grant? • Why should I write a grant? • What can a grant do for my program? • How much work is involved in preparing a proposal? • Where do I start?

3. Gather Information to Support Your Idea • Target population statistics • Free & reduced lunch statistics • District Factor Group • Low income statistics of school/community • Special Education statistics • Number of basic skills students

4. The Great Idea Does it solve a significant problem? Is it Original? Does it meet today’s needs?

5. Key Components of a Proposal • Abstract • Statement of Need • Goal & Objectives • Activity/ Operational Plan • Budget • Evaluation • District Responsibilities • Statement of Assurances

6. Abstract The abstract is a clear, concise statement that provides the reader with a broad overview of the project. There may be a word or space limitation to the abstract section of the proposal. The abstract provides an opportunity for the writer to “hook” the reader’s interest in the project.

7. Statement of Need The statement of need provides statistics ( national & local), trends, and other relevant information that justifies the reason for the project. Example: “ Glassboro is a community of great diversity and contrast, 35.6% of the population is composed of persons representing minority groups. While Glassboro is a college community, it also has the largest concentration of low income housing in Gloucester County. Approximately 50% of housing in Glassboro is renter occupied, and 33% of the households earn less than 50% of the 4-County regions median household income of $21,167. 40% of Glassboro students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, with 39.3% eligible at the Intermediate School. 30.2% of the Intermediate School students are enrolled in Basic Skills classes.

8. Goals & Objectives • A Goal is a key accomplishment you expect to achieve through the project. It is usually a good idea to limit your goals to 2-4 realistic, achievable goals that can bear results by the completion of the project. Example: The student will be able to participate in a Food Science unit • Objectives are written specifically for each goal of the project. There may be several objectives for each goal…….. Keeping in mind that you will have to demonstrate results for each objective in the final evaluation of the project. You may want to limit the number of objectives too!!! Example: 80% of the students will be able to identify the fat content in food with 75% accuracy.

9. Operational Plan/ Activity Plan The operational plan/activity plan explains the steps you intend to follow to meet the goals and objectives. This step-by-step outline provides the benchmarks you will complete along the way. Example: 1) Class discussion on the fat content of food 2.) Lab activity on fat absorption 3.) Label reading to determine fat grams 4.) Quiz

10. Budget The budget begins with a wish list of the equipment, supplies, materials and staff needed to complete the project. It is essential that you carefully follow the proposal guidelines for : budget amounts, where and how funds can be used, and deadlines of when the funds must be spent. There are usually limitations on all of these items

11. Evaluation The evaluation of a project allows you to determine if you are meeting the goals and objectives. How will you know if you are meeting the goals and objectives? Evaluation happens as the project progresses, is documented at benchmarks (sometimes quarterly), and documented again upon completion of the project. Example: Evaluation Techniques-teacher observation, student participation, lab reports, class work projects, quizzes, test.

12. District Responsibilities Always seek approval of your administration before beginning to draft a proposal! It would be a waste of your time to develop a written proposal and later find that your administration is not going to support your efforts. You usually need the signature of an immediate supervisor, principal, and /or department chair on the proposal. A letter of support from your administration is essential! Find out what your school policy is before your begin drafting the proposal.

13. Statement of Assurances The statement of assurances is a signed document that assures the funding source that you are going to complete the project you have outlined in the proposal. You, your Board of Education/ Trustees, and other key stakeholders must agree that you will follow the rules! The statement of assurances is usually signed by a leader(superintendent, president, chief school administrator) of the institution. Be sure to arrange for their approval well in advance of the proposal deadline date!

14. Funding Sources(Show Me The Money!!!!!) • Local Sources ( look here first) • Foundations (look local first) • School District/College • State and State Agencies • Federal Sources • Corporations • Non-Profit Organizations • Private Sources

15. Locating Funding Sources On The Internet • Search by……… • Federal or State • Association type • Use a search engine using words such as “Grants K-12 education.” • Foundations • Corporations • Network Contacts

16. Tips for Seeking Funding Most importantly….. know your project! Be able to articulate your wants and needs to others! Clearly state the reason for your request. Look for funding in the most obvious sources first. Use current statistics to state your needs The proposal must be clear and logical to the uniformed reader. Speak to individuals who have successfully received funding.

17. Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained