tips and tricks for writing successful grant proposals (2012)

These rules are generally followed throughout the funding world.

Vision for improvement (problem statement)

Plan of action (project goals and objectives)

Request for funding (budget)

Commitment (evaluation)

Read (and reread) the grant guidelines carefully before beginning to write out your proposal. The more specifically your project can address the requirements of the grant, the more likely you will be to receive funding.

Return to the grant guidelines throughout the writing process, and again before submission.

Due date

Number of pages

Appendix or no appendix

Number of copies for submission

Information required

Grant criteria (do you and your school meet the requirements to be funded?)

Budget guidelines

What are the funding goals for the granting individual or organization? What is the individual or organization’s mission?

The problem statement explains the reason for your request to the funding organization. It identifies a problem and describes the ways in which you aim to address it through your project.

The problem statement should prove that you have a thorough understanding of the issue, and that the issue can be improved by the implementation of your proposed plan within the time-frame of the granting organization.

Helpful links and examples:

◦ http://www.policegrantshelp.com/Columnists/grants-101/articles/1887996-Building-blocks-of-your-grant-proposal-The-problem-statement/

◦ http://www.ehow.com/how_6042320_write-problem-statement-needs-assessment.html

◦ http://www.mscd.edu/~act2/grant2/problem.html

“Project Goals” are general statements of purpose for what you are attempting to accomplish.

“Project Objectives” are specific and measurable, and will allow you to quantify the results of your project.

YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO CLEARLY ARTICULATE THESE CONCEPTS. IF YOU CANNOT, YOUR GRANT IS UNLIKELY TO BE STRONG ENOUGH TO BE FUNDED.

Remember, funders are INVESTING in your idea!

Your budget is one of the most important sections of the grant.

Funders need to see that you have a specific plan for the entire amount of money requested, that the entire sum is necessary for meeting your project objectives, and that you will be a responsible steward of their investment.

“In-kind” items are items that are not considered by their cash value. The donation of time, services, facilities, or equipment would be considered “in-kind.”

“Line-item” refers to pricing each individual element of your budget. (For example, if you request money to buy science supplies for your classroom, a line-item budget would list each piece of equipment and it’s cost rather than simply saying “science supplies, $500.00.)

All budgets should include in-kind items and be in line-item form, unless otherwise directed. Budgets should also include information on monies or donations coming from other sources but going to the same project.

Show your funders that you will be able to prove their investment was well spent!

Clearly explain your evaluation methods in the grant submission.

Include the following:◦What data will you collect for study at the

completion of the project?◦What instruments and methods will be used for

analysis?◦Who will do the evaluation?◦How will you define success?

Funders are usually happy to help – after all, they want to receive the best possible grant that you can write!

Excellence in Education (EIE)◦ The EIE grant is made available at the beginning of the

school year and is due in mid-September. Up to $500.00 is awarded for individual grants, and up to $1,000.00 for collaborative grants (those involving multiple classrooms, grade levels, or schools).

◦ Projects are intended to be completed during the school year in which they are written.

◦ EIE grants are designed for use in classroom enrichment. An EIE application and examples of projects that PEF has funded through EIE grants in the past can be found here: http://www.pefevansville.org/grants/grants.php

Students for Sustainability by Vectren◦The SFS grant is made available at the beginning

of the school year and is due in mid-September. Up to $500.00 is awarded for individual grants, and up to $2,500.00 for collaborative grants (those involving multiple classrooms, grade levels, or schools).

◦Projects should increase classroom learning in the fields of energy conservation and environmental stewardship. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate the ability to sustain themselves beyond a single year.

Rotary/PEF/Love Foundation grants◦Applications become available after winter recess, and

are due in early February. Up to $750.00 is awarded for individual grants, and $2,500.00 for collaborative projects.

◦Projects are intended to be implemented the following school year from when the grants are written.

◦Rotary/PEF/Love Foundation grants are also intended for classroom enrichment, examples of which, along with a copy of the application, can be found here: http://www.pefevansville.org/grants/grants.php

TJ Maxx Teacher Study Grants◦Applications are made available the first of April,

and are due mid-to-late April. Teachers can be awarded up to $500.00 for professional development that will increase their knowledge base to benefit their classrooms. Teachers may also apply for funds to hold local seminars benefiting a large number of teachers. There is no limit on the amount of money that may be requested in this type of grant.

◦Examples of TJ Maxx Grants and applications may be found here: http://www.pefevansville.org/grants/grants.php

Priority is give to grants that impact a larger number of students (remember, funders are looking at return on investment).

Priority is given to projects that can be effectively evaluated at their completion.

Priority is given to projects that can be continued in future years without the need for repeat funding.

Priority is given to grants that are creative in their approach to addressing the problem or situation.

they ask for materials or equipment not directly related to the project.

they include compensation for teachers, staff, or substitute teachers.

they ask for materials or supplies usually provided by the EVSC.

the grant DOES NOT FOLLOW grant guidelines.

the project is one that has been previously funded by PEF.

the grant has spelling, grammar or math errors.

PEF grant recipients will receive their funds only after signing a Grant Funds Agreement. This Agreement ensures that all parties are aware of expectations for the project and those involved with implementing it.

Read the Guidelines

Follow the Directions

Proofread

Be Clear in Your Project Proposal

Be EXTRA Clear in Your Budget

Explain How You Will Show Your Success

Feel Comfortable Being in a Dialogue with the Funding Organization Throughout the Process