Grant Writing: Take the First Step!

Laura Amatulli

Avondale Schools

Brainstorm: Where is your passion

• What are your favorite projects? • What is your favorite field trips?• Are you interested in an anti-bullying

curriculum?• Do you dream of providing accessibility

software for your special needs students?• Maybe an after-school program for gifted

students?

Classroom needs?

• Art supplies• Probeware• Digital camera• Digital microscope• Student behavior adjustment• Diversity training• Role models

School Wide Needs

• Character development• Moral boosters• Citizen Recognition• Community Involvement• Parent Support• Fun

Curriculum

• What Project will this support• Is there a need• GLCEs• Technology• Partnerships

Support People

• Who can you count on?• Do you have the support of your

administration?

ASK for Permission

-Some districts are limited on the funds they may receive, certain rules may apply

• "Anyone can do it if they're willing to put in the time and if they have decent writing abilities. The more writing experience you have, the better off you will be. I had no special training or experience when I started. Experience is the best teacher and you should be prepared to not get every grant you apply for -- or even the first few you apply for. But it does become easier as you learn what funders are looking for, although it's always very time consuming!"

Quote by Robin Smith, Education Technology Specialist awarded over 200,000 dollars in grant money

Outline your project

Background

Goals and Objectives

Timeline

Assessment Tools

Budget

Research

• Media Specialist• Start Local• Go on-line• Use Professional Organizations• Professional Magazines• Michigan Department of Education

The Application

• Forms, narrative, budget• Fill out completely• Call for help• Use your support system• Re-read, Re-vise, Re-Work• Take your time

After the Award

• Write a Thank You• Stick to your timeline• Provide promised evaluations• Write a final report including pictures• Maintain contact with donor

Tips from the Experts

• Have a clear plan• Know what you

want to accomplish and the steps you need to take

• Read winning grants to get a feel for the writing- do not copy

•

• Research what type of grants the sponsor has funded and what they have not funded

• Have a HOOK• Something that makes

your project unique• That will stand out

from others

• Include statistics• Pre and Post

assessments• Surveys• Have data to back you

up

• Make sure goals are realistic and measurable

• Students should be the main focus of the proposal – not the technology

• Try not to be materials focused

• Keep the budget tight• Do not inflate the

costs

• If you are rejected • TRY• TRY • AGAIN

• Know the reviewers• Offer to review grants

if you get the opportunity