How to Score Education Grant Proposals
When you write an education grant proposal, you want it to be the one that wins the funding. Many grant proposals are immediately rejected because the author did not write a proposal that matched what the organization was searching for. Develop a strong and effective method for writing your education grant proposals to increase your chance at scoring grant money for your students.
Instructions
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Identify a problem that your students or school faces. Brainstorm several solutions for your problem and use those solutions to develop a vision of what you want to accomplish with grant money. Create a unique and innovative plan that will excite organizations. Establish an estimated budget and timeline to accomplish your goal.
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Conduct research to support your idea. This research will be useful in writing the grant proposal. For example, if you desire laptops for your students, cite studies that prove student motivation and achievement increase with such technology. Also, research the details of any programs you are trying to implement. If you are wanting to establish an Accelerated Reader program at your school, research the goals, procedures and requirements of the program. Make sure to use credible studies to back your idea.
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Search for specific grants. Start your search by looking for local grants. Then visit websites like Grants4Teachers.com and GrantWrangler.com to search for national grants. Also, examine the websites of companies that offer products you wish to use. For example, if you desire laptops, Hewlwtt-Packard (HP) has a large grant program to look into.
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Read the directions for each grant carefully. Make sure that your idea is a good match for the grant's goal. While you may have to modify your initial plan to some degree, your overall visions must match.
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Complete the application and proposal exactly as the directions specify. Form a team of teachers and administrators to help you write and edit the proposal.
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Write in a professional and positive manner. Make your writing paint a vivid picture of what will be accomplished if you are awarded the grant, advises Gary A. Carnow, Ed.D, technology director and winner of over $20 million in grant money.
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Follow up for each application that you submit. Contact grantors for feedback on your proposal if you do not receive the grant. Use the feedback to help you write your next proposal. Send a thank you note even for grants you do not receive, as recommended by Donna Fernandez, creator of K12grants.org.
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Submit multiple grant proposals for each idea you develop. Continue to brainstorm and develop ideas for grant proposals. New grants become available often, so check grant websites frequently for new opportunities.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not be discouraged if you do not score the first grants you write. Be persistent and you will find success.
