How to Write Elementary School Grants

Elementary school grantwriting

Grants are available to fund your elementary school project in part or completely; however, grant money is not just given to anyone who asks. Obtaining an education grant requires planning, a detailed and documented approach to the proposed project and a keen eye for submission requirements. Elementary school project funding is available through the federal government, local agencies and organizations. Take time to review the grant requirements, plan out your approach and submit a grant proposal to secure the funding needed for your next school project.

Things You'll Need

• School project
• Funding need
• Grant guidelines
• Word processing software

Instructions

1. Identify a school project and its goals well in advance. The funding process takes time from project concept and proposal writing to funding approval and receipt. Research and obtain documentation for your project need including applicable demographics, past research and evidence of the project's educational value. The more time you spend planning and researching your project funding, the greater your chances of a successful grant proposal.

2. Obtain the support of your principal or superintendent. Gaining support ensures that your project is desired by your school or district administration and that there are no overlapping requests for the same funding. According to Fundraiser Help, government grants require school administration consent regardless of the funding amount.

3. Seek and identify a grant to fund your project. Once identified, obtain and thoroughly read the grant proposal guidelines or Request for Proposals (RFP). Some grant proposals are nothing more than completing a grant application. Other times, grant proposals involve a structured written documentation of the project, including the project's background and need, objective, work plan and budget.

4. Secure three to four references to write letters of recommendation. Give your references a synopsis of your project and enough time to write their letters. Many grant proposals and applications require letters of recommendation as part of the funding request.

5. Form a relationship with the grant contact person. Ask questions. Find out how and when decisions for the funding will be made. Maintain this relationship with the contact person throughout the grant proposal and approval process.

6. Write your grant proposal and fully complete any required grant applications or forms. Be certain to answer every question in the RFP clearly using active and succinct sentence structures. Write in third person as an easier way to discuss the project needs objectively.

7. Proofread your grant proposal and application. Use spell check if available. Get another set of eyes on the proposal---have a friend or colleague review the submittal.

8. Submit the grant proposal by the deadline. Make sure the documents are signed where required and that the mailing or email address is correct. Request a delivery receipt for your files. Late submittals will be disqualified automatically. Don't let your hard work be wasted by missing the deadline.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep it simple. Grant proposals that are written to the point and easy to read offer a greater rate of success.

• Pay close attention to requested proposal formatting, such as page size and margins, font sizes, page limits and copy quantities.

• Be certain you are eligible for the grant. A grant RFP will detail all of the eligibility requirements.

• Elaborately designed and bound proposals are not always desired or permitted. Spend your time focusing on the proposal content and not the paper thread count.

References

• Fundraiser Help: The Three P's of Grant Writing

Resources

• Foundation Center: Grant Proposal Writing Short Course
• Pitsco Education: Sources of Education Funding
• Sinclair Community College: Sample Education Grant Proposals
• School Grants: Sample School Grant Proposals
• Education World: Tips and Resources for Successful Grant Writing