Writing Winning Grants

A Six-Week Professional Development On-Line Course for Innovative Teachers
Susan Milovich

                                                                                                                             

Overview – The purpose of this course is to give the teacher a working knowledge of grants, analyze several winning grants, and write a grant of their own.  An On-line Administrator will be selected to display the lessons weekly and a Discussion Forum will be implemented, so that students can communicate with the teacher and with each other.

 

Assessment - This course will give the teacher 1 Professional Development Credit on the Salary Guide.  Assessment will be on going throughout the course, as the instructor will monitor the Discussion Forum to insure that all participants are completing the assignments. The feedback that you will give your fellow teachers is just as important as your own work.  Since your goal is to write a grant, what you put into the class really determines whether or not you are successful in writing that grant. 

 

Week 1 – Objective: To determine what grants are and conduct a general Internet search to find several websites offering grants from each type.  Also, find out if anyone in you building has won any grants. 

Grant Types - Local Grants, Federal Grants, Foundation Grants, Industry Grants

Assignment:  View PowerPoint on Writing Winning Grants.  Review the following website - Non Profit Guides for general information on grants.  Write a short paragraph describing the term “grant”.  List 2 grantors and their website for each of the grant types that give resources, either cash or equipment, for teachers.  If any teachers in your building have been awarded grants, please briefly describe these.  Post this information on the Discussion Forum.

 

 

Week 2 – Objective: To identify what you want/need and explain how this will help you or your students.  Consider the following:

          What do your students really need?

Meet Standards & Pass Standardized Tests

More Time to Use Existing Resources

More Computers 

 What do you really need?

                   Become More Adept at Using Resources

Come Up With Innovative Technology Ideas

                   Get Your Planning & Grading Done Efficiently

          Assignment:  Look around you classroom, school, and office.  Make a wish list of the resources or funds (for a special trip, materials, etc.) that you need to make your job easier.  Post this information on the Discussion Forum and submit comments to 3 other students about their needs.

 

 

Week 3 – Objective: To design the innovative project that utilizes the resources you need.

          Grantors want to see something new!  Grantors want to feel that the money they give is needed - be specific about your target population and the project’s results.  If you need Smartboards, cameras, computers, keyboards, software, etc., how will you use these to meet the needs you described last week?  Make it memorable!

Assignment:  Read summaries of projects that won money, and write a short paragraph about each analyzing why you think they won, paying particular attention to the specifications (Goal, Objectives, Method, Evaluation, Timeline, Budget) and the expressive language used.  Post your paragraphs on the discussion forum and comment on 2 of your classmate’s submissions. http://www.k12grants.org/samples/samples_index.htm Select the PRIDE grant and Reach for the Stars grant.  Begin thinking about your project.

 

Week 4 – Objective: To find the grant that you will write, being careful to match the grant to the grantor.

Grantors have special interests that you need to consider before you apply - understand their point of view and pattern of giving.  Grantors often give to programs in their geographic area or that feature their products.  Contact the grantor whenever possible through a phone call or inquiry letter.   Many grants have on-line applications.

Assignment:  Now that you know what you need and have a good idea of the project, it is time to find the Grantor to match your need.  Look back at the research that everyone did in week one, search for additional sites, talk to teachers or administrators in the district, and find a matching Grantor.  Check out deadlines, application forms, and contact personnel.  Post your findings about the grant you choose. 

 

 

 

Week 5 & 6 - Writing the Grant

Objective 1:  To read a few sites about writing grants and begin writing your grant.

Objective 2:  To use the knowledge gained in this course over the last several weeks and complete and submit your grant.  Don’t miss deadlines!

          Assignment:  Read the following websites.

The Heart Body and Soul of Grant Writing

John O'del’s Grants and Grant-Writing – download with Adobe

Make notes, get ideas, follow suggestions, etc. and get writing.  Discuss your proposal with your Principal.  He/She usually needs to sign some of your forms as well.  Have a co-worker or fellow classmate proofread your work.  Teachers can also submit grants in teams.  Attach a copy of your work in progress at the end of week 5 for comments from this teacher.

Submit your grant or complete it to be submitted at the proper time. Attach a copy of the finished grant on our Discussion Forum.  Comment on 1 other student’s work.

 

Thanks for all your great work!  Keep your grant on file.  Look for other grantors who might also fund your proposal.  Try again if you don’t succeed the first time.

STANDARD I

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