Tips for Successful Grant Writing

Did you know that there is more money available through grants than you have time to write? Teachers always need supplies, books, computers, iPads, software, science equipment … the list is endless! But, the possibilities are endless too.

  There was a presentation on Grant Writing at ISTE 2015 that was taught by Cheryl Abshire. Cheryl was full of motivating and practical ideas on how educators can get more money into classrooms. Here are the top10 rules for successful grant writing:

1.     Follow the rules of the grant. This is the most important rule! There is competition in getting grants funded and the grants that don’t follow the rules are automatically weeded out in the beginning. Grants that do not follow the rules are not read!

2.     Students are #1. Share your vision of the impact this money will have on students and student learning.

3.     Know what you want and be knowledgeable about it.

4.     It’s okay to sound needy, but NOT desperate!

5.     Share what you have tried in your classroom, and what you have done that applies to what you are asking for in your grant.

6.     Many grants are given by corporations who are not in the education setting. Make sure your writing does not contain educational jargon they might not understand. Have someone read the grant who is not in education.

7.     Use the format that the grant is asking for in the rules.

8.     Don’t submit late.  The grant won’t be read if you submit pass the deadline! 

9.     Get clarification by calling or emailing if you have questions about the grant process.

10.  If your grant is funded, share your results with the company.

There are some great resources to find grants. Our EdTech website has a page on grant writing with tips, tricks, and information of grants available found at Grants to Fund Classroom Dreams. Cheryl Abshire also shared her website that has great helps found at Grants.

One last piece of advice from Cheryl that I have personally found useful: volunteer to read grants. It is quickly evident what makes a proposal rise to the top.

I hope this will motivate you to write a grant proposal and submit it for funding. You will never get money for your classroom if you don't ever ask for it!