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G W
rant ritinG
t t
ips & ricks
by Atomic Learning: Award-Winning technology training provider
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ontents
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Forward by Karl Samp ..................................iii-v
Step 1: Getting Started ....................................vi
Step 2: Researching Funders ..........................1
Step 3: Letter of Inquiry ...................................2
Step 4: Writing the Proposal ............................3
Step 5: The Cover Letter .................................4
Step 6: Summary .............................................5
Step 7: Organizational Information ..................6
Step 8: Need Statement ..................................7
Step 9: Project Description ..............................8
Step 10: The Budget ........................................9
Step 11: Evaluation ...................................10-11
Step 12: Conclusion ......................................12
Step 13: Supplementary Materials ................13
Last Thoughts ................................................14
GGRRAANNTT WWRRIITTIINNGG TTIIPPSS && TTRRIICCKKSS bbyy AAttoommiicc LLeeaarrnniinngg iiii iii Forward by Karl Samp GRANT WRITING TIPS & TRICKS by Atomic Learning
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F K s
orward by arl amp speaking about Minnesota having a greater challenge
making needed education reform than many other
It is said the Chinese symbol for the word “crisis” is states, because our current reputation is so good.
made up of two symbols. The first is the symbol for
“danger” while the second is similar in meaning to We would be naïve to think that all changes resulting
“opportunity.” from our current economic challenges are good for
education. Larger class sizes, fewer support servic-
If we are honest, we know that change rarely hap- es, and decreased resources for upgrading texts and
pens when things are going fine. It is usually when supplies are all having negative outcomes on student
times get tough or bad that change occurs. It brings learning. Lack of job security for those in education
to my mind the phrase, “good is the enemy of great.” is no ray of sunshine either. I write this knowing that
I last remember hearing that in a presentation in my I have been placed on lay-off notice from my position
hometown of Brainerd, MN, by national education at a two year community college.
reform expert Dr. Willard Daggett. Dr. Daggett was
GGRRAANNTT WWRRIITTIINNGG TTIIPPSS && TTRRIICCKKSS bbyy AAttoommiicc LLeeaarrnniinngg Forwar d by Kar l S a m p ( c o n t in u e d ) iivv
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F K s ( )
orward by arl amp Continued tion, we are also being presented with an opportunity
to create positive change, especially with the addi-
Yet, having gone through a similar experience two tional resources being presented through the Ameri-
years ago, I know that good often comes out of can Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus bill)
seemingly bad situations. I had always dreamed of passed by Congress and signed into law by Presi-
owning my own consulting business, but thought dent Obama. At the same time foundation dollars
it would come at least ten years down the road are shrinking due to a decrease in endowments, the
in semi-retirement. After a brief reassessment of federal dollars available to education are significant,
my job options and career goals, I decided not with increased funding available to upgrade your use
to wait. The last two years have been among my of technology in teaching students and for profes-
most enjoyable and rewarding as a professional. sional development through EETT and IDEA funding.
The point I am making is that while our economy is While writing federal grants is no walk in the park for
hurting and it is having a negative impact on educa- most, this e-book is full of ideas, resources, and tips
GGRRAANNTT WWRRIITTIINNGG TTIIPPSS && TTRRIICCKKSS bbyy AAttoommiicc LLeeaarrnniinngg iivv v Forward by Karl Samp (continued) GRANT WRITING TIPS & TRICKS by Atomic Learning
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F K s ( )
orward by arl amp Continued pressure and support. Pressure without support leads
to resistance, and alienation. Support without pres-
on how you can be successful in funding your school sure leads to drift and a waste of resources.” With the
or organization’s ability to integrate technology in pressure coming from the economy, and the support
the classroom and provide solid, ongoing profes- provided from Atomic Learning’s products and re-
sional development. Through grant funding, I have sources they’ve provided in this e-book, you may find
seen numerous other nonprofits and businesses your school district in a position to greatly advance its
take advantage of the forces of pressure and sup- use of technology.
port to create the change they desire and need to
thrive in the 21st Century. I wish you well in your work and fund development
efforts.
In Michael Fullan’s book, The New Meaning of Ed-
ucational Change, the author states, “Successful
Karl Samp
change projects always include elements of both
GGRRAANNTT WWRRIITTIINNGG TTIIPPSS && TTRRIICCKKSS bbyy AAttoommiicc LLeeaarrnniinngg Step 1 : G e t t in g S t a r t e d vvii
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s 1: G s Why does your project matter? Keep asking yourself,
tep ettinG tarted
“So what?” at every stage in the grant writing process
to ensure what you are planning is relevant.
The grant writing process can be very intimidat-
ing. Where do you start? The first step is to have a
While in the planning process, make sure prospec-
good idea! Collaborate with colleges and members
tive clients of your program are involved. If you are
of your community to come up with an innovative
planning a professional development program, make
plan to integrate technology into your classrooms.
sure teachers are involved. If students are central to
The foundation of any successful program is a good
your success, engage them in the process as well.
idea and careful planning to put it in action. That
What else should be considered in the planning pro-
foundation also provides your school or organiza-
cess? Check out our first step worksheet for addi-
tion with a roadmap for the grant writing process.
tional questions.
To move your idea forward, think of some basic Click here to download
questions that will come up. Always answer the pri- The First Step
mary question that grant reviewers ask: “So what?”
Worksheet
GGRRAANNTT WWRRIITTIINNGG TTIIPPSS && TTRRIICCKKSS bbyy AAttoommiicc LLeeaarrnniinngg vvii 1 Step 2: Researching Funders GRANT WRITING TIPS & TRICKS by Atomic Learning
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s 2: r F As your research into funders develops, start a
tep esearChinG unders
spreadsheet with any applicable information. Impor-
tant things to track include applicable deadlines, spe-
Once you have worked through the basics of your
cific requirements, upcoming grants, funder reports,
plan, it is time to decide which funders are the best
and grants denied. Being organized will prevent over-
fit for your project. Be diligent in your research. Re-
looking important details that could result in your proj-
view the prior projects that have been funded by an
ect not being funded.
organization as well as the dollar amount typically
awarded. If you are unsure if your program is a fit Remember, the funders need you as much as you
with the organization, contact the funder to verify. need them. Their objectives can not be accomplished
Do not try to force a fit; it will greatly reduce your without the hard work you are willing to do. By part-
likelihood of receiving the funding. The good news nering with the funder, you are giving them the oppor-
is that around 25% of all grants made by founda- tunity to achieve their goals.
tions are funding education projects. The grants are
Click here to
out there; you just need to find the right one.
Locate Funders
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s 3: l i first impression and emphasize why your school
tep etter oF nquiry
or organization aligns with the funder’s objective.
You have found a funder that seems like a perfect
Basic information that should be included in your
fit with your project. They are asking for a letter of
letter includes:
inquiry. Not all organizations will ask for a letter of
inquiry, but if one is requested use the opportunity
1 A description of your organization
to give a great impression of your school or orga-
2 An explanation of why the foundation is a fit with
nization. First and foremost, check to see if any
your program
specific requirements are requested by your funder.
3 A statement explaining how you will help them
accomplish their goals
The letter should be as brief as possible. Impor- 4 An explanation of the rational and purpose of
tant details will be included in your proposal, not your program
the cover letter. Primarily, you want to make a good 5 A total amount you are requesting in funding
GGRRAANNTT WWRRIITTIINNGG TTIIPPSS && TTRRIICCKKSS bbyy AAttoommiicc LLeeaarrnniinngg 22 3 Step 4: Writing the Proposal GRANT WRITING TIPS & TRICKS by Atomic Learning
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s 4: w p of the proposal, oblige them. When a specific format
tep ritinG the roposal
is requested, make sure you follow the guidelines. The
two key aspects of grant writing are having a good idea
Once you find the right funder and have a request
and following the directions!
for a proposal (RFP), the next step is actually writ-
ing your proposal. Prior to typing a thing, your first Common components requested in a proposal include:
task is to read the RFP in its entirety. It is important
1 Cover letter
to follow all of the requirements in the proposal ex-
2 Cover Sheet/Summary
actly. Following all of the instructions is the most
3 Narrative
important thing to remember when preparing your
Organizational information
proposal.
Need statement
Program goals and objectivity
Some grants are going to require a more in depth
Project description
proposal, others will be more basic. On occasion,
Budget
there will be redundancy in the RFP, which will Evaluation
cause repetition in your proposal. If the funder is 4 Conclusion
requesting the same information in multiple areas 5 Supplementary information and attachments
GGRRAANNTT WWRRIITTIINNGG TTIIPPSS && TTRRIICCKKSS bbyy AAttoommiicc LLeeaarrnniinngg Step 5 : T h e C o v e r L e t t e r 44
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s 5: t C l
tep he over etter
The cover letter should be short–two or three para-
graphs paragraphs that describe the purpose of the
program and emphasize how your organization’s
goals align with those of the funders. Mention your
organization’s background and the amount of funds
you are requesting. Give a timeline for implementa-
tion and indicate you hope to speak with them re-
garding the project. Always remember to thank the
reader for their time and consideration as well.
