Tips and Strategies for Successful

Grant Writing for your Classroom

Laura Henriques – California State University, Long Beach

Laura.Henriques@csulb.edu

You can find this presentation and related handouts at

laurahenriques.wordpress.com

A Primer to Grant Writing Have a project in mind Finding funding sources Writing the proposal & getting approval to submit The submission process What to do after you get funded

Have a Project In MindDevelop a Strategic Plan

Don’t write grants just to get money - it needs to fit with what you want (or need) to be doing

Have a well developed plan Need to identify project goals Who are the key people/partners? (need “buy-in”) What’s the timeline? What do you need to make this happen? (think about people,

supplies, and time. Who will oversee the project? Are they part of the writing process?) This informs your budget

How will you know if you’ve been successful? (think about measurable outcomes) This informs your evaluation

Finding Funding

I promise we’ll talk about this at the end. For now keep one point

in mind. Your project needs to align with the funding agency’s funding goals. You can’t write to a foundation or funding source to ask for money if you don’t qualify for the things they fund. The fit between your project and the funder’s priorities is imperative.

Research Potential Funders

Follow Directions!!

Putting It Together1. Write a proposal that is creative/innovative

(it needs to include a specific plan and budget)2. Compile a list of potential funders3. Initial contact and cultivation (build the relationship)4. Submission of proposal

5. Result: funding or rejection

6. Cultivation (continue the relationship)

7. Continue the process with the same grant maker and new proposal or same proposal/different funder

Typical Grant Sections

Abstract/Summary

Need

Goals and Objectives

Project Description

Timeline

Sustainability Administrative

Structure Success/Evaluation Budget

Cover letter Bios of key participants Letters of support

Writing the Proposal 1st thing . . . Be sure that you are in a position to submit

(get permission, find out the process at your site, amount of indirect charged, etc.)

Follow the printed guidelines (this seems simple but it will be a deal breaker!)

Make it easy for the reviewers to understand Need data to back up your claims

Student achievement data, demographic data, findings from the literature Where to find this data…

If they exist, look at examples of successfully funded projects for this RFP

Writing … cont. Copy the grant RFP into a word document and then write to

each section. Use tools that will help the reader (bolding, headings, restating

key items from the call for proposals, diagrams/tables/charts if helpful, restating the research questions/grant goals)

What are your deliverables? How will you measure success? Give yourself enough time

You want to have others read it and give you feedback this will help you know if you’ve been clear)

Submission always comes with “glitches” If you need to get this approved by the district that will take time

Submission Process Pay attention to deadlines, page limits, # of copies, cost

match, etc. Work on the budget as early as feasible Figure out who you need to talk to at school

Grant money usually needs to go to a foundation (not directly to the teacher, maybe not even the school/district)

Find out early on how the submission process works (FedEx, online submission, e-mail). Anticipate having problems arise at the last minute.

If You Don’t Get Funded

Consider resubmitting Carefully read reviews (if you get them) Consider how to incorporate the suggestions into a new

proposal Check again to be sure that the funding source is a good

match for your project. You may need to submit the proposal elsewhere.

Continue to cultivate relationships

If You Do Get Funded

Celebrate! Thank your funders & keep them informed of activities Press releases – be sure to give credit to your funders Collect and analyze data (do you need IRB consent?) Keep good records – you’ll need to file annual reports, you may get

audited Share findings, share credit

End of Project Send thank you note to grant maker, share copies of press coverage End of project report including pictures Continue to cultivate relationships

Funding Sources Donor’s Choose – you post a request for your classroom and donors give

directly to you. Digital Wish – submit a technology lesson plan be eligible to win a grant

(awards given monthly!) http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/grant_awards

Target – funding for field trips BestBuy – funds technology for the classroom (there’s an eligibility quiz on

this site – find out if you qualify before investing time and energy) Loew’s Toolbox for Education – funds project with permanent impact

(indoor/outdoor facilities, landscaping, gardening projects, etc.) check out the FAQ to be sure you’re eligible

 Knowles Foundation supports future and early career teachers. Includes PD $ and $ for classroom http://www.kstf.org/

American Chemical Society’s Hach High School Chemistry Grants provides support for supplies, lab equipment, instructional materials, professional development, field studies and science outreach activities for secondary chemistry teachers/programs. (They also offer PD and scholarship awards)

More Funding Sources EPA’s 2012 Environmental Education Grant Program funds environmental

education projects that enhance the public’s awareness, knowledge, and skills to make informed decisions and take responsible actions towards the environment.

BP A+ for Energy http://www.bp.com/genericsection.do?categoryId=1061&contentId=7057806

Westinghouse provides schools grants emphasizing innovative math and science programs http://westinghousenuclear.com/Community/Charitable_Giving

Several groups have compiled lists of grant opportunities. Here are a few.

Listing of technology grants for teachers/schools http://www.technologygrantnews.com/grant-index-by-type/k-12-grants.html

Listing of grant opportunities http://www.cpsb.org/scripts/abshire/grants.asp NSTA has a list of grant opportunities on their website NCTM listing http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=198 CESA. http://www.cesa2.org/programs/stem/STEMgrants.cfm ASU listing if math/sci grants.

http://modeling.asu.edu/MNS/GrantSources_K12Teachers.doc

Example from NSTA’s “Grab Bag”

Captain Planet Foundation – environmental stewards program

FRED Tech Grants for Rural Schools P. Buckley Moss Foundation Teacher Art Grants –

supports teachers using art as a tool for students with special needs

Toshiba America Foundation Science and Math Improvement Grants (for K-5)

Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program - environmental ed and advocacy

Association of American Educators Classroom Grants – for projects and materials/equipment

Let’s Practice

Sample call for proposals

NOT ALL GRANT PROPOSALS ARE CREATED THE SAME! Some are really short and easy, others are much more complex.

Some are highly competitive while others have a high chance of funding.

Learn from successful proposals

ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Grant Application

Application Deadline: April 16, 2014

Application Checklist A completed application will include the following: Name and contact information. You will be notified of your award status by June 30,

2014. Please submit contact information based on where you will be during that time. School information, such as school location, type, and category. Statement of Support. Submit the

ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Grant Statement of Support completed and signed by your school administrator (e.g., principal or superintendent).

Proposal. To assist you with your grant proposal, we have created a downloadable worksheet . The worksheet includes the questions and all the information required by the online application form. The worksheet is for planning purposes only. You still must complete the online application form to be considered for the 2014-2015 application cycle. Also for your benefit are example proposals representing each proposal category.

Budget (not to exceed $1,500). The budget should justify the amount requested.

Application Instructions Create an account in the

online application system. The account allows you update your application at any time prior to submission and view your application status after submission. Your email address will serve as the username for the account, so use your most preferred email.

Select “Start New Application” in the left navigation pane.

Select “2014 ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Teacher Grant” to begin application.

Enter and submit the required materials for this application form. All information, including transcripts, must be submitted with this form. Information not currently available in electronic form can be converted to a PDF using the Fax-to-Mail feature in the left navigation field. You may save and return to your application until the April 1st submission deadline.

Submit your application. Saved drafts are not considered submitted applications. You must select the “Submit” button. A confirmation email will be sent to confirm your submission.

Review Criteria As you complete your grant application,

please consider that your application will be reviewed against the following criteria:

Applicant uses language that is clear, concise and free of grammatical errors.

Responses strongly align with the questions posed in each section.

Applicant addresses an important issue or topic in chemistry education.

Proposed plan is feasible. Strongest proposals will have an impact

that will be sustained beyond the funding period.

Budget items clearly support the proposed activities do not exceed $1,500.

I.   Proposal Cover Form  (Microsoft Word 2000 or higher required)II. Proposal (Two pages maximum)❏ Plan. Describe the what, how, and why of the professional development plan. Be as detailed as possible about teacher needs and planned growth.❏ Budget. Include an itemized budget (presented by line item in a table format).❏ Outcome. Explain how you plan to assess the impact of the proposed plan on your professional growth and on your students’ learning.III. Background and Experience (One page maximum; outline format preferred)❏ Formal education. Indicate the institution, type of degree, major, minor, and date each degree was granted.❏ Teaching experience related to this grant proposal. Indicate the school(s), teaching assignments, and other pertinent information, including continuing education and professional activities.IV. Principal's Letter of Support (One page maximum)❏ Letter must be signed on school stationery, confirm the teaching status of the applicant, demonstrate support for the professional development plan, and indicate the anticipated student learning.Final Report Requirements❏ Awardees will be required to submit a brief report (not to exceed two double-spaced pages) and an itemized report of expenses.❏ Two-thirds of the approved budget, not to exceed $2,000, will be paid at the beginning of the project. The remainder will be paid on receipt of a final report and verified expenses (with receipts) related to the proposal.

Teacher Professional Development Grants for Grades 9-12 (math) Teachers.

http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=1316

ACS-HACH HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY GRANTAPPLICATION WORKSHEET

Application Deadline: April 1, 2014We provide you this worksheet so you may view the questions asked and collect the information required for completing the online application form. This is not the application. You must complete and submit an online application by April 1, 2014 on the ACS Award Management System to be considered for the ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Grant.

I. SCHOOL INFORMATIONSchool City* School State*

School Location*Select the term that best defines your school location.Urban Suburban Rural

School Category*Select the category that best defines your school.

Public Public Charter Private Private Charter Other

Statement of Support* Upload the letter/statement that indicates support from and signed by your school administrator (e.g., Principal or Superintendent). To upload the letter: 1) click on "Browse"; 2) select the file from your computer; and 3) click on the "Save As Draft" located at the bottom of this page. [5 MB(s) allowed]

III. PROPOSALProposal Category*Select the category best describes your intended use of the grant.

Professional Development Laboratory Equipment and/or Supplies Instructional Materials/Supplies Field Study Science Outreach Event Other

 If you selected "Other" for the previous response, please elaborate. Student Impact* Estimate the number of students to be involved and/or impacted by the project. Collaboration* Will you be collaborating with another colleague or organization to implement your project? Collaboration is not a requirement for receiving the grant.YesNoIf you answered "Yes," please provide a brief description of this collaboration, including the name and roles of each collaborator. Limit your response to 750 characters (approximately 100 words). 

Proposal Summary & Goals* Briefly summarize your proposal and goals. Please limit your response to 750 characters (approximately 100 words).

Description* What is your idea, in detail? As you explain your idea, include how your students will be impacted, how you will implement your project, and how you intend to sustain your project beyond the 2011-2012 funding period. Traditionally, these grants have been used to fund both innovative activities and basic high school chemistry classroom needs. Describe your teaching situation. Please limit your response to 3,000 characters (approximately 400 words). Outcomes* How will your project improve student learning in chemistry? Please limit your response to 1,650 characters (approximately 250 words).  Evaluation* How will you know that your project has met its goals? Please limit your response to 1,650 characters (approximately 250 words). IV. BUDGETGrant Amount *Enter the total amount to be requested to the nearest dollar. Requests cannot exceed $1,500.$

Budget* Upload a detailed list of anticipated expenses for this project. The budget should align with your stated project goals. To upload the budget: 1) click on "Browse"; 2) select the file from your computer; and 3) click on the "Save As Draft" located at the bottom of this page. [2 MB(s) allowed]

CONFIDENTIALLY STATEMENT I hereby signify that all above information is true.

ACS also has a grant program for teacher Professional Development

Investigate other professional organizations – they sometimes have conference grants or travel grants for professional development (i.e. Pasco has awards to support lab materials AND attendance at the NSTA national conference)

ACS-Hach also has a scholarship program for preservice chemistry teachers and second career teachers

What questions can I answer?

Today’s presentation, links to handouts and an article about writing grants for your classroom can be found at

laurahenriques.wordpress.com

URLs to the various grants mentioned in the presentation

Donor’s Choose – you post a request for your classroom and donors give directly to you. http://www.donorschoose.org/ Digital Wish – submit a technology lesson plan be eligible to win a grant (awards given monthly!)

http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/grant_awards Target – funding for field trips https://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/grants/field-trip-grants BestBuy – funds technology for the classroom (there’s an eligibility quiz on this site – find out if you qualify before investing

time and energy) Loew’s Toolbox for Education – funds project with permanent impact (indoor/outdoor facilities, landscaping, gardening

projects, etc.) http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/ check out the FAQ to be sure you’re eligible  Knowles Foundation supports future and early career teachers. Includes PD $ and $ for classroom http://www.kstf.org/ American Chemical Society’s Hach High School Chemistry Grants provides support for supplies, lab equipment, instructional

materials, professional development, field studies and science outreach activities for secondary chemistry teachers/programs. (They also offer PD and scholarship awards) http://portal.acs.org/portal/acs/corg/content?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=PP_SUPERARTICLE&node_id=2245&use_sec=false&sec_url_var=region1&__uuid=e65b3b26-37b5-45d2-9958-0b7a0270cb7a

EPA’s 2012 Environmental Education Grant Program funds environmental education projects that enhance the public’s awareness, knowledge, and skills to make informed decisions and take responsible actions towards the environment. http://www.epa.gov/education/grants/index.html

BP A+ for Energy http://www.bp.com/genericsection.do?categoryId=1061&contentId=7057806 Westinghouse provides schools grants emphasizing innovative math and science programs

http://westinghousenuclear.com/Community/Charitable_Giving

Several groups have compiled lists of grant opportunities. Here are a few. Listing of technology grants for teachers/schools http://www.technologygrantnews.com/grant-index-by-type/k-12-grants.html Listing of grant opportunities http://www.cpsb.org/scripts/abshire/grants.asp NSTA has a list of grant opportunities on their website as well.

http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2004_08_30_grants.htm NCTM listing http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=198 CESA. http://www.cesa2.org/programs/stem/STEMgrants.cfm ASU listing if math/sci grants. http://modeling.asu.edu/MNS/GrantSources_K12Teachers.doc