NCTE PRESENTATION NOVEMBER 20, 2009 DR. CAROL HARRELL KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY DR. JIM COPE KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY Introduction to Grant Writing

Grant Terms Grant: An award given to an organization or individual to support a project described in a proposal submitted to a sponsor. RFP (Request for Proposal): Guidelines for grant submission. Includes the topic to be addressed, methods to be used, results desired, product to be delivered. grants.gov-A web-based portal through which most applications to federal grant programs are submitted.

Grant Terms continued.... Facilities and administrative costs (indirects)- Overhead expenses incurred by funding agency (school district) in the administration of the funded project for which most sponsors reimburse the institution at a fixed percentage of project costs. Inkind-Contributions from institutions, personnel, and other entities that support the project.

Some initial guidelines The most important element in grant writing is to be well aware of your audience—and then, write for that audience. Grant writing is about convincing people who have money to give away that money. Think from the money-holders’ perspective. Would you give someone money without some assurance of competence and ability to follow through on the proposed project?

Guidelines to ensure you write a good proposal Define your project. Think of thesis-statement like openings. Let the readers know from the very opening statement what your goals and objectives are and specify how you will direct the work to meet the goals.

Guidelines to ensure you write a good proposal continued.... Pick the right funding sources. Don’t try to get a high school reading improvement plan funded under a social studies proposal designed to fund projects for elementary students.

Guidelines to ensure you write a good proposal continued.... Contact funders. These folks are used to having potential grant writers call them. They are there to help you decide if their RFP is good for your proposal. When you contact them, have your idea written out so you don’t waste time getting to your point. Also, be open to their suggestions and be willing to alter some of your ideas—if you can—so your grant ideas more closely align with the funder’s needs.

Guidelines to ensure you write a good proposal continued.... READ THE RFP SEVERAL TIMES to know whether your proposal will fit the call. This step, while tedious, is not to be ignored. Not only will you be sure your project fits the funder’s needs, but you’ll also be familiar with the requirements for writing the proposal.

Elements often found in a Proposal 1. Narrative: Usually, this section will include the project purpose, goals, measurable objectives, and a logical reason the proposal should be funded. It will also include the following:  how you will accomplish your goals and objectives,  a description of the work,  an outline of activities,  a description of the personnel who will be involved—including their credentials,  how the project will be evaluated,  a timeline for the project, and  how you will disseminate your findings.

Elements often found in a Proposal continued Budget: Include everything. Don’t feel you must spend the maximum allowed, but don’t under budget either. Be reasonable in your expectations, and don’t ask for more than is allowed. 3.Supporting materials: these are determined by the particular proposal. 4. Signaturesfrom important people—specified in the RFP.

Some Final Thoughts Do exactly what the RFP asks. This is not a creative writing project; rather, it is the presentation of a creative project. Don’t leave out anything. Be on time. Don’t overstate what you’ll do. Expect the process to take twice as much time as you allot—especially the process of getting signatures and submitting. Some material borrowed from and from Robert P.Lowman’s presentation at KSU.

Some Good Teacher Grants: Sites for Information on Multiple Grants Teachers Count: TeachersCount is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to raise the status of the teaching profession and provide resources to the education community. Using a public service announcement national ad campaign and related initiatives, TeachersCount is working to create a permanent culture of teacher appreciation in the United States.

Some Good Teacher Grants: continued Teachers’ Network: IMPACT II Grants IMPACT II Grants Teachers Network helps teachers make the most of innovative and creative ideas by awarding them grants to package and disseminate their ideas to other interested teachers, who then adapt and tailor them to their own classrooms. More than 40,000 teachers have received IMPACT II grants to develop, document, and disseminate innovative preK-12 programs in the curriculum areas of science, math, technology, and literacy. Homeroom Teacher: Hosts lists of teacher grants from other sites.

Grants continued... Kids in Need Foundation: Kids In Need Teacher Grants provide K-12 educators with funding to provide innovative learning opportunities for their students. The Kids In Need Foundation helps to engage students in the learning process by supporting our most creative and important educational resource — our nation's teachers. Teacher Tap: Helps teachers answer the following three questions: Where can I find funding for grant projects? How do I write a grant that will get funded? What are the best sources of funding?

Grants continued... Grants.gov: This site is the gateway for applying for any federal grant.