Grant Writing Tips

There are many grants out there. Choose the one that matches the goals you have for your students rather than trying to fit your goals to a specific grant.

The end goal for most grantors is increasing student achievement in a way that is measurable.

Be clear and concise. Your problem should be specific and clearly stated. For example, you might write, “Based on the following data we have determined that our students need…” Then be sure to provide the data and the source to back up your statements.

Determine how you will know if the problem is solved. Be innovative!

Plan a logical series of steps to address the identified problem. These steps may be related to increasing student achievement, engagement, or other identified goal. You need to show that you have carefully thought through your problem and what constitutes a logical solution.

What you purchase are tools that enrich opportunities for your students. However, the tools themselves are not the solution. It’s all about how you use the tools to implement your solution.

Be sure your plan can be implemented. At the same time, be sure your plan addresses the important needs you identified.

There are others at your school, in your neighborhood, or within your community who also want to be a part of your solution. Work together! Find or create a team within the school, between schools, or in your community. Make the partnerships meaningful.

Don’t wait until the end to find out if your program was a success. Identify how you can capture increased student achievement at various times along the way. For example, plan to collect and analyze student work throughout program implementation.

Read the directions and literature from the grantor. Your proposal should be specific and aligned with the grantor’s goals for their program(s).

Include all requested components and organize the proposal so that it is easy for grant readers to find what they are looking for. This includes using the language of the application wherever possible. For example, if the grant specification uses the word “calendar” instead of “timeline” then so should you.

Your proposal will be read by people. Your proposal should be engaging and well-written. Spelling and grammar may not be on the scoring rubric, but they always count!

Follow the format the grantor provides. Make it easy for readers to find the information they need to award you a high score.

Pay attention to information on the proposal’s length, margins, font type, headers, footers, number of copies, and so on. Look carefully for any unusual requests (such as using recycled paper, staples or paper clips, etc.). Grantors may not read your proposal if their directions are not followed exactly. There are often many competing proposals and award decisions can be based on very slight advantages.

Watch for spending limits in various categories. Be sure your calculations are accurate. Include only those expenditures that clearly support the implementation of your plan, and be sure to explain how your expenditures will help your students achieve.

If your first attempt at funding is not successful, plan to rewrite and resubmit at the next opportunity. Plan to apply for other grants with the benefit of the comments provided in prior efforts. Use every rejection letter as an opportunity to become a better grant writer. Practice makes for more successful grant writing!