Grant Writing Tips
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Applying for a school improvement grant is like writing a school term paper - you must do your research, organize the information, and re-write it in a format that's concise, factual, and convincing. Review these Grant Writing Tips below:
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH
Research the project you'd like to accomplish in detail. Know your purpose & goal, expenses, and time frame to carry out the project. How many volunteers will be needed? In additiona to the grant, what fundraisers will be held to help reach the total monetary goal?
2. GATHER DATA IN ADVANCE
Most grant applications request school data (student population, nationality percentages, PTO expense/income, etc.). Gather the most current data available (preferably the past year) in advance. The school principal and state websites should be able to assist you with this.
3. WRITE IT & RE-WRITE IT
Print a copy of the grant application and write your proposed grant in a separate word-processing program. Review it. Then put it aside for a day or two and review it again. Make Changes. And repeat this process until you are comfortable with the final result. Never submit the first copy you write. Always let it sit for a few days before submitting the final copy.
4. BE CLEAR, CONCISE, FACTUAL & ACCURATE
State the reason for your request in brief sentences and paragraphs. Avoid repetition. Write and submit the information in the format required by the organization.
5. IS THERE A STORY?
While grant reveiwers want the facts, it's also effective if there's a specific need behind the grant request. Will the project benefit special needs students? Keep it brief, but tell 'why' you would like to take on this project. A compelling case will set your application apart from the others.
6. DIVERSIFY
Grant reviewers like to know that you are doing your part to help raise a portion of the project funds, rather than just requesting all of the money be handed over in a grant. So have a funding plan that may include - fundraising events, direct mail campaigns to school families, alumni, and local residents, or corporate partnerships. Be sure to state this total plan right in your grant application.
7. ASK FOR HELP
If you are not the best writer, don't be afraid to ask for help from someone who is - a school parent volunteer, a teacher or staff member, or even a professional grant writer.
8. BE ON-TIME
Know what the grant application deadline is and submit it on-time!
9. IS THE GRANT THE RIGHT FIT?
Apply only for grants that fit your need and your focus. As a school, apply to grants that focus on school improvement projects and education, rather than animal welfare. Don't waste your time or the grant reviewer's time by applying for grants that aren't the right fit.
10. ANALYZE PAST GRANT APPLICATIONS
If your organization has applied for a similar grant in the past, only to receive a negative response, then you must improve on the previous submission. Why wasn't it chosen? - writing style, format, inaccurate data, or type of project? Similarly, if you've won a grant, understand what got your that win and do it again!
11. HAVE A PROFESSIONAL ON YOUR SIDE
With all of these tips you may still need the help of a professional. So make an investment today for your school's future. Invest in Sandy Rees's Secrets to Winning Grants webinar series. Choose one or two parent volunteers to become the grant writing experts at your school and they can pass down everything they've learned to their successors. Investing in the advice of professionals is always a good idea!
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