Need More Money? Grant Writing 101 2016 ESEA Directors Institute August 2016

Rita Fentress Director of School Improvement Consolidated Planning and Monitoring Rita.Fentress@tn.gov (615) 253-5206

Need More Money? Grant Writing 101

Agenda Background Making the application decision Writing a grant proposal Developing the budget Adhering to the rubric Finding the right grant

Education Grants Formula Discretionary (competitive) Grantors USEd State Non-profits Private philanthropic

Application Decision Is the award within reach? Is there ample time to meet the due date? Is my organization eligible? Does the grant meet an identified need? Is matching, cost sharing, or stakeholder support required? Is there capacity to determine effectiveness? How can the program be sustained when funding is no longer available?

Building Internal Relationships Accounting – budget development Research or Data Team – assistance with development of a needs assessment and/or an evaluation Human Resources – development of job descriptions, staffing timelines Technology – assistance with equipment selection, wiring requirements, maintenance, and lease versus purchase

Internal Process Required approvals Required signatures Required assurances

Writing the Grant Proposal

Application Process Major Components Guidelines Application Forms Narrative Budget

Proposal Guidelines Program purpose Desired outcomes Amount of funds available Expected award range How and when to apply Technical details Budget preparation instructions Required forms and attachments

Application Forms Format Content Section length Style Adhere to font, character, and page requirements. Content Section length Style Headings and subheadings Acronyms – use only after the entire title with acronym has been used in the document. i.e., Anytown High Schools (AHS) Products – include website

Grant Narrative A statement of need with supporting data Goals and measurable objectives Explanation of how the grant project’s goals and objectives will be met Activities to be used Necessary personnel and how personnel will be utilized

Grant narrative, continued Assessment procedure, including how the project will be evaluated including specific measurement strategies Timeline that includes the start and end dates of the project and a schedule of activities Applicant's credentials, including information that demonstrates the district’s/school’s capacity including background and ability to carry out the project successfully Evidence of sustainability of the project in the absence of grant funds

The Clincher Clear and compelling statement of need Positive impact on the district/school

Budget Project cost Provide a clear explanation of how funds will be used. Specific, reasonable, realistic, accurate, clear Ensure budget contains only those items essential to the project. Include other revenue sources, if applicable. Ensure the actual budget is consistent with the narrative.

The Rubric is Your Friend Organize the grant application to align with the scoring rubric. Provide the level of detail required in each section of the scoring rubric.

Review the Rubric Details

More Details

Before You Hit Submit

Final Checks Multiple contributors – check for continuity and flow Be as concise as possible Check for understanding - enlist personnel unfamiliar with the grant to read for clarity Check for completeness – enlist personnel to score the grant against the rubric

Grant Opportunities Edutopia Dreambox The Big List of Educational Grants and Resources http://www.edutopia.org/grants-and-resources Dreambox Links to Professional Development Grant Resources http://www.dreambox.com/blog/professional-development-grants-for-teachers

Grant Databases Grants.gov Grant Select Grant Watch Teachers Count http://www.grants.gov/ Grant Select http://www.grantselect.com/ Grant Watch https://www.grantwatch.com/ Teachers Count http://www.teacherscount.org/grants/ American Library Association http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/awards-grants-and-scholarships Scholastic http://www.scholastic.com/browse/subarticle.jsp?id=4544

Professional Organizations National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) International Literacy Association American Library Association National Science Teachers Association National Association of Music Education National Art Education Association Spark Grant Finder for Physical Education

Others Apple State Farm Insurance LEGOs Lowes www.applegrants.org State Farm Insurance https://www.statefarm.com/about-us/community/education-programs/grants-scholarships LEGOs https://education.lego.com/en-us/grants Lowes http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/ The possibilities are endless.

Notifications can also be submitted electronically at: FRAUD, WASTE, or ABUSE Citizens and agencies are encouraged to report fraud, waste, or abuse in State and Local government. NOTICE: This agency is a recipient of taxpayer funding. If you observe an agency director or employee engaging in any activity which you consider to be illegal, improper or wasteful, please call the state Comptroller’s toll-free Hotline: 1-800-232-5454 Notifications can also be submitted electronically at: http://www.comptroller.tn.gov/hotline