Dos and Don’ts of Grant Writing

DO Have someone proofread your work Explain how your idea is creative and innovative Spell out acronyms the first time they are used in your application Limit the dollars requested for substitutes Be persuasive Consider timing of your application & be able to implement the following semester (or wait) Be Creative – think up a “catchy” title Mention planned involvement of parents, PTAs, etc.

Do (Continued) Include grant writer training certification for at least one member of your group. Be positive. Number of students to be served. What will be better with your project? Paint a picture of what you want to create in the classroom Use only approved vendors. Only list names of those who helped write the grant as Primary Applicants. Document the need in the classroom: cite research, demographics.

State your need or problem. Do (Continued) State your need or problem. Increase… Decrease… Reduce… Determine… It’s okay to come up with your persuasive points and THEN find a place for them in the application. Explain how you will maintain the program if you are requesting “one time” use items such as batteries or laser cartridges.

DON’T Forget to add shipping costs for items requested Include other teachers on your grant application unless they are actively involved in the execution of the program (Remember secondary v. primary authors) Let those $$$ sit in the bank after you win a grant! Funds awarded must be spent by the end of the semester in which they are granted. Requisition forms are submitted through your regular campus process, and should be turned in as soon as possible.

DON’T Apply for more than two grants per application period.

When the Prize Posse Rides….. Be ready to talk about your grant

Show and Tell Thank you notes, video or photos required with evaluation. Please address thank you notes to “Dear Donor.” Samples of work Evaluation (written & video) Grant Displays

Grant Express Grants for Great Ideas Requests up to $1,000, submitted online at http://www.midwayisd.org/Page/13747 Requests reviewed monthly Sept. – April. Grants for Great Ideas Requests up to $1,500 for individuals/$5,000 for groups. http://www.midwayisd.org/Page/946 Requests reviewed once per semester.