1. Making Grant Writing Successful Dara O’Neil Georgia Institute of Technology 26 October 2000

2. Which One is You? or or ?

3. Grant Writing! Millions of dollars available –In cash –In hardware and software donations –In service donations Brownie points –Flexible spending –Envy of all your peers

4. Where’s the Cash? Federal agencies –U.S. Department of Education –National Science Foundation –U.S. Department of Commerce –Others State agencies Foundations Corporate donations

5. Points to Remember Stay abreast of your field Don’t be modest Do your homework Cite references Build on prior success Partner Start small

6. The Grant Writing Process Generate project idea Find out administrative hoops Gather support Research funders Obtain guidelines Call funders Draft proposal

7. But Wait, There’s More! Have outside proposal review Revise Complete paperwork –Funder’s –Internal Submit Send copies to stakeholders

8. Writing Tips Language style –Concise –Active and positive –Use examples –No jargon or acronyms Formatting –Follow guidelines!!! –Be professional

9. More Writing Tips Supporting information –Don’t assume anything –Show support –Don’t lie ;-) –Provide sources of references –Don’t tell them what they already know Canned proposals –Use as appropriate –Tweak to make sponsor feel special

10. Formatting Your Proposal Required forms Cover letter Cover page with catchy title Table of contents

11. Executive Summary One page Umbrella statement Who you are Need statement Solution Funding requested

12. Statement of Need Identify your need –Not a “thing” –Ask why and refine Bad idea: –Students need Internet access. Good idea: –Students need to develop information literacy skills.

13. Project Description What? Why? How? And When? Explain goals –Students will develop information literacy skills. Describe objectives –Students will learn search strategies on the Internet to find specific information. List activities and who is responsible

14. Evaluation Formative: ongoing –Attitude surveys –Real-time feedback Summative: at project end –Standardized tests –Portfolio assessments –Attendance records U.S. Dept of Ed guide useful

15. Dissemination Plan Relatively free: –Websites –Electronic bulletin boards –Listservs –School newsletters Budgeted –Conference presentations –Publications

16. Budget Total budget includes: –Requested funds –In-kind funds –Matching funds Should usually include some in-kind funds from school –Staff time –Hardware –Materials and supplies

17. Appendices Evaluation instruments Letters of support (draft for partners) Resumes/CVs Sources referenced School technology plan Other info

18. Sit Back and Wait! If funded –Send thank-you letter –Use proposal as model for future proposals If unsuccessful –Welcome to the club! (1 out of 3 is standard) –Be positive –Ask for comments –Revise and resubmit

19. Reporting Requirements Usually funder will provide specifics Generic final report –Project summary –Outcomes –Implementation and lessons learned –Dissemination –Future plans –Project replication

20. Concluding Remarks Do your homework Read the guidelines! Complete necessary paperwork –Internal and external Gather support from your community Use the Internet Look at models We’re here to help!