K-12 School Grants

K-12 school grants are available from a wide range of sources for innumerable purposes. Companies and foundations are willing to philanthropically invest in the seedlings of our society by funding grants that improve the quality of students’ education. The K-12 classroom can be enriched through these grants as they provide funds above and beyond what is directly allocated to them by their school systems and local tax bases. Computers, textbooks, and display tools are but a smattering of the teaching aids available, entire curriculum additions are possible.

The ideas presented need to be innovative and interesting to stand out from their competitors. Proposing an unheard of idea or technique suggests that the project is risky and may be a poor choice for investment. Instead consider reinventing the wheel. A system of progress reporting and evaluation will help to allay any lurking doubts that the project has gotten off track or is producing poor results. Point out the potential of a strong enough core concepts of the project that can be used to duplicate and expound upon its results in other areas and school systems. Plain writing, without terms which those outside the education field who may possibly be reviewing the application will not understand at first glance, will help to efficiently and effectively communicate the proposal to its audience.

Eight basic components can be expected within a grant proposal. A succinct abstract of the project in question, the summary. Followed by the introduction in which the proposal needs to justify its capabilities of appropriately using the funds in question. The statement of need uses facts to outline the void the proposal will fill. The objectives clearly delineate the affect the grant will have on the needs previously outlined in measurable terms. The methods that will be employed to carry out the objectives should be clearly communicated. Quantifiable methods of evaluation should be lain out that will continually audit the program ensuring achievement of its goals while pruning potentially ineffective processes. An explanation of how the program will continue to blossom once the grant no longer feeds it is laid out in the future funding section. Finally, an accurate budget is required for the project.

A flawless grant application does not automatically lead to acceptance, on the other hand grammar and spelling mistakes will infallibly detract from the chances of landing the grant. Instructions should be followed verbatim, deviating from them can result in instantaneous disqualification. Attempting to project one’s own ideas upon the grant instead of fully digesting what is being asked for will result in a discontinuity between the writer and receiver instead of striking a chord of harmony. Even if the grant is not accepted, feel free to ask for feedback from the foundation on exactly how it fell short through reviewer comments. This constructive criticism will surely improve the quality of further forays into K-12 school grant writing.