Successful Grant Writing for Educators
Times are definitely changing for our educational community in Michigan. Many districts and schools used to employ grant writers to apply for available funding for innovative programs, events or projects. Budget cuts have resulted in educators taking on the responsibility themselves for searching out and obtaining funding for classroom enrichment ideas.
There can be a misconception that applying for a grant is too difficult, time-consuming or an exercise in futility. If you feel your project will enhance your students' educational experience, then submitting a grant application is definitely worthwhile. When grantmakers offer funding, someone is going to receive that award. Why not make it you? Here are some tips to ensure the best use of your time and keys for writing a high-quality proposal.
First, scan the grantmaker's request for proposal to make sure that you qualify for submittal. This is the time to read the fine print and confirm that your project meets their requirements and that you can fulfill the application guidelines. For example, some grantmakers only accept applications from an employee of an educational institution. Others fund a portion of the project cost and expect you to provide details for securing the balance. Make sure that you are aware of all requirements before you start writing.
Most grantmakers have cycles of application openings and deadlines. Note the application deadline and work backwards to allow plenty of time to write your proposal. A deadline is just that: grantmakers will immediately reject any proposal received after the date noted.
Convince the funder that your project aligns with their mission and purpose for grantmaking.
Why would they want to fund your project over the other submittals they receive? Carefully read the grantmaker's website or request for proposal to discover their focus for awarding grants. As you write your proposal, make the connection with the grantmaker to give examples of how your project aligns with their mission.
Many times a grantmaker will publicize previous award recipients or summarize how prior winning proposals were selected. If available, scan these resources to ensure your proposal meets the criteria and apply any successful advice from prior submittals to your application.
Answer each question or section completely and thoroughly. Once your grant is submitted, the grantmaker will have readers who score your proposal and immediately deduct points for lack of content and incomplete answers. Grantmakers also have format requirements so you must maintain this requested format in your proposal (e.g., spelling, single spacing, number of copies requested, attachments, etc.). One suggestion is to type your proposal into a word document so that you can use spell check and then copy and paste correctly. If it is an online form, double check before submitting to make sure all fields are accurately and completely filled.
Have other coworkers or administrators edit your application draft for legibility, clarity and content. It is possible that several grant readers and a funding committee will be reviewing your application, so having external input before submitting is desirable.
Writing a successful proposal is a very attainable goal. In fact, many grantmakers prefer that a professional grant writer is not used. They want to hear from YOU as to why you feel your project is worthy. By using the suggestions above, you can greatly increase your chances of receiving a successful grant!
The MEEMIC Foundation for the Future of Education, a non-profit organization created in 1992 by MEEMIC Insurance Company, offers financial assistance to schools and educators in the form of grants. The MEEMIC Foundation acknowledges the lack of available funding for outstanding enrichment programs and is dedicated to advancing the future of education in Michigan. To learn more about the grant program for the educational community, please see our frequently asked questions. We encourage you to read about our recent recipients. Or, if you're ready, complete and submit an application today! The next grant application deadline is August 31, 2011.
