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You can access a wide variety of federal, state and even private grants—if you know where to look and how to apply. That can seem like a daunting challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. To help you sort through the possibilities and the processes of winning the grant funding you need, we’re offering this overview.
Where to look
The pool of available grant funding is broad and deep.
Government-funded grants
- Federal: The U.S. Department of Education is providing nearly $38 billion to states and school districts, primarily through formula-based grant programs, to improve elementary and secondary schools.
- State: Many state education agencies administer federal programs or offer grants as dictated by state legislatures.
Privately funded grants
- Foundations: A variety of local benefactors and national non-profit organizations provide grants focusing on technology in education or health education for children.
- Corporations: Many locally based companies offer funding for education to benefit their communities or support larger health education initiatives.
How to apply
What’s the secret to successful grant writing?
Establishing a good relationship with contacts from potential funding sources is the first key. Every grant has its own set of rules, and your contacts can help you make sure you get the details right—scope, specifications, budgets, deadlines and more. Here are a few general tips to follow in writing your proposal.
1. Be clear and concise. The people who make decisions on grant funding read countless proposals. That’s why you need to get to the point. Share your broad goals, followed by specific, measurable objectives and don’t write any longer than you’d want to read.
2. Answer these questions:
- What concern will be addressed and why is your request important?
- Who will benefit and how?
- What specific objectives can be accomplished and how?
- How will results be measured?
- How does this funding request relate to the funder’s purpose, objectives and priorities?
- Who are we (organization, independent producer) and how do we qualify to meet this need?
3. Include a hook. Tailor your proposal to the interest of a particular funder, aligning your project with the purpose and goals of the funding source.
4. Follow up. Stay in touch with your contacts and ask for feedback if possible.
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