Nmlsta win big! write a grant! (1)

NMLSTA Session Win Big! Write a Grant!

NSTA San Antonio, 2013

Patty McGinnis, NBCT

NSTA Middle Level Division Director

Arcola Intermediate School, Eagleville, PA

pmcginnis@methacton.org

Dr. Kitchka Petrova, NBCT

Ponce De Leon Middle School, Coral Gables, FL

kpetrova7@dadeschools.net

Grant Presentation

Available at:

Slideshare.net

Objectives of the Workshop Become familiar with the main components of a grant

proposal

Learn to evaluate the requirements of the funding agency and tailor your grant idea to them

Become familiar with the funding opportunities at the federal, state, and non government sectors

Why Write?

To be able to make major equipment purchases

To start a new program or a project

To receive funds to support professional development (coursework and educational travel)

Who Gets Grants?Anyone can! As long as

you Apply!Consider this…

Many grant programs do not have enough qualified proposals

If you don’t apply, you’ll never win!

A grant may be just the thing to re-energize your teaching!

The more you write the easier it gets

You’re Already an Expert

Grant writing is similar to writing a lesson plan

Don’t get overwhelmed by the process

Take it one step at a time

Have someone assist you with writing

Give yourself plenty of time

Major Grant Components

Project Summary or Abstract Description of Need and Target Population Potential Impact Objective (s) Activities/Methods Timeline Budget and Justification Evaluation

Project Summary or Abstract Write this section last

Clear, concise summary of your proposal

Avoid education terms/jargon

Include objectives, perceived need, target population, brief overview of activities, and evaluation techniques

Discuss partnerships and collaborations

Sell your idea!

Description of Need

What is the problem that exists in the community?

Explain the need How will your

proposal address this need?

How will students and community benefit?

Target Population

Describe: Student Age Number of students Socio-economic

background Special needs

(gifted, SPEC ED) Other staff who will

benefit

Objectives/Methods

What are the goals or learning objectives of your grant proposal?

Limit your goals (less is more) Keep goals attainable, measurable, and age appropriate Show that you know what you are doing---be descriptive! Mention any other professionals’ and organizations’

contributions to the success of your project

Timeline

Show major events: Trainings, Purchases Pre/post tests, etc.

Relate each activity to an approximate date

Budget Follow the directions and required

format Prepare a detailed budget for your

project Provide justification of the expenses Mention any resources available in

the school that can be used for the project

Include any in-kind contributions Review the grant foundations

restrictions on expenses to ensure that you are within their budget

Evaluation Plan What qualitative and

quantitative data will show objectives have been met?

How will you measure you success?

Consider Pre/Post Tests Journals Interviews Questionnaires Community Involvement

Other Components

Project sustainability/dissemination plan Project staff resume/vitae Endorsement from school district (letter from

administration) Letters of support from outside organizations

involved in project Proof of Tax Exempt status

Dissemination Plan

• What is your plan for disseminating to other teachers? Consider…• Post to NSTA forums• Write an article for a

science teacher journal• Press Release• Presentation to School

Board or Science Department

Project Staff Vitae Convince funder of your ability

to follow through on proposal Include

Education Teaching experience Publications Past involvements with innovative

teaching programs, other funded grant proposals and anything relevant to the proposed project

Letters of Support

Partners such as community organizations or universities

Principal or Headmaster Strong letter of support Conveys enthusiasm for

project Expresses how students and

school will benefit

Evaluating the Requirements of the Funding Agency

Read carefully what type of projects the agency is willing to fund. Find a way to connect your idea to their requirements

Evaluate their requirements about ideas, budget, and types of students they would like to see involved in the project

Talk to the grant manager

Check the web site to see projects that were funded previous years. Make sure your idea is not a copy

Federal Grant Resources

U.S. Department of Education Grant Information

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)

Federal Register and Federal Forecast

Grants.gov

Corporate Grants Corporate Grants for Teachers:

Best Buy Nike ING Unsung Heroes Scholastic American Express Intel Target Lowes Trustmark BP America Olympus Starbucks P. Buckley Moss Foundation International Technology Education Association National Geographic Association

Grants for Teachers Best Buy awards up to $2,500

to schools for successful interactive programs using technology

Target Field Trip Grants award up to $1,000 for field trips

The NEA Foundation

Nasco Get a Grant Searchable Site

Grants for Science Teachers Captain Planet Foundation for environmental projects

Verizon Foundation Grants – Innovative technology based projects. Up to $10,000. Deadline October

Air Force Association Educator Grants – up to $250 for a project on aerospace education activities

Toshiba American Foundation Grants Program for 6-12 Science & Math Education Grants of $5,000 or less are made on rolling basis and applications are accepted throughout the year Grants larger than $5,000 – two deadlines –February 1st and August 1st.

Large grants are awarded in March and September Grants for K-5 up to $1,000. Applications must be received by October 1st

Other Places State Department of Education

grants4teachers

The Foundation Center

Local Businesses and Community Organizations

Corporations, foundations and other organizations

NSTA Reports (and other professional organizations)

Network! Meetings, conferences and professional development events are places where you can gain information about grant opportunities

Tips and Suggestions Did you clearly articulate the

need and target population?

Are your goals realistic?

Are your objectives measurable?

Is all of your requested equipment integral to the proposal?

More Tips! Did you double check the grant

directions and include all required components?

Were you concise and to the point?

Did you spell out acronyms?

Did you check for spelling/grammatical errors?

Did someone proofread your grant? Does your vision come clearly across to someone outside of the science classroom?

Questions?

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