Writing Grants to Obtain Technology for Schools withLarge Minority Populations

Developed by

Dr. Barry M. Bishop

University of Houston-Clear Lake

Adjunct

Objectives

At the end of this module, the participant will have an awareness of

TYPES of grants

TIPS for writing grants

RESOURCES for where to find grants

Types of grants

To reward individuals for accomplishments

To encourage individuals to try something new

To individuals for doing something special related to an institution

To reward individuals for accomplishments – for example

The Schools of Distinction Award, sponsored by Intel and Scholastic, Inc. and administered by the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Foundation, recognizes outstanding K-12 schools for achievement in a range of academic and technology categories. Twenty elementary and high schools will receive grants of $10,000. Two of them will receive $25,000 "Best of the Best" awards. Further information is available at www.schoolsofdistinction.com.

To encourage individuals to try something new- for example

Milagro Foundation: Grants are available to support community-based, grassroots organizations that work with children and youth at risk for illiteracy, health or poor educational and cultural opportunities. Grants range from $2,500 to $5,000. Applications are reviewed year-round.www.milagrofoundation.org/apply.asp

To individuals for doing something special related to an institution – for

exampleDo you know an educator who has done a single extraordinary act or who is involved in an ongoing project that significantly improves the safety, quality of life, or environment of others? If so he or she may be eligible for recognition for a Volvo for Life Award, sponsored by Volvo Cars of North America.

http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/cgi-bin/iowa/english/home/index.html

Grants usually come from 3 sources

Government

Philanthropic groups

Corporations

Tips for writing grants

Understand why the grant is being offered

(to extend best practices, to further a philanthropic cause, to promote the company,)

Understand the requirements of the grant

Only apply for grants for which you qualify

Tips for writing grants – cont. 2

Once you qualify, do not spend time explaining why you qualify

Understand the goal of the grant

Have a very clear action plan that usually includes a needs assessment and an evaluation plan

Make sure you connect your action plan to the grant goal.

Tips for writing grants – cont. 3

Have someone not in your field read the grant for clarity

Send the grant application in such a way that requires a signature on the receiving end

Start the grant application in enough time to collect all needed data and all signatures

Involve as many departments in the writing of the grant as possible

Many grants want inter agency cooperation. Find a public institution to collaborate with your school district (like a Public Library or Health Services organization)

Tips for writing grants – cont. 4

One well written grant application can be submitted for several grants with minor modifications. So spend time on your first.

Before you begin to write your grant, you need to collect data such as student demographics, achievement test scores, continuous improvement plans, and information about community partnerships

Organize a project team to write and manage the grant. The team should be made up of individuals who have expertise in curriculum, technology, research, and evaluation and should also include a member of the community. Ideally, each team member should write one section, with one person assembling the grant in the proper format.

Tips for writing grants – cont. 5

The needs section of the grant should be data driven and descriptive of the school.

The grant should support an existing Continuous Improvement Plan

The grant should demonstrate the Capacity to Implement

Clearly refer to the research that supports your vision

Articulate what Professional Development will be carried out

Tips for writing grants – cont. 6

The Budget needs to be accurate and in accordance with the grant application guidelinesHave a realistic timeline—you will have to live by itExplain the sustainability of your project after the grant goes awayUse your access to Online Subscription Resources to look up articles on grant writing

Resources 1

techLEARNING.com in the left margin choose Resources then Grants database. You may have to register (free)

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/foundation/grants_teacher.html National Geographic

http://www.reading.org/association/awards/index.html International Reading Association

Resources 2

http://www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Hispanic serving institutions (and in Spanish)

http://www.neh.gov/grants/index.html National endowment for the Humanities

http://www.cpb.org/grants/historyandcivics/ American History and Civics Initiative

Resources 3

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=AboutLowes/Community Lowe's stores (scroll down)

http://www.heb.com/aboutHEB/HH-excellenceIntro.jsp HEB grocery

http://www.eschoolnews.com/tsc/ Click on “Funding” in the welcome section

Resources 4

http://www.technologygrantnews.com/ some free resources or paid subscription

http://www.thejournal.com/the/topics/funding/ The Journal, with articles about funding

Resources 5

The US Government Education Grants site:http://www.ed.gov/index.jhtml Look for “Grants” in the bottom right box.

Title I-A: Improving the Basic Programs Operated by Local Education Agencies

Title I-B1: Reading First State Grants

Title I-B3: William F. Goodling Even Start Family Programs

Title I-B4: Improving Literacy through School Libraries

Resources 6 - US Govt.- cont.

Title I-F: Comprehensive School Reform

Title II-A: Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund

Title II-D: Enhancing Education through Technology State GrantsTitle III: Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students. Some District hire personnel, but do not overlook the opportunity for Spanish language materials.

Title IV-B: 21st Century Community Learning Centers

Resources 7 – US Govt. – cont.

Title V-A: Innovative Programs State Grants

Title V-D: Community Technology Centers

Title VI-B: Rural Education Initiative

Title VII: Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education

PT3: Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology

IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Grants

Collaboration

Stay in contact with local Universities, Public Libraries and other institutions that may write grants.The University of Houston-Clear lake grant CSLT is an excellent example of a University grant that also benefits campus Libraries with staff development and materials development (like this module)http://b3308-adm.uhcl.edu/School_of_Education/SoE/CSLT/index.asp

Conclusion

Librarians are supposed to collaborate

Collaborate with your Bilingual Department to write grants

It demonstrates your attempt to meet the needs of common clients

Sometimes they have sources you may not know about

Congratulations!

The End