The good news is that you can get a grant. The bad news is that it is not easy. But…that's really good news. If getting a grant was easy, everyone would be in on it and there would be too much competition. Since it isn't easy, most people don't even bother to try. Some say that the results are "fixed" before the competition even begins. Although that may be true in a small percentage of grants, it's probably not true in the vast majority. It takes patience, attention to detail, luck, and creativity to be on the winning side. The information contained here is not a guarantee to getting a grant. It will, hopefully, point you in the right direction. You can be a winner!
Incidentally, to me, a grant is anytime a person or organization is willing to give you something you need to do something you want to do in your classroom. Most people think of grants as money. That may be true. However, it's not always true. There are some grants that are priceless.
Grantors don't give money so that you can buy a computer. They give money so that you can meet an educational need that they (the grantors) are interested in helping. Wanting a computer, for example, is not a need. Grantors are not interested in giving us fancy "toys." They want educational results. The results usually are measurable changes in the students. Grantors want to help children learn. Focusing in on real needs is the most difficult step in the grant process. The key to getting help is to ask those who want the same results as you.
Look at your situation and try to cut to the core of your problems. What specifically is it that you want your students to be able to do or learn? If you can not answer that question in one sentence you probably will not be competitive. Once you can identify your actual need in one sentence, you are ready to continue.
Once you have a specific need, you must then formulate one or more specific instructional objectives. Remember, you are trying to change your current state to a desired state. Each objective can be divided into five parts:
The following is an example of a need and an objective:
Unlike this brief example, your objectives usually will include three main components: (1) training of staff (including you), (2) creation of a new curriculum, and (3) materials that are needed (here's where the computers and other good stuff come in). Each part would be described in one objective.
There are several categories of grantors. Some are very easy to reach, others are very difficult. Here again is where persistence pays off. Most people do not want to go through the work that is required. If you don't try, you'll never get a grant. Charles Lewis, a motivational speaker, says it best, "Successful people do the things that others don't want to do."
Yes, the best source of money is you. Think about it. If you don't think that it is worth it, why should anyone else want to help you? Spending a little today may bring you much more in the future. Most projects should be started out small and tested before they can (or should) be expanded.
If you are enthusiastic about something, you have a good chance of convincing the boss that it is worth some money. If you have already invested some of your own money, you may have a better chance because it shows your commitment to the concept.
In most schools parents have fundraisers to help the school. Check with the principal first! You might also suggest that the parent association sponsor their own mini-grant program for the teachers in the school.
If your immediate reaction to this one was, "I can't do that," let me ask you a question…why? Isn't what you want to do desirable? Check with the principal and find out how to approach the superintendent or school board. If you really, really, really want to do it follow the appropriate school protocol and ask.
Local politicians know where the money is. You'd be surprised how much is around even in bad times. A politician who sees an opportunity for publicity by helping to start a truly unique program can frequently be helpful in finding money.
The New York State Legislature, for example, gives out a lot of money in grants. They refer to them as state legislative grants. Members are allocated funds to use for their districts. Ask them about it and tell them about your ideas.
There are millions of dollars available. You can get a piece of the federal pie. Look into it. Each day the government lists programs, including grants, in the Federal Register.
There are thousands of foundations out there that want to give away billions of dollars. (Yes, BILLION$). All you have to do is find those that share your desire to solve a specific problem. The best source of information on foundations is the Foundation Center. There are also newsletters that offer regular suggestions on who is offering grants.
Local businesses are another good source of help. Banks are particularly good places to start. Ask!
There are many individuals and organizations out there who want to help you and your students. Look for them!
Good luck.