FOCUSING ON GETTING

THE PERFECT SCORERobin WardDistrict Grant WriterBrevard Public Schools

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

When the grant application is received the narrative sections are embedded in the instructions…

Focus on the narrative sections of the grant application to determine the points awarded for each area…

METHOD FOR NOT LOSING SIGHT OF THE SCORE

Copy and paste the narrative sections with the scoring criteria into a new word document. For Example:

Project Need 15 points Instructions Describe the need for the proposed project and provide supporting data as evidence…

Criteria• The magnitude or severity of the problem is evident, compelling, and

clearly linked to the outcome(s) of the proposed project. • The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or the activities

to be carried out is apparent. • The proposed project focuses on service or otherwise addresses the

identified needs of the targeted population(s). Keep the section scoring criteria in the working document until all scoring criteria have been addressed in the narrative.

FINAL CHECK FOR POINTS BEFORE SUBMISSION

Create an internal scoring rubric for a pre-submission review.

Section Criteria Points CommentsProject Need • The magnitude or severity of the problem is evident, compelling, and clearly linked

to the outcome(s) of the proposed project. • The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or the activities to be

carried out is apparent. • The proposed project focuses on service or otherwise addresses the identified needs

of the targeted population(s). • It is evident that the proposed project is focused on those with greatest needs. • Gaps or weaknesses in services are explained, including the nature and magnitude

of the gaps and / or weaknesses.

15  

Project Design and Implementation

• The goals, objectives, and outcomes are clearly specified and measurable. • The design of the proposed project aligns with, and will successfully address, the

needs of the target population or other identified needs. • The objectives are measurable, qualitative, challenging, yet achievable, and address

all expected outcomes of the proposed project. • It is evident that activities / methods are comprehensive, likely to be effective, and

result in achievement of the objectives. • The methodology reflects up-to-date knowledge from research and best practices. • The timelines are specific, realistic, and consistent with measurable objectives and

outcomes.• The applicant has provided a brief description of the design and implementation

plan for consecutive cycles two and three.

40  

POST SUBMISSION REVIEW

Did the reviewers see your vision and award you the points you hoped to achieve?

ANALYZE THE REVIEWERS SCORE SHEETS

Once the score sheets have been received use them to determine how successful you were in achieving your score.

Criteria Points Possible Reviewer #1 Reviewer #2 Reviewer #3 Average Total Percent

Plan of Operation 30 30 24 25 26.33 87.78%

Quality of Personnel 15 15 14 15 14.67 97.78%

Quality of Project Design 30 30 29 27 28.67 95.56%

Budget and Resources 5 5 4 4 4.33 86.67%

Evaluation Plan 10 10 10 9 9.67 96.67%

Commitment and Capacity 10 10 10 10 10.00 100.00%

Competitive Preference Priority 10 10 10 8 9.33 93.33%

New or Revised Magnet 10 10 10 10 10.00 100.00%

Selection of Students 10 10 10 10 10.00 100.00%

Promoting STEM Education 10 10 10 8 9.33 93.33%

Results 140 140 131 126 132.33 94.52%

ANALYSIS FROM RACE TO THE TOP-DISTRICT COMPETITION

Melissa Schwab Grant Resource Specialist

Manatee County

BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR EFFORTS TO

FOCUS ON A PERFECT SCORE!

Questions?