GRANTS FOR GREAT IDEAS

W O R K S H O P S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

To provide a format for writing grant proposals.

To offer insights for creating

effective grant proposals.

To have a grant application idea in

mind when you leave at the end

of the day!

GOALS OF THE MIDWAY ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION GRANT PROGRAM

To recognize and reward innovative and creative

instructionTo enhance student academic

performanceTo support higher levels of

student learningTo facilitate the creation of pilot

programs for the district

GRANT AWARDS

Up to $1,500 for individual teachers*

Up to $5,000 for campus teams, departments or district initiated

programs or projects

*Exceptions

This is a competition, so get your game face on!

SELECTION CRITERIA

Supports the District goals and the Campus Improvement Plan

Funds items not normally included in the campus budget

Emphasizes student academic performance

Incorporates sound evaluation procedures Represents a creative or innovative approach to accomplishing objectives (Should address a new project instead of one accomplished or under way)

Presented clearly and logically

WHAT WE FUNDCreative & Innovative Classroom Projects

Not Typically Covered in the Regular School Budget

APPLICATIONS NOT TYPICALLY APPROVED

Computers and other software for regular classroom useStudent Stipends for Trips Out of State Teacher Training/Hotel StaysSupplies for district-mandated programs (i.e., guided reading or

RTI) unless programs themselves are creative and innovativeAfter school or extra-curricular clubs

NEW RULE

Your name can only be on a maximum of two grant requests per cycle…..whether as a primary or a secondary writer (or both).

SUBMISSION CRITERIA

1. Due to the Education Foundation office no later than 4:30 PM on the October due date.

2. Submit hard copies of application pages and electronic copy

3. No late entries will be accepted. Don’t rely on same day campus mail delivery!

SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE….

Campus principal should sign application after agreeing that the program is viable on their campus. Grants affecting multiple campuses need each campus principal’s signature.

If your grant program serves primarily special education students, then the Director of Instructional Services must sign your application as well.

If your application involves the purchase of technology, the Director of Technology (Adam) or the Technology Coordinator (Susan) must sign the BUDGET page of your grant application. Please submit a copy of the grant application to the Technology office no later than noon on Friday prior to the deadline.

DOS AND DON’TS OF GRANT WRITING

DOHave someone proofread your workExplain how your idea is creative and innovativeSpell out acronyms the first time they are used in your applicationLimit the dollars requested for substitutesBe persuasiveBe Creative – think up a “catchy” titleMention planned involvement of parents, PTAs, etc.

DO (CONTINUED)Include grant writer training certification for at least one member of

your groupBe positive. Number of students to be served.What will be better with your project?Paint a picture of what you want to create in the classroomDocument the need in the classroom: cite research, demographics.State your need or problem. Increase… Decrease… Reduce… Determine… It’s okay to come up with your persuasive points and THEN find a place

for them in the application. Explain how you will maintain the program if you are requesting “one

time” use items such as batteries or laser cartridges.

DON’TForget to add shipping costs for items requestedInclude other teachers on your grant application unless they are actively involved in the execution of the program (Remember secondary v. primary authors)Let those $$$ sit in the bank after you win a grant! Funds awarded must be spent by the end of the semester in which they are granted. Requisition forms are submitted through your regular campus process, and should be turned in as soon as possible.

FUNDED ITEMS – AN EVER-CHANGING TARGET

Bonus points for

New to districtNew to campusNew to dept./grade

levelNew to YOU

We want to be cutting edge, not old school!

WHEN THE PRIZE POSSE RIDES…..

Thank you and Good Luck!