| Educational grants are not impossible to obtain. In fact, | | | | Ask the local government: |
| if you put in the effort, I can virtually assure that your | | | | Local politicians know where the money is, and it is |
| school can get a grant. But free money is not easy to | | | | surprising to find out how much is around. A politician |
| get, there is a long and almost tedious process. | | | | who sees an opportunity for publicity through teacher |
| The good news is that getting an educational grant is | | | | grants will often be helpful in your search for funding. |
| very possible for you. The bad news is that the | | | | Ask the supplies State government: |
| process is not easy. However, because it is not easy | | | | For example, the New York State Legislature gives |
| to get a grant, many people do not bother to try. It will | | | | out money in state legislative grants. Members are |
| take patience, attention to detail, and creativity to be on | | | | allocated funds for their districts. So tell the state |
| the winning side. | | | | government about your ideas for an educational grant. |
| Incidentally, the definition of an educational grant is | | | | Ask the Federal Government: |
| anytime a person or organization is willing to give your | | | | Every day the government lists programs, including |
| school or educational program something you need to | | | | teacher grants, in the Federal Register. |
| do something you want for the benefit of your | | | | Ask a Foundation: |
| students. Grants are not always money. Sometimes | | | | Thousands of foundations want to give money, and |
| they come in the form of what is called "in kind | | | | they have billions of dollars to work with. Find those |
| gifts"--like computers or science lab equipment. | | | | foundations that share your goals. Use the Foundation |
| Grantors want educational results, they want their | | | | Center as a source, or newsletters that offer regular |
| educational grants to create marked changes in the | | | | suggestions on who is offering educational grants. |
| students and their learning. Focusing in on your real | | | | Ask a Local Company: |
| needs, i.e. things required to make learning possible is | | | | Local businesses are another good source. Banks are |
| the most difficult step in the grant process. The key to | | | | particularly good places to start. |
| getting help is to ask grantors who want the same | | | | Some tips:a) Always follow school and district rules.b) |
| results as you do. You need to look to the core of | | | | There is specific grant jargon you must interpret |
| your problems. What are your classroom needs? You | | | | correctly. Read the grant description several times. Call |
| must be able to answer this question in one sentence | | | | to clarify any points that you are not sure of. Mention |
| before you move on. | | | | what you have in mind and ask if he or she thinks it |
| Who Should I Ask? | | | | would be "competitive." The word competitive is part |
| There are several types of grantors that give | | | | of the grant jargon that is very important.c) Do some |
| educational grants. And some are harder to get to | | | | search to see if your problem is already being |
| than others. Therefore, persistence is key. Most people | | | | approached somewhere else. Find out how others |
| do not want to go through the work that is required to | | | | have reached their goals for education grants of |
| get a grant. But if you don't try, you'll never get a grant. | | | | similar concerns.d) Think of the grant application as a |
| Ask the principal: | | | | test. You will be asked to repeat information. No |
| If you have passion and motivation to get something | | | | matter what, leave out nothing that is asked for.e) |
| you need, you have a good chance of convincing the | | | | Submit your proposal on time. Follow the instructions. If |
| principal that it is worth the spending. If you invest | | | | you do not do this, youreducation grant application |
| some of your own money, you have a better chance | | | | might not even be read, let alone considered by the |
| because it shows commitment to your desire for a | | | | grantors.f) Complete the proposal and put it aside for a |
| teacher grant. | | | | few days. Then read it over again and make changes |
| Approach the school district: | | | | if you need to. Ask others to proofread for you--just in |
| You may immediately think that you can not do | | | | case.g) Be sure to check prices and anticipate that |
| this...why? Isn't what you want to do desirable? Check | | | | prices will increase. Be careful what you ask for and |
| with the principal and find out how to approach the | | | | make sure the amount of your education grant will suit |
| superintendent or school board, just follow the | | | | your needs.h) Remember, if you do not ask, you |
| appropriate school protocol and ask. | | | | definitely will not get your education grants. |