SHOW ME THE MONEY! TIPS AND STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL GRANT WRITING FOR YOUR CLASSROOM Laura Henriques California State University, Long Beach [email protected]

SHOW ME THE MONEY! TIPS AND STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL GRANT WRITING FOR YOUR CLASSROOM Laura Henriques California State University, Long Beach [email protected] You can find this presentation, resources and workshop handouts at NMSUNoyceWorkshop.wordpress.com

A Primer to Grant Writing Have a project in mind Finding funding sources Writing the proposal & getting approval to submit The submission process What to do after you get funded

Have a Project In Mind Develop a Strategic Plan Dont write grants just to get money - it needs to fit with what you want (or need) to be doing Have a well developed plan Need to identify project goals Who are the key people/partners? (need buy-in) Whats the timeline? What do you need to make this happen? (think about people, supplies, and time. Who will oversee the project? Are they part of the writing process?) This informs your budget How will you know if youve been successful? (think about measurable outcomes) This informs your evaluation

Finding Funding I promise well talk about this at the end. For now keep one point in mind. Your project needs to align with the funding agencys funding goals. You cant write to a foundation or funding source to ask for money if you dont qualify for the things they fund. The fit between your project and the funders priorities is imperative. Research Potential Funders Follow Directions!!

Putting It Together 1. Write a proposal that is creative/innovative (it needs to include a specific plan and budget) 2. Compile a list of potential funders 3. Initial contact and cultivation (build the relationship especially important for foundations) 4. Submission of proposal 5. Result: funding or rejection 6. Cultivation (continue the relationship) 7. Continue the process with the same grant maker and new proposal or same proposal/different funder

Typical Grant Sections Abstract/Summary Need Goals and Objectives (deliverables) Project Description Timeline Sustainability Administrative Structure Success/Evaluation Budget Cover letter Bios of key participants Letters of support

Writing the Proposal 1 st thing... Be sure that you are in a position to submit (get permission, find out the process at your site, amount of indirect charged, etc.) Follow the printed guidelines (this seems simple but it will be a deal breaker!) Make it easy for the reviewers to understand Need data to back up your claims Student achievement data, demographic data, findings from the literature Where to find this data If they exist, look at examples of successfully funded projects for this RFP

Writing cont. Copy the grant RFP into a word document and then write to each section. Use tools that will help the reader - bolding, headings, restating key items from the call for proposals (or RFP request for proposals), diagrams/tables/charts if helpful, restating the research questions/grant goals. What are your deliverables? How will you measure success? Whats your timeline? Give yourself enough time You want to have others read it and give you feedback this will help you know if youve been clear) Submission always comes with glitches If you need to get this approved by the district that will take time

Submission Process Pay attention to deadlines, page limits, # of copies, cost match, etc. Work on the budget as early as feasible Figure out who you need to talk to at school Grant money usually needs to go to a foundation (not directly to the teacher, maybe not even the school/district) Find out early on how the submission process works (FedEx, online submission, e-mail). Anticipate having problems arise at the last minute.

If You Dont Get Funded Consider resubmitting Carefully read reviews (if you get them) Consider how to incorporate the suggestions into a new proposal Check again to be sure that the funding source is a good match for your project. You may need to submit the proposal elsewhere. Continue to cultivate relationships

If You Do Get Funded Celebrate! Thank your funders & keep them informed of activities Press releases be sure to give credit to your funders Collect and analyze data (do you need IRB consent?) Keep good records youll need to file annual reports, you may get audited Share findings, share credit End of Project Send thank you note to grant maker, share copies of press coverage End of project report including pictures Continue to cultivate relationships

Funding Sources Donors Choose you post a request for your classroom and donors give directly to you. Donors Choose Digital Wish submit a technology lesson plan be eligible to win a grant (awards given monthly!) http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/grant_awards Digital Wish Target funding for field trips Target BestBuy funds technology for the classroom (theres an eligibility quiz on this site find out if you qualify before investing time and energy) BestBuy Loews Toolbox for Education funds project with permanent impact (indoor/outdoor facilities, landscaping, gardening projects, etc.) check out the FAQ to be sure youre eligible Loews Toolbox for Education Knowles Foundation supports future and early career teachers. Includes PD $ and $ for classroom http://www.kstf.org/ http://www.kstf.org/

More Funding Sources American Chemical Societys Hach High School Chemistry Grants provides support for supplies, lab equipment, instructional materials, professional development, field studies and science outreach activities for secondary chemistry teachers/programs. (They also offer PD and scholarship awards.) American Chemical Societys Hach High School Chemistry Grants EPAs 2012 Environmental Education Grant Program funds environmental education projects that enhance the publics awareness, knowledge, and skills to make informed decisions and take responsible actions towards the environment. EPAs 2012 Environmental Education Grant Program BP A+ for Energy http://www.bp.com/genericsection.do?categoryId=1061&contentId=70 57806 BP A+ for Energy Westinghouse provides schools grants emphasizing innovative math and science programs http://westinghousenuclear.com/Community/Charitable_Giving Westinghouse

Compilation of STEM related Grants Listing of technology grants for teachers/schools www.technologygrantnews.com/grant-index-by-type/k-12- grants.html www.technologygrantnews.com/grant-index-by-type/k-12- grants.html Listing of grant opportunities www.cpsb.org/scripts/abshire/grants.asp www.cpsb.org/scripts/abshire/grants.asp NSTA has a list of grant opportunities on their website NCTM listing www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=198www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=198 CESA. www.cesa2.org/programs/stem/STEMgrants.cfmwww.cesa2.org/programs/stem/STEMgrants.cfm ASU listing if math/sci grants. http://modeling.asu.edu/MNS/GrantSources_K12Teachers.doc http://modeling.asu.edu/MNS/GrantSources_K12Teachers.doc

Sampling from this months NSTAs Grab Bag Safeway Foundation Grants fund organization that focus on education, health & human services, assistance for persons with diabaility or hunger relief. due 4/1/15 http://bit.ly/13Bbk3Ghttp://bit.ly/13Bbk3G Westinghouse Charitable Giving supports STEM education, environmental sustainability or community due 4/15/15 http://bit.ly/MukoVU http://bit.ly/MukoVU McCarthey Dressman Teacher Development Grants support individuals or teams to develop and implement groundbreaking K-12 insturction ($10k/year for up to three years) 4/15/15 http://bit.ly/1BMod9J http://bit.ly/1BMod9J Dorothy Stout Professional Development Grant supports earth science teachers (PD, materials for classroom use, field trips, attend a professional science education meeting) due 4/15/15 http://bit.ly/1wSdue8 http://bit.ly/1wSdue8

Looking at sample grants What makes for quality?

Lets Practice What Weve Learned Sample call for proposals NOT ALL GRANT PROPOSALS ARE CREATED THE SAME! Some are really short and easy, others are much more complex. Some are highly competitive while others have a high chance of funding.

Target Field Trip Application As part of the program, Target stores award Field Trip Grants to K-12 schools nationwide. Each grant is valued up to $700. We accept grant applications between noon CST Aug. 1 and noon CST Sept. 30. New Mexico Schools that have received a Target Field Trip Grant Sierra Elementary School (Alamagordo) Alameda, Apache,Christ Lutheran School, Edward Gonzales, Governor Bent, Higher Ground Academy, Hodgin, La Resolana Leadership Academy, Mountain View, Navajo (Albuquerque) Loma Linda Elementary (Anthony) Church Rock Elementary (Church Rock) Stagecoach Elementary School (Gallup) Alameda Elementary School (Las Cruces) Sundance Elementary (Los Lunas) Lincoln Middle School, Martin Luther King Jr, Puesta Del Sol, V Sue Cleveland High School, Vista Grande E S (Rio Rancho) East Mountain Charter High School, San Antonito Elem (Sandia Park) Zimmerly Elementary School (Socorro)

Location and Rationale Where would you go for a math or science field trip? Why? What benefit is there to being someplace other than the classroom to support student learning? What are the learning outcomes? 1. General Information Name/Phone School you teach How many years? Grade(s) you currently teach? How you heard about Target Grant? 2. Field Trip Information Location Subject City Number of Students 3. Essays (see below) 4. Use of Funds An estimate of how much you will spend on: Transportation Admission Fees Resources Supplies Any other cost ESSAYS (1 page only) Field Trip Description Benefit of Proposed Trip

Learn from successful proposals

ACS also has a grant program for teacher Professional Development and Chemistry Clubs Investigate other professional organizations they sometimes have conference grants or travel grants for professional development (i.e. Pasco has awards to support lab materials AND attendance at the NSTA national conference) ACS-Hach also has a scholarship program for preservice chemistry teachers and second career teachers, scholarships for college students

In small groups. Lets put what weve learned to work! Work with a partner, group (or individually) to begin to write a grant proposal. Select from the list below: NCTM Math Grants:7-12 Classroom Research Grants, Connecting Mathematics to Other Subject Areas Grants (9-12), or Teacher Professional Development Grants (9-12) ACS Chemistry Grant AAPT Physics Teaching Grant Alternative Fuel grant Program BP A+ for Energy Grant Civil Air Patrol Donors Choose

NCTM Grants - Brief Descriptions 7-12 Classroom Research Grants Grants of up to $6,000 are provided to support collaborative classroom-based action research in precollege mathematics education involving college or university mathematics educators. Grades: 6-8, 9-12 Connecting Mathematics to Other Subject Areas Grants (9-12) Grants of up to $4,000 are provided to develop classroom materials or lessons connecting mathematics to other disciplines or careers. Teacher Professional Development Grants (9-12) 7-12 Classroom Research Grants Connecting Mathematics to Other Subject Areas Grants (9-12) Teacher Professional Development Grants (9-12) Grants of up to $3,000 are provided to classroom teachers to improve their own professional competence as classroom teachers of mathematics.

Brief Descriptions (cont.) ACSs Chemistry Proposals - supports ideas that enhance classroom learning. Typically funded items include: Laboratory Equipment & Supplies Instructional Materials Professional Development Field Studies Science Outreach Events AAPTs High School Physics Teaching encourages physics teachers to experiment and improve on their teaching practices. Overall goal is to improve physics teaching and increase physics enrollment.

Brief Descriptions (cont.) Alternative Fuel grant ($250-$500, some larger grants) There is a preference for funding requests that promote the awareness and use of alternative fuels or promote the concept of sustainability. Projects that encourage parent involvement and build stronger community spirit will be favored. Alternative Fuel grant BP A+ for Energy Grants (up to $10K) grants to support energy education (renewable/alternative energy, nonrenewable/conventional energy, conservation, efficiency, energy tech & innovation, perspectives, stakeholders or energy careers) Civil Air Patrol Aviation/aeronautics proposal (max of $250) grants are to help students appreciate the important role of aviation and space in Americas future, have the technical knowledge necessary to understand aerospace issues and have the educational background required to pursue aerospace careersAviation/aeronautics proposal Donors Choose direct appeal to donors for anything you want for your classroom

What questions can I answer? Todays presentation, links to handouts & resources, and a listing of all the grants applications shared today can be found at NMSUNoyceWorkshop.wordpress.com [email protected]

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SHOW ME THE MONEY! TIPS AND STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL GRANT WRITING FOR YOUR CLASSROOM Laura Henriques California State University, Long Beach [email protected]