Grant Writing

posted by Julianne McCall-Bramley

A great article that I found about grant writing:

Abshire, S.  (2002).  Grant Writing Made Easy.  School Library Journal, 48 (2), 38-39.

My summary of the article:

In Grant Writing Made Easy (2002), Sheryl Abshire outlines how to go about writing a grant in very specific and helpful ways.

First and foremost, the grant writer must make sure that their school district has an updated technology plan.  It is also helpful to collaborate with district technology employees in order to define the needs of the district, and specifically the school library.  Once that is completed then the following should be done:

·         Identify grants to fund your ideas

·         Find a way for your proposal to stand out

·         Follow the organization’s guidelines EXACTLY (whatever the application tells you to do, follow it!)

·         Do not exceed one page-Why? Keep it short and sweet-all of your information should be succinct and to the point.  If it is too long and wordy, readers may lost interest

·         Do not use too many large words that can be considered educational jargon.  This will muddle your points!

·         Letter of intent should include: Introduction to the proposal, explanation of how the grant money will be used.

·         Sell your ideas-don’t be shy. 

·         Use firm wording that expresses your confidence with your plan.

·         Be specific with ideas and not general or vague

·         Provide realistic objectives

·         Provide concrete ideas on how this grant will impact and improve learning within your school.

Abshire also recommended calling the organization that is offering the grant and speaking with someone in order to discuss the details of your objectives, and this also gives you a contact person that you can use when addressing your application. Make yourself and your school a person, not an application number!