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How to Write Grants for Public Schools

by Susan Deschel

Overview

With all the grants out there to fund public school ideas, projects and events, knowing how to write a winning grant proposal is an asset. As long as you know what will be funded, and have a good handle on how the project will be organized, you're ready to write it. Having the information readily available, and writing the grant in an organized and succinct manner to communicate clear ideas is key to writing an effective public school grant.

Knowing how to write a grant for public schools is a skill that pays off.

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Step 1

Gather together all the information and documentation you can find for the project you wish to fund. Include names and contact information of the project's committee, teachers involved, students involved, a listing of all materials needed with costs, list of any donated materials, information on partnerships, and any other information that pertains to the project.
Step 2

Write the executive summary. The executive summary is the most important piece of the entire grant proposal, and will be read thoroughly by all reviewers. Make sure that it communicates a clear and concise idea of the project, with a succinct summary of all key information. Carefully craft a brief and thorough summary of the entire project in as few words as possible. Include funding requirements, history, purpose and activities to be carried out. Often the executive summary is the deciding factor in whether the project gets funded or not.
Step 3

Write a brief statement of the problem and a proposed solution. Be sure the solution flows directly to, and aligns with, what you want to fund within the project. Include this at the end of the executive summary.
Step 4

Write a statement of need that communicates why your need is greater than other proposed projects that have a similar or the same need. The statement of need should also include what the project is needed for, and how it will address school, student and community educational stakeholders.
Step 5

Write a thorough project description that includes objectives, the process to be used to achieve them, staff and any consultants needed, how the project will be evaluated, and its prospects for sustainability, or how it will be funded beyond the term of the grant.
Step 6

Write a thorough budget. List everything needed. Include all tangibles and intangibles. If matching funds are possible, list those as well. Include any other organizations that have contributed to the project through in-kind donations (service versus money). Organize them into categories, and place them on a spreadsheet.

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Keep the budget reasonable. Never ask for more than what is needed. Reviewers check budget items, and if they find it to be inflated, they'll reject the grant or send it back for revision. Some funding sources will specify how they want the proposal elements organized, and how long they should be. Be ready to make adjustments as needed. Seek out partnerships for your project when possible from within the school community, such as local businesses, museums and other nonprofits. Partnerships are looked favorably upon and increase the chances of getting funded.
Keep the budget reasonable. Never ask for more than what is needed. Reviewers check budget items, and if they find it to be inflated, they'll reject the grant or send it back for revision.
Some funding sources will specify how they want the proposal elements organized, and how long they should be. Be ready to make adjustments as needed.
Seek out partnerships for your project when possible from within the school community, such as local businesses, museums and other nonprofits. Partnerships are looked favorably upon and increase the chances of getting funded.