In the evolving education landscape, securing funding through grants is essential for enhancing the resources available to our schools. eLuma is excited to present the webinar, “Maximizing Resources: Grant Writing for School Administrators,” designed to equip school administrators with the skills and knowledge to write grant proposals effectively. This blog post will provide an overview of the key topics covered in the webinar and offer some essential insights into the grant writing process.
The Importance of Grant Writing
Grant writing is a powerful tool for school administrators to access additional funding. With tightening budgets and increasing demands, grants can support various educational initiatives, including special education programs, professional development, and technology upgrades.
As a school administrator, you’re responsible for ensuring that your school has the resources necessary to provide high-quality education. Understanding the different types of funding available and mastering the grant writing process can significantly impact your ability to secure these resources. This is especially crucial as ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds, which provided substantial support during the COVID-19 pandemic, are temporary. Schools must find alternative funding sources to sustain essential programs and initiatives once ESSER funds are depleted (ASHA).
Types of Funding Available to Schools
Federal Funding:
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): Supports student achievement in low-income areas.
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Provides services for children with disabilities, covering early intervention (Part C) and special education (Part B).
State Funding:
State allocation formulas vary, often dependent on local tax structures, leading to wide funding disparities.
Local Funding:
Relies heavily on local property taxes, causing significant differences within and across states.
Medicaid:
An important source of revenue for districts, allowing billing for certain support services, with expanded coverage in some states. Click here to view a map of School Medicaid Programs.
ESSER Funds:
ESSER funds have been a significant source of financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic, covering expenses related to health and safety measures, technology for remote learning, and mental health services.
However, as these funds are temporary, schools must look for alternative funding sources to sustain these initiatives once ESSER funds are depleted (ASHA).
Understanding the Types of Writing in Grant Applications
Effective grant writing involves multiple styles of writing, each serving a specific purpose within the application process. Here are the five key types of writing used in grant applications:
- Expository Writing: Used to develop the organization, demographic, and needs statements. It relies on data and factual information to provide a rationale for the project.
- Descriptive Writing: Evokes images through detailed descriptions and is used to create the project description, telling the story of how the project will solve the identified problem.
- Persuasive Writing: Aims to convince readers that the project is worth funding. It is used heavily in the needs statement and project benefits sections.
- Creative/Narrative Writing: Tells a compelling story about the organization and the project. This style is often combined with descriptive writing.
- Technical Writing: Conveys specialized information about the project, using professional language and current research to demonstrate familiarity with the field.
practices.
Identifying Fundable Projects
One of the first steps in successful grant writing is identifying a fundable project. Projects can range from classroom-based initiatives like supplies and curriculum projects to school-wide programs like professional development, facility improvements, and tiered student supports. Ensuring that the project aligns with the funder’s priorities and the school’s mission is crucial.
Finding the Right Funder
Locating potential funders is a critical component of the grant-writing process. Some effective strategies include:
- Using Web Search Engines: Platforms like Grant Gopher and Grants4Teachers can help identify funding opportunities.
- Exploring Local Foundations and Trusts: Many local organizations or organizations with local chapters, like Rotary, provide grants for educational projects.
- Checking State and Federal Databases: Websites such as Grants.gov offer a comprehensive list of available grants from various government agencies.
Completing the Grant Application
A successful grant application includes several key components:
- Organization Demographics and Mission: Clearly define your organization and its mission.
- Needs Statement: Provide a compelling rationale for why the project is necessary.
- Program Description: Outline the project’s objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.
- Budget: Detail the financial aspects of the project, including expected costs and funding sources.
Advice from Dr. Joyce-Lynn Garrett, Ph.D.
During our interview with Dr. Joyce-Lynn Garrett, Ph.D., an expert with decades of experience in grant writing, which has resulted in over $15 million in awarded funds, she emphasized the importance of aligning the project with the funder’s priorities and being concise yet thorough in the application.
“There is money everywhere. I cannot tell you how much money gets left on the table because the number one reason people don’t get grants is because they don’t write them.”
Learn More About Effective Grant Writing
Grant writing is an invaluable skill for school administrators seeking to maximize their resources and improve their educational programs. Administrators can significantly increase their chances of securing the necessary funding by understanding the types of writing required, identifying fundable projects, and knowing where to find the right funders.
Partner with eLuma
eLuma is dedicated to building brighter futures for students by providing comprehensive educational services and support. We offer a range of services and solutions, including special education, counseling, and professional development, designed to meet the diverse needs of schools and districts. eLuma is proud to partner with schools to bring their newly funded initiatives to life.
