subject: Elementary School Grants [print this page] So you want to get some to help with a creative idea you think would be great for your classroom. One idea to get money is to apply for an elementary school grant.
You ask yourself where to get started. I recommend that you do your research! It will save you valuable time in the long run. Funding agencies can range from local to state to national grantors. Try and match your request as close as possible to the funding agencies requirements. You can prepare an amazing proposal, but if you miss your target, it may not get funded.
You should read the funding agencies' guidelines and instructions carefully. Do not try to manipulate their requirements to fit your request - your request must match the funding agency's priorities. Your proposal should be creative, innovative and educational. Private foundations often seek creative solutions to problems/needs, but they usually do not wish to fund risky projects. Try proposing a project that uses an existing idea and tweak it to your personal requirements.
Have a reasonable, detailed budget. Do your homework on costs prior to submitting your application and be sure to explain your budget even if there are no requirements to do so. Funding agencies want to know what their money is being used for. Remove any guessing on the grantor's part.
Be clear and concise in communicating your ideas. Funding agencies do not want to wade through a tremendous amount of verbiage and then get confused on what is being conveyed. It makes them feel that they have just wasted a good deal of time. Have a third party review your proposal. Usually someone with an objective eye can see any glaring mistakes. In order to produce a polished product, it is important to review your proposal for spelling and grammar errors. Follow the grantor's instructions to the letter. Applications are turned away when they do not exactly meet the funding agency's requirements. If your project is rejected, ask the grantor for reviewer comments. The comments can offer invaluable tips for improving your future grant applications.
Applying for an elementary school grant should not be intimidating. Just do your research and prepare a proposal that meets the requirements of the grantor, and in no time, you will see the fruits of your labor.
