Helpful Hints for Writing Grant Proposals

1. Projects should directly involve students as fully as possible. A film developed for classroom use, for instance, should ideally be written and produced by students.

2. Grants may be used to compensate experts who come to work with students, but usually not to pay teachers or staff.

3. Funds can be used to purchase equipment or to provide field trip transportation, but not when these are ends in themselves. Equipment and trips should be integrated with curriculum materials and activities to make a complete project.

4. Proposals that incorporate matching funds or community resources will be looked on favorably. (Students or PTA groups might raise matching funds, for example. Community organizations may donate needed equipment, services or free admission to events). Such contributions are a sign of commitment to the project and will multiply the effectiveness of the grant award.

5. Encourage interdisciplinary or team teaching projects or those that involve various age groups. These often have greater impact than single-classroom efforts, fill needs unmet in the regular curriculum and encourage more grant applications in the future.

6. Good ideas can be lost through poorly written proposals. Be specific in expressing your ideas and ask others to critique your proposal prior to sending the information to the review committee.