NCTE@CSU Grant Writing

Grants are funds given by an organization, government department, corporation or trust often (but not always) to a
nonprofit entity, educational institution, business or an individual. There are huge varieties in grants; they range on levels
of compliance, proposals, submission guidelines, money awarded (amounts, loans vs. donations, etc.) & tax laws. The
grant writing process is the proposal or application to the potential funder. Many require specific forms in addition to
cover letters & project proposals. –Grants.gov

 Should you start with the project idea & without a funding source?
 Or, should you begin by finding a possible funding source & then create a project to match?

Consider the advantages & disadvantages of each perspective. Brainstorm a list of ideas & look for funding sources &
also examine the possible sources & see if your ideas can be modified to fit the requirements. Consider mapping it out. If
you break down the project into needs & components, you can receive funding from various sources.

 Writing a grant takes a lot of time & effort. Consider involving others (teachers, administrators, etc.).
 Beyond the obvious goal of wanting money, you need to create a concrete project that shows a positive impact on your
students.
 The goal should be learner-centered. Rather than focusing on what the teacher will do, discuss & consider
how the project will impact the learning environment.
 Make sure you have research & strategies to back up the need for the grant.
 Stay consistent in your writing, the need, solution, project & requirements all need to match.
 Choose a topic that is unique to your school/community – doing so makes it easier to involve your administration,
students & community.
 Consider creating a catch phrase, acronym or logo that could draw attention to your project.
 See what local companies & organizations are willing to help before applying for the bigger govt. & company grants

After you have determined a possible funding source, there will be specific guidelines. Follow them very closely. Some
funding sources are interested in very specific parts of the grant (e.g.: why would you use the company’s specific product
compared to another brand).

 Put your grant into context by developing a scenario. Use examples, make the project interesting & concise
 Answer how you can see the students/staff evolving based on the grant & provide testimonials.
 Incorporate student work in various areas (logo, cover letter, pictures, student generated examples, etc).
 Pick a few concrete examples to share with readers. Be as specific as possible using as few words as possible.
 Build on success. Readers like to see a history of success. Show the good in your program already –but also show how
the grant will make it even better. Talk about your dedicated staff & supportive administration. Reassure them their
money will be well spent.
 Write short, concise statements that cover exactly what you need to say. Use formatting to your advantage (decent sized
font, 1” margins, bullet lists, charts, timelines, etc.).

Works Cited: Also see resource list for additional works cited & consulted.

-Government websites: http://www2.ed.gov/fund/data/award/gahelp.html & http://www2.ed.gov/fund/landing.jhtml

- AmeriCorps: http://www.americorps.gov/for_organizations/apply/national.asp
-National Endowments for the Humanities: http://www.neh.gov/grants/index.html
-Blogging on Grants: http://www.schoolgrantsblog.com/state-grants/
1. Cover Letter: 1 page. Provide an overview of the school, purpose & reasons for amount of $ showing how the
proposal furthers the grant maker’s mission, goals & matches the requirements. Use school letterhead.

2. Cover Sheet: 1 page. Include a case statement & summary listing the most important areas of proposal. Summarize
all key information. Include applicant contact information, purpose of request, need/problem, objectives,
methods, total project costs & amount of $ requested. If grant application/proposal is long include a table of
contents

3. Narrative: 10-20 pages. Including the following areas:

Problem statement (3-5 pages): Address the specific situation, problem & opportunity, target population (school,
student & community demographics)
Program Goals & Objectives (2-3 pages): Show outcomes in measurable & realistic terms. Include description,
performance, process & product. Show tangible results.
Methodology (5+ pages): Describe the process in a rational, direct & chronological description. Restate the
problems & objectives, give a clear description of scope & sequence, & include a timeline.
Evaluation (1-2 pages): Justify how effectiveness & evaluations will be met in relation to objectives. Include
options for modifications.

4. Budget: (variable) Clearly delegate costs to be met by funder & other funding sources. Show expenses in
column form that is consistent with the narrative. Do not include miscellaneous costs, but include volunteers &
donations (sparingly) on a separate page within this section.

5. Qualifications: 1-2 pages. Describe the applicant(s), qualifications for funding & establish credibility. Demonstrate
the means & methodology to solve the problem within the specific time & amount of $ frame. Include the
evidence & support of successes in the past. Show activities, statistics, strengths/accomplishments & the number
of people included along with their qualifications

6. Conclusion: 1 page. Present a brief, concise summary that states the case, problem, solution sources & possible
funds.

7. Appendices: (variable). Generally includes IRS letter/information, certificates, etc. Also lists directors of
program(s)/school staff involved, financial statements, lists of current funding sources & uses,
community support, letters of endorsements & recommendations, commitment letters from staff, administrators
& community, diagrams, works cited, resumes of key people involved.

Non-Profit Guidelines &

http://www.npguides.org/
Sample Proposals
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=83
Scholastic Articles
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4173
Government Grants http://www.grants.gov/
National Education
http://www.neafoundation.org/pages/educators/grant-programs/
Association Grants
Public Education Network http://www.publiceducation.org/newsblast_grants.asp
NCTE http://www.ncte.org/grants/
(subscribe to the English Journal
for additional resources)
http://www.ncte.org/second
Colorado Dept. of Education
http://www.cde.state.co.us/edtech/grants.htm
Resources on Grants
Database for Previously
http://www2.ed.gov/fund/data/award/grntawd.html
Awarded Grants