Successful grant-writing strategies: sources of alternative funding are more important now than ever before. Seeking grants is not as complicated or time-consuming as many believe

Leadership, March-April, 2003 by Susan Van Zant

Matching funds can also strengthen a grant by demonstrating that other organizations, businesses or community groups have investments in the project. Matching funds can be in the form of human and financial resources. Most agencies will allow volunteer time to be calculated and incorporated as matching funds.

To ensure that there are no glaring typos, the administrator should ask an individual who has not participated in the writing process to carefully proof the application. The submission guidelines should be reviewed to ensure that the page-set up and format requirements are followed. The final packet should include the original, signed application and the requisite number of copies. Finally, the application should either be hand delivered or sent to the agency by registered mail, return receipt requested.

Becoming a successful grantwriter

In times of tight funding, one way to secure addition funds for specific projects is to apply for grants. By following the application guidelines and using some simple strategies, an administrator can become successful grant writer.

FUNDING OPPORTUNIES--A STARTING PLACE

Administrators who want Information about grant opportunities should sign up for automatic e-mail notification on the California Department of Education web page, www.cde.ca.gov/funding. While not all funding opportunities are listed, CDE is in the process of consolidating funding information on one web site. There is an "other funding" button that links to additional funding sources.

An extremely useful site to obtain information about nationwide grant opportunities is www.schoolgrants.org. Brief synopses for more than a hundred opportunities are listed, Most federal grants are designed for state and district programs. Current request for proposals can be reviewed at www.ed.gov/topics.> Other useful sites include:

* AAUW Educational Foundation Fellowships and Grants

www.aauw.org/3000fdnfelgra.html.> The Association of American University Women offers awards up to $10,000 to support a classroom or school gender equity program.

* Christensen Fund

www.christensenfund.org

Accepts proposals from California San Francisco Bay Area based schools/organizations whose activities support bio-cultural and educational outreach efforts in the areas of visual arts and conservation science.

* DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund

dewittwallace.org.

Awards grants of $5,000-$50,000 in support of innovation in educational leadership.

* Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program

www.nfie.org/jfask.htm

Awards of $2,500 to teachers for the development of original lesson plans or thematic units that demonstrate high student expectations to schools where at least 40 percent of the school's student population is eligible for free and reduced lunch.

* Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation

www.charitywatch.com/charity

Partners with schools to provide new and refurbished musical Instruments to students.

* National Geographic Society

www.nationalgeographic.com/society/ngo/foundation/q2html

Up to $5,000 awarded to teachers who propose Innovative geography education projects.