Lesson 8: Odds and ends
Grant writing tips
Cover letters can be important introductions for your work. Some funders require them, others do not. When in doubt, write a brief a letter that gives the funder a reason to keep reading--your passion for the project, your keen interest in their organization or perhaps you can "tease" with a hint of something unique about your project (or your students). Whatever the lead in, make sure it is genuine. Be sure that all your contact information is included in your letter--some applications are read anonymously and all identifying information is removed. This is a Foundation practice and is done to ensure fairness.
Editing is an important next-to-the-last step. Be sure to include an editor on your project team or visit with a Language Arts specialist. Having a non-educator read over your application can be very helpful; if your plan is clearly understood by them, then you know that the grant readers will also understand. The Foundation grant readers are all educators but they have many different levels and specializations. You should not use technical jargon, acronyms or "educationese" that will not be understood by all.
Your editor should also check for punctuation, typographical errors and tone. It is important that the writing be in a consistent style--this can become an issue when different team members write different sections of the application.
Scoring a grant application is usually done with some kind of standardized format. The rubrics used for scoring Foundation grants are online in the Foundation section. You should have them on your desk top as you write and your editior should use the score sheet as a guide to be sure that all items are covered. If you are applying for funds from other organizations, search their web sites or call and request their scoring information. Which leads to the next item---
Contacting the grant manager, foundation director or administrator: is it OK? Yes, with certain limitations. Be polite, show that you are genuinely interested in making the best application possible and listen. Ask questions whose answers are NOT online, in their flyers or their annual report. Compliment them on some aspect of their application process. And be sure to thank them for their time and additional assistance to you. Whatever the outcome of your application, send a thank you note--every application you make can be a learning experience and grant managers do appreciate knowing that their work has been of some value to you, even if there are no funds immediately forthcoming. Leaving a good impression can mean preferential treatment next time. So, always ask if repeat applications are permitted. Other good questions are: Is there a possibility of advice between rewrites and is there a limit to how often you may apply/reapply.
Deadlines can be the make or break aspect of your application. Some deadlines are postmarked by; others are received by or faxed by. Assume that there are NO exceptions and work accordingly. Aim for completion days or a week beforee the actual deadline. If you must send multiple copies, be sure that they are all good quality (no low toner on the copier machine) and each one is complete. If you send paper copies, take them to the post office and get a receipt. Keep the fax verification and/or copy and save the email.
Other funders and searching for them can be a full time job. If you are interested in seeking funds from additional funders and your school district does not employ a grant writer (Have you checked?), the best start for beginners is www.schoolgrants.org It is an online resource specifically dedicated to education.
Finally, thank you for participating in this grant tutorial. If you have feedback or additional questions, please contact the Foundation director. Good luck in your grant writing efforts and don't forget to mail your quizzes for those clock hours!