Summer Time...Grant Time!
Hi Everyone! I know that many of you are now beginning your summer break. Probably the last thing on your mind is the 2012-2013 school year. I feel the same way. But in a month or so I know thoughts of what I want to do next year will start to creep in. Happens this way every year.
So what do I do? I get a nice cold drink, my laptop, head out to the backyard and I apply for a few grants. Grants are a great way to get some extra $$$/resources for your classroom and much easier to apply for than when I started teaching.
I love that many grants can be applied for online and I wanted to share a few of them with you along with a few tips and tricks I have picked up throughout the years.
We are Teachers is looking for your ideas to share with teachers. Submit your ideas and We are Teacher's members vote for winners. Prizes include $$$ and resources such as ipads, and video cameras.
- Membership is free so get colleagues, friends and family to sign up and vote for you.
- Apply often.
- If you're on Twitter/Facebook ask your PLN to vote for you. You'll be surprised how many will.
Donor's Choose Many of you may have used this fabulous site that connects teachers and donors who want to support them by fulfilling their classroom needs. This is a fantastic site and I have always had my grants funded. I just wanted to share a couple of tips that will help your grants being fulfilled.
- Choose a snappy title for your grant request. Make is something that piques the interest of the donors.
- If you have a large grant request, break it down into several smaller grants. Grants under $200 are funded much more quickly and easily. So if you are asking for goods worth $500, break that grant down to three smaller ones: $200, $200, and $100.
- Apply for lots of grants, especially small stuff that you may normally pay for out of your own pocket. These grants are fulfilled quickly.
- Look online for grants that are available to teachers in your state or city.
- Have a few friends over that are also interested in applying for grants. Working in a group and sharing ideas, strategies, verbiage, etc. is always helpful.
- Read the grants of others, especially ones that have been fulfilled. This will give you ideas on things that you may want to add to your own grants.
- If your first grant is not fulfilled DO NOT give up. The more you apply for the better chances you have.
- Be precise on products and prices.
- Explain how the grant will extend to other students/classes in the future (if possible).
- Use spell check or a proof reader.
- Make sure you answer all grant questions consicely. (Do not over-write.)
Money is tight in this economy for schools as well as teachers. Applying for some grants will give you more teaching resources for your classroom as well as saving you a bundle of money.
Good luck to all and have a wonderful summer!
