Grant Writing for Educators. Beverly Brown

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      Copyright © 2004 by Solution Tree

      (formerly National Educational Service)

      304 West Kirkwood Avenue

      Bloomington, IN 47404-5132

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       www.solution-tree.com

      All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction of this book in whole or in part in any form.

      Cover art and design by Grannan Graphic Design, Ltd.

      Text design by T.G. Design Group

      Printed in the United States of America

      ISBN: 1-932127-30-5

      Dedication

      TO MY LIFETIME FRIEND, BUDDY, AND HUSBAND, John, who graciously and willingly left his job, friends, and the “paradise-like” Arizona desert to help me in my grant writing consulting business, I cherish you for the many sustaining gifts of love. Your willingness to pack up and move to the mountains of Arkansas means more than you will ever know.

      To my dynamic daughter, Lara, whose ever-present dry humor and optimistic attitude inspire me in every area of my life, I offer you this public acknowledgement. Even across the miles, I can hear your voice and see your face every time I have to make a difficult decision. Your gift for repairing fractured families is a testimony of your greatness. To my son-in-law, Charles, who brings balance and wisdom to our zany family, a wish for many future blessings.

      To my dear cat, Leggs, I wish you many more cat years in gratitude for your unconditional love for this weary and often cranky grant writer and educator. Surely, there will be a velvet purple cushion for you in the great beyond.

      Acknowledgments

      FIRST, I WISH TO THANK the President of Solution Tree (formerly National Educational Service), Jeff Jones. He motivated me to turn my vision of a practical working guide for educators, administrators, and staff into a real book. Second, I want to thank Suzanne Kraszewski, the Director of Publications. It took me nearly 2 years to formulate a response to her e-mail offer to join the Solution Tree family. Thanks, Suzanne, for not looking for another grant writer to deliver this book. Third, I want to acknowledge all of the Solution Tree staff who worked behind the scenes, especially Larry Ligget, Senior Editor, to further edit and polish this publication. Finally, I wish to thank my proofreader and editor of many years, Doris Maxfield, owner of Max’s Word Services in Linden, Michigan. Doris has been my friend and devil’s advocate for over a decade. She has never failed me, and most importantly, her impeccable skills have allowed me to focus on the creative parts of writing—not the grammatical. This guide is my thirteenth publication, and by far the easiest. Thanks!

      Table of Contents

       Introduction: Becoming a Successful Grant Writer

       Chapter 1: Getting Your Share Means Playing an Aggressive Game

       Where Does the Money Come From?

       Characteristics of Grant Winning Schools

       Lessons Learned

       Action Steps

       Chapter 2: Identifying School Projects and Finding Award Money

       Identify Needs

       Search for Compatible Funding Partners

       Identify Corporations That Want to Help

       Seek Out Foundations

       State and Federal Funding Agencies for Schools

       Federal Funding Programs

       Winning Government Grants

       Lessons Learned

       Action Steps

       Chapter 3: Learning the Lingo to Trump the Competition

       Basic Grant-Related Terminology

       Guideline and Application Terminology

       Technical Terminology

       Lessons Learned

       Action Steps

       Chapter 4: Is the Game Worth Playing?

       Gathering Information

       Winning a Government Agency Award

       Weighing Options

       Lessons Learned

       Action Steps

       Chapter 5: Getting Into the Grant Writing Game: Letters to Funders

       Cover Letters

       Letters of Inquiry

       Letter Proposals

       Lessons Learned

       Wait Patiently

       If You Receive Bad News

       If You Receive Good News

       Partnership Etiquette

       Action Steps

       Chapter 6: Winning Foundation Grant Proposals

       RAG Application Format

       NNG Common Grant Application

       Common Grant Cover Sheet

       Narrative

       Attachments

       Check the Rules Again