Fall is always an exciting time for schools -- new programs, renewed hope. And what would fall be without a glitch or two? Like the new, promising program that’s just getting off the ground... that you already realize is not properly funded. You know you’ll get good results from the program as it stands, but not nearly as good as you could get with some additional funding.
The solution?
Apply for a grant.
Not next semester.
Not next month.
Apply this week!
Don’t let a program that could really make a difference to your students falter because of a few thousand dollars that you can get with a few hours of intensive grant writing.
It’s not that unusual for a good program to be underfunded. A program might look well funded on paper during the planning stages, but you don’t really know how popular or successful that program will be until it gets started. You may have so many students show up for a new after-school tutoring program that you need five teachers to accommodate everyone instead of three. You may find that you that you need math manipulatives for a new elementary school math program that you thought weren’t necessary during planning. We once started a piano lab for our students in middle school and had to add both keyboards and class periods to take care of the huge interest.
Often you don’t even need a large amount of money. Sometimes an extra $3,000 to $5,000 can make a tremendous difference in the results you get from the program. For that kind of money, educators often tap into grant programs offered by local retail outlets such as Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, or Home Depot when those companies' programs match the school’s needs. Local foundations are another excellent source for this type of grant money. For larger, longer-term money, you may want to look for state or federal grants to support your program. Of course, getting state or federal grant money is usually more involved; it takes longer to complete the application and to receive the money if you are successful in winning the grant.
So here’s the plan for the rest of the semester:
--- Start looking closely at any program in your school that you feel could be very successful but is, at present, underfunded.
--- Calculate the amount of money you need.
--- Immediately begin searching for grants that fit the needs of your program.
--- Apply for at least two or three grants to be sure you get most of the money you need.
--- Start today.
Let me add one word of encouragement: For some strange reason, educators are not applying for as many grants this fall as they have in the past. They may be discouraged by the current economic climate, or they may simply be applying for fewer, larger, federal grants. Whatever the reason, your chances of getting your grant application funded have increased. If you start applying now, you can avoid a rush of applications that always come at the beginning of a new semester. Again, your chances of winning grant money are better right now than ever before!
Grant Name: Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children’s TYLENOL® National Child Care Teacher Awards™.
Funded by: Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation & Children’s TYLENOL®
Description: Recognizing the need to raise the status and visibility of quality child care, the Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation (TLLCCF) created the Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children’s TYLENOL® National Child Care Teacher Awards™. These awards acknowledge the critical role of child care teachers in providing quality early care and education. Child care teachers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia are invited to apply. Fifty teachers are selected for their commitment and dedication to the children they serve. Of the top ten recipients, one is selected to receive the Helene Marks Award. As part of the application process, each applicant is asked to design an enhancement project for the children in their classroom illustrating the educational, social, and emotional benefits from the project. A committee of early childhood educators and specialists review the applications. Award recipients receive $1,000 - $500 for the teacher's personal use and $500 to implement the project. An award ceremony takes place each spring in Pennsylvania - hotel and transportation are provided for the recipients. The event celebrates the best and the most dedicated of our child care teachers.
Program Areas: Early Childhood
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter School
Proposal Deadline: 12/4/09
Amount: $1,000.00
Telephone: 610-992-1140
Website: http://www.tllccf.org/pr_nccta.php
Availability: All States
Grant Name: Allen Foundation Health Education Grants
Funded by: Allen Foundation, Inc.
Description: The Allen Foundation Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research. Priorities Include: To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research. To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age. To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits.
Program Areas: General Education, Health/PE
Recipients: Public School, Higher Education, Other
Proposal Deadline: 12/31/2009
Amount: $5,000.00 - $90,000.00
Telephone: 989-83205678
Website: http://www.allenfoundation.org/
Availability: All States
Grant Name: Finish Line Youth Foundation
Funded by: Finish Line Youth Foundation Grants
Description: Finish Line Youth Foundation focuses funding on organizations that provide opportunities for youth participation in the following areas: Youth athletic programs – Community-based programs addressing active lifestyle and team building skills. Camps – Established camps with an emphasis on sports and active lifestyle, especially programs serving disadvantaged and special needs kids.
Program Areas: Health/PE
Recipients: Public School, Higher Education, Other
Proposal Deadline: 12/31/2009
Amount: $1,500.00 - $5,000.00
Website: http://www.finishline.com/store/youthfoundation/guidelines.jsp
Availability: All States
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
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