Not Applying for Grants During the Holidays?

In my last post, I discussed why this is a great time to write a grant for your school or classroom. Many grants have deadlines on or around December 31. You’ll have less competition because most people won’t be writing grants during the holiday season. You can write grants for the spring semester, summer school, or the fall semester. How much more incentive do you need?                                                                     

When I wrote that blog, I knew many of you just were not going to buy it. Sure, I laid out a brilliant argument, but let’s face it. It is the holiday season. I know of only one group that enjoys the holiday season more than students. That would be educators.

I really had to watch myself when I was in the classroom because I was more tempted to shut things down than my students. Yes, I resisted the temptation. I was a good teacher and principal right up to the time we opened the doors for early release, but I can’t tell you it wasn’t a struggle.

And the last thing I wanted to do during the holidays was to think about work---lesson plans, students, or grants. It didn’t matter. I just wanted to relax and have fun. But you know what? It worked for me. I always came back in January energized and ready to work. It’s a tough but productive period between January and spring break. You will either reach your goals for the year or fall sadly behind depending on what you do during that period.

Here’s my advice. Do what I did. If you’re not going to write a grant during the holidays, don’t do any work that is school related. Recharge those batteries. Rest and relax. Enjoy your time. Do the things that make you happy and enjoy those around you.

Teachers and other educators have the most important job in the world. We often don’t get paid that way, but you know deep down that it is true. Building relationships with students and moving them forward as brighter, more capable human beings is tremendously important work. Sometimes it doesn’t seem that way. Sometimes it seems like you’re just holding the lid on until May or June when one group moves on and you prep for the next group in the fall.

Don’t sell yourself short. The work you do is important, and it is often exhausting. Use the holiday season to renew yourself. Come January, you crank it up again, and you need to be refreshed and ready to go. Besides, in my next blog, I’m going to be discussing New Year’s resolutions, and you can bet I will include grant writing on that list.

Not going to write a grant over the holidays? That’s okay. Those of you who do will likely be rewarded. But if you don’t, enjoy the holiday season. Rest and relax. Then come back in January breathing fire. We’ll get those important grants written then.

Happy holidays! May peace and joy abide in your heart.