Grant Guru

I had the privilege of playing a small part in last Friday's outstanding Tech Forum: Insight and Innovation for Technology Users in Long Beach, California. The day was well planned and had something for everyone. The vendors who participated were just the ones I needed to talk to and I was happy to see them there. You can learn more about the program at http://www.techlearning.com/events/techforum/west08/. The conference vault will have some of the materials from the day and links to the select vendors posted within the next few days.

My part of the program was to host a roundtable discussion. My topic was Finding the Funds, not a bad match for me. I prepared some questions in advance and hoped to share some insight with fellow attendees about the tech grants and the e-rate process. There were many other roundtables to choose from including: eBooks and eReading; Open Source Software in Education; Professional Development Online; Technology Strategies for English Language Learners; Blogging and Podcasting with Elementary Students; Harnessing Multimedia to Make Learning Stick; and Enhancing Student Engagement. I wanted to sit at all eight tables. Additionally, attendees could have also selected a session called Techies, Administrators and Curriculum Folks: Seeing Eye to Eye.

My table filled with some interesting people. Having hosted sessions like this before, you never really know how to prepare. It is a discussion, not a presentation. Sometimes I bring a handout to these things, but this year since I have so many tip sheets now posted, I thought I would go green and point people to the website. The discussion that took place was lively and engaging. Over the course of the hour, my table included a technology expert from a District near my own, a former student from one of my college classes, a regional technology staff member, two highly motivated teachers and a principal. As I find in my full-day workshops, people want to know how to find a grant and what will it take to secure by the start of the next school year.

My advice to grant-seekers has not changed over the years even though the technologies and the way you research and submit proposals has greatly changed. Let me share with you four fundamental rules. Rule number one, there is nothing like a good plan. With a good plan in hand, you know where you are going. Without a plan, any road will take you somewhere, but not necessarily where you want to go. My second rule works when you have a plan; people will help you with a cause that is locally based and will provide programs and services for their students. I know of four ways to get funds: grants, gifts, fundraising and partnerships. As a parent, I would rather give funds to my own child's school or classroom. As a local business owner, I would be more likely to sponsor an activity in my own town, rather than one a few miles down the road. As a company that may be interested in partnering with your school or school district, you must be able to determine the benefits for all partners.

My third fundamental rule is you must clearly state how the funds that you secure will be used. This is your pitch or your one-minute elevator speech. Target your programs so that your donors, partners or grantors will know exactly what you will be doing with their money, goods, or services. In other words, plan, then seek. The easiest way for you to get hardware or supplies for your may be to get it gifted. The people most willing to help your local school are people who directly or indirectly benefit from the services your school provides. Who are some of the people most likely to be interested in helping you local school? Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are a great place to start. Students are also important resources as well. Does your school have a tradition that each culminating class buys a gift for the school? Have you thought about tracking down alumni, even if you work in an elementary school? Have you thought about local service clubs and nearby business?

My fourth fundamental rule is, it pays to advertise. DonorsChoose.org is a website that the New York Times says "addresses a fast-growing trend in contemporary philanthropy, that donors simply want greater control over their gift." My nephew teaches fourth grade in Los Angeles and recently created a proposal for a Fish Tank in the Classroom. If you have enjoyed these tips sheets over the last few months, consider making a small donation to his cause. You can learn more at http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=180876. There are a number of other sites like DonorsChoose.org; for example check out www.fundraising.com, www.firstgiving.com, and www.classroomwishlist.org. My four fundamental rules apply whether you are looking for a grant, a gift, to fundraise or form a partnership.