Do your research. Make sure the funder offers a grant that matches your project idea. Check previous award-winning projects to gain a better understanding of what has been funded in the past.
Gather your facts. Grants are not awarded on goodwill alone. Justify your needs and the strength of your proposed project through data and research citations whenever possible.
Get the necessary approvals. Make sure your principal, supervisor, or department chairperson is aware of your application, approves of the project and will provide support as needed.
Avoid jargon. Always spell out acronyms and explain terms that non-educators may not understand (TLW, SST, SIP, EC, BED).
Be compelling, but don’t overstate your case. Make sure the readers understand your needs and that you have the capacity to address those needs through the proposed project.
Keep it simple. Grant reviewers usually read stacks of proposals in a short amount of time. Don’t overwhelm them with confusing text or graphics.
Revise and edit, revise and edit, repeat. Know that your first draft will not be the last. Take the time to develop the idea into a comprehensive project plan.
Have an outsider proof your work. Even if you cannot put together a formal grant writing team, find a colleague to review your work and provide suggestions.
Always review guidelines one more time. Make sure you follow the recommended guidelines exactly (format, page limits, budget information).
Good grant writing = Good writing. Writing for grants is very similar to writing any project plan. With the appropriate time and effort, you can be successful!
General Tips
To access an application you have already started, click on the link provided in the e-mail that was automatically sent to you when the application was first created.
If copying text from a word processing file, re-type all apostrophes and quotation marks. When copied into the application, these characters are viewed as programmed code and display incorrectly when printed in the final format.
Complete the page you are working on before exiting the program or taking a break.
Verify that the e-mail address entered is correct.
Proofread carefully - changes to the application cannot be made once the application has been submitted.
Call your school's sponsoring cooperative if you do not receive a verification e-mail after submitting your application.
Late applications will not be considered. Look up your school to view the deadline and maximum grant amount available.
If you are requesting technology or equipment for your classroom, be sure you outline an innovative project idea in which the technology or equipment will be used instead of just asking for the item.
Please be aware that Bright Ideas funding cannot be used for field trips or to fund travel expenses/fees for guests or speakers coming to your school.