10 tips for writing a grant
- Have a clear idea of the project before writing. What do you see as a need in your subject area, classroom or school? How can your project address that need in the quest to promote academic excellence?
- For the narrative portion, use headings found in the WEF Guidelines (or use the WEF Grant scoring grid)
- In the abstract portion, include the following sentence: “This project promotes educational opportunities for students to meet the challenges in a global society by….”
- Your audience is members of the Wallingford Community. Explain educational terms that are not obvious such as “differentiation” and “6 + 1 Writing Traits.”
- Itemize budget items. WEF will not fund: compensation for employees, substitute pay, party supplies, food, or telephone expenses.
- Do not forget to include a clear plan for evaluation. How will you determine if your project made a difference? Consider surveying the students and/or the parents. Consider analyzing test scores before and after your project.
- Show creativity and a sense of commitment
- PROOFREAD for spelling and grammar errors. Have a colleague and/or a neighbor read the grant before submitting it.
- Double check that all form requirements have been followed including meeting the time deadline; your principal’s signature on the cover sheet; a maximum of 4 pages including the cover sheet and budget; all pages stapled and numbered in the center bottom margin; pages single-spaced, using one side only of each sheet; and two copies.
- Score your grant using the scoring grid or have a friend or colleague score it. Identify areas that could be improved.