Teacher Supplies home > Teacher Supplies Info Center > Education grants

Education grants

Click here to see our selection of Education supplies.

Getting an education grant is something you can do. The process is not easy, it will take hard work and determination. However, because it is not easy to get education grants, many people do not bother to try to get them. It will take patience, attention to detail, and creativity to achieve your goal—but you can get an education grant.

Incidentally, an education grant is anytime a person or organization provides something you need to do something you want for your classroom. Education grants can come in the form of what are called “in kind gifts”—like computers or science lab equipment. An education grant is not always money. What grantors do want to see are educational results, they want their donations to create marked changes in the students and their learning. Focusing on what your basic needs are; concentrating on what things are required to make learning possible is the most difficult step in the grant process. The key to getting an education grant is to ask grantors who want the same results as you do. Look to the core of your problems—what is holding the children back from their potential? What are your classroom needs? The first challenge in getting education grants is you must be able to answer the question above in one sentence before you move on.

· Who Should I Ask?
There are several types of grantors, some are harder to find, persistence is key. Most people do not want to go through all of the work that is required in order to get education grants. But remember, if you don’t try, you will never get a grant.

Ask the principal:
If can prove you have the motivation to get an education grant, you have a good chance of convincing the principal that it is worth the initial spending. If you invest some of your own money first, you also have a better chance at getting an education grant because it shows your commitment.

Approach the school district:
You may feel intimidated to do this, but you should not. Is the education grant you need desirable? Check with the principal and find out how to approach the superintendent or school board to ask about a education grant, just follow the appropriate school protocol and ask.

Ask the local government:
Local politicians know where the money is, and it is surprising to find out how much is around. A politician who sees an opportunity for publicity will often be helpful in your search for education grants.

Ask the state government:
For example, the New York State Legislature, gives out money in state legislative grants. Members are allocated funds for their districts. Tell the state government about your ideas for education grants.

Ask the United States Government:
Every day the government lists programs, including grants, in the Federal Register.

Ask a Foundation:
Thousands of foundations want to give money, and they have billions of dollars to work with. Find those foundations that share your educational goals. Use the Foundation Center as a source, or newsletters that offer regular suggestions on who is offering education grants.

Ask a Local Company:
Local businesses are another good source. Banks are particularly good places to start.

Some tips:
1. Always follow school and district rules.
2. Read the grant description several times. Call to clarify any points that you are not sure of. Mention what you have in mind and ask if he or she thinks it would be "competitive." The word competitive is part of the grant jargon that is very important.
3. Do some search to see if your problem is already being approached somewhere else. Find out how others have reached their goals for education grants of similar concerns.
4. Think of the grant application as a test. You will be asked to repeat information. No matter what, leave out nothing that is asked for.
5. Submit your proposal on time. Follow the instructions. If you do not do this, your education grant application might not be read at all.
6. Complete the proposal and put it aside for a few days. Then read it over again and make changes if you need to. Ask others to proofread for you—just in case.
7. Check prices and anticipate price increases. Be careful what you ask for, make sure the amount of your education grant will suit your needs.
8. Remember, if you do not ask, you definitely will not get your education grants.