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Teacher Grants
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here to see our selection of Teacher supplies.
 The
good news is that getting a teacher grant is very possible for you.
The bad news is that the process is not easy. However, because it
is not easy to get a teacher grant, many people do not bother to
try. It will take patience, attention to detail, and creativity
to be on the winning side.
Incidentally, a teacher grant is anytime a person or organization
is willing to give you something you need to do something you want
for your classroom. Grants are not always money. Sometimes they
come in the form of what is called “in kind gifts”—like
computers or science lab equipment.
Grantors want educational results, they want their teacher grants
to create marked changes in the students and their learning. Focusing
in on your real needs, i.e. things required to make learning possible
is the most difficult step in the grant process. The key to getting
help is to ask Grantors who want the same results as you do. You
need to look to the core of your problems. What are your classroom
needs? You must be able to answer this question in one sentence
before you move on.
Who Should I Ask?
There are several types of grantors, that give teacher grants, some
are harder to get to than others, so persistence is key. Most people
do not want to go through the work that is required to get a teacher
grant. But if you don’t try, you’ll never get a teacher
grants.
Ask the principal:
If you have passion and motivation to get something you need, you
have a good chance of convincing the principal that it is worth
the spending. If you invest some of your own money, you have a better
chance because it shows commitment to your desire for a teacher
grant.
Approach the school district:
You may immediately think that you can not do this…why? Isn’t
what you want to do desirable? Check with the principal and find
out how to approach the superintendent or school board, 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 through teacher grants will often be helpful in your
search for funding.
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 a teacher
grant.
Ask the United States Government:
Every day the government lists programs, including teacher 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
goals. Use the Foundation Center as a source, or newsletters that
offer regular suggestions on who is offering teacher 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 with
the same concerns.
4. Think of the grant application as a test. You will be asked to
repeat information. No matter what leave nothing out that is asked
for.
5. Submit your proposal on time. Follow the instructions. If you
do not do this, your 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.
8. Remember, if you do not ask, you definitely will not get your
teacher grant.
Discuss teaching ideas, lesson plans, classroom
strategies
and more on our teacher
forum!
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