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Copyright © 2004 by Solution Tree
(formerly National Educational Service)
304 West Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47404-5132
(812) 336-7700
(800) 733-6786
FAX: (812) 336-7790
e-mail: [email protected]
All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction of this book in whole or in part in any form.
Cover art and design by Grannan Graphic Design, Ltd.
Text design by T.G. Design Group
Printed in the United States of America
ISBN: 1-932127-30-5
Dedication
TO MY LIFETIME FRIEND, BUDDY, AND HUSBAND, John, who graciously and willingly left his job, friends, and the “paradise-like” Arizona desert to help me in my grant writing consulting business, I cherish you for the many sustaining gifts of love. Your willingness to pack up and move to the mountains of Arkansas means more than you will ever know.
To my dynamic daughter, Lara, whose ever-present dry humor and optimistic attitude inspire me in every area of my life, I offer you this public acknowledgement. Even across the miles, I can hear your voice and see your face every time I have to make a difficult decision. Your gift for repairing fractured families is a testimony of your greatness. To my son-in-law, Charles, who brings balance and wisdom to our zany family, a wish for many future blessings.
To my dear cat, Leggs, I wish you many more cat years in gratitude for your unconditional love for this weary and often cranky grant writer and educator. Surely, there will be a velvet purple cushion for you in the great beyond.
Acknowledgments
FIRST, I WISH TO THANK the President of Solution Tree (formerly National Educational Service), Jeff Jones. He motivated me to turn my vision of a practical working guide for educators, administrators, and staff into a real book. Second, I want to thank Suzanne Kraszewski, the Director of Publications. It took me nearly 2 years to formulate a response to her e-mail offer to join the Solution Tree family. Thanks, Suzanne, for not looking for another grant writer to deliver this book. Third, I want to acknowledge all of the Solution Tree staff who worked behind the scenes, especially Larry Ligget, Senior Editor, to further edit and polish this publication. Finally, I wish to thank my proofreader and editor of many years, Doris Maxfield, owner of Max’s Word Services in Linden, Michigan. Doris has been my friend and devil’s advocate for over a decade. She has never failed me, and most importantly, her impeccable skills have allowed me to focus on the creative parts of writing—not the grammatical. This guide is my thirteenth publication, and by far the easiest. Thanks!
Table of Contents
Introduction: Becoming a Successful Grant Writer
Chapter 1: Getting Your Share Means Playing an Aggressive Game
Where Does the Money Come From?
Characteristics of Grant Winning Schools
Chapter 2: Identifying School Projects and Finding Award Money
Search for Compatible Funding Partners
Identify Corporations That Want to Help
State and Federal Funding Agencies for Schools
Chapter 3: Learning the Lingo to Trump the Competition
Basic Grant-Related Terminology
Guideline and Application Terminology
Technical Terminology
Lessons Learned
Action Steps
Chapter 4: Is the Game Worth Playing?
Gathering Information
Winning a Government Agency Award
Weighing Options
Lessons Learned
Action Steps
Chapter 5: Getting Into the Grant Writing Game: Letters to Funders
Cover Letters
Letters of Inquiry
Letter Proposals
Lessons Learned
Wait Patiently
If You Receive Bad News
If You Receive Good News
Partnership Etiquette
Action Steps
Chapter 6: Winning Foundation Grant Proposals
RAG Application Format
NNG Common Grant Application
Common Grant Cover Sheet
Narrative
Attachments
Check the Rules Again