How to Write a School Grant Proposal
- 1). Write an executive summary. This is an important piece of the proposal. The executive summary provides a condensed version of your project objectives and goals. Include your school's mission and key staff involved in the project. Use convincing language to brief readers on the validity of your project.
- 2). Create a problem statement. Problem statements address need. Here's an example: "The problem is that 75 percent of students at Lake Elementary are lacking computer equipment, and this hinders progress of lesson plans." Statistics used in problem statements should not be estimates.
- 3). Create goals and milestones and include tools of measurement. Creating goals is essential component in proposal writing. A goal statement is written to express your short- and long-term ambitions. An example could be: "Students will learn how to use computer equipment and demonstrate mastery." A milestone is considered an action. For example, "Teachers will introduce new equipment within first week, by allowing students 50 minutes computer time each day," is considered a strong milestone. Be clear about how your school will measure project success. Your tools of measurement could include using surveys for teachers or administering tests to students.
- 4). Include a project description. Describe each activity in detail. Provide visual information for grant reviewers. Use language that includes time lines such as; "On Day 1, students will ..." or "On Day 6, teachers will wrap up ..." Your school's project description should serve as a blueprint and note the day-to-day activities.
- 5). Create a budget sheet. This could be an estimate of expenses or a factual overview. List all project supplies, including salaries. List any start-up funding your school may have obtained. Include any donations. Additionally, you can include a budget narrative, which is a five- to six-sentence statement that describes the proposed budget details.