You need to convince a funder that your students have an urgent need. Since the purpose of education is to teach students knowledge, understanding, and skills, you must provide evidence that your students are not effectively acquiring these essential components.
One of the most important sections of your proposal is the description of your project's goals and objectives, which drives its design. Your goal, an overview of what your project aims to accomplish, is supported by realistic and achievable objectives.
The goal of my project is to...
Instructions for Answering the Question #28:
Create three objectives for your project that build on the goal you just created. These objectives should detail how you will achieve the goal in measurable terms. Some examples are “Increase the number of 9th-grade students passing all academic courses during the first semester by 50%” or “By the end of year one, provide 120 hours of musical programming, free of charge, to 50 students aged 8-13 attending our school.
The project design is a step-by-step plan for solving your problem while meeting your goals and objectives. If your project is creative and aims to improve student learning, your likelihood of receiving funding will increase.
I want my project to accomplish the following for my students...
QUESTION 34. Provide specific details about your project idea, including the use of new materials, instructional methods, technology, etc., by filling in the blanks for the action steps below. Provide as much detail as possible without overthinking it. Simply write your story.
My project will consist of the following 5 major activities to engage students:
QUESTION 35. What is the NAME of the program model, initiative, or concept that your project is based on?
QUESTION 38. What top 3 learning standards does your proposal address?
QUESTION 39. What three outcomes will your students gain by participating in your project?
One of the keys to a successful grant proposal involves measuring whether your project has met its purpose. In other words, how will you show the funder that once completed, your project has met the needs of your students? You use quantitative data to show student learning has occurred. Assuming the student learning results are positive, a funder will see its investment in your project has made a difference and influence the funder to support your project further with additional funds.
Professional development ensures academic growth for your students and prepares you for new project challenges. It expands your skill set, builds your “teacher toolkit,” and keeps you updated on student learning through experiential, collaborative, and ongoing opportunities.
A timeline is crucial for your project proposal. It shows the chronological order of essential student-centered activities (e.g., field trips, hands-on learning) and management-centered tasks (e.g., equipment setup, curriculum preparation) will occur. Presenting your plan step-by-step demonstrates thorough preparation to the funder.
The management plan of your proposal outlines the organization and execution of your project. It details team roles, responsibilities, and processes for monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes. The plan also demonstrates to funders a structured approach that ensures effective resource use and objective achievement.
QUESTION 62. Who will be on your project leadership team? (For example, yourself, your principal, administrative staff, etc.)
QUESTION 63. Who will manage the budget (fiscal aspect) for your project?
Identifying what you need to purchase is a key part of your proposal. Start by listing the essential budget items required for your project’s success, which should give you a clear idea of your overall budget before you provide detailed costs in your completed grant application.
Be specific, about the equipment, materials, training, or other services you need to solve your problem.
