The Grant Writing Process - Understanding Your Program

Once you have compiled the information for your school, you're going to want to create a guide to the type of program you're hoping to implement. Knowing your program is one of the most important factors that could determine whether or not you receive a grant.

I suggest writing out in full detail each of these sections so that you can have the information, as well as the precise wording, on hand when it comes time to begin writing letters of intent or grant proposals.

Make sure you take the tone that this program will happen.

• Program Description: This needs to be the professional mission statement of your program, what gets people interested and makes students and their families want to participate. Use buzzwords like "free programming" or "low income," rather than jargon like "Title 1."
• Team: Who is going to help you put this program on? You're going to need support. List your governing board and their roles. You'll need facilities support, curriculum and grant management, and more.
• Goals, Projected impact: Your goals need to be concrete and measurable - 50% more students reading at grade level, 2 extra hours of arts education, etc. If your goals are for programs with less measurable goals, think of a way to "monetize it."
• Rationale for Program Method: Why is your program being implemented this way, rather than another? Why is it beneficial for your program to take place in a school setting (if you're in competition with a large number of regular nonprofits)?
• Track Record of Success: What other goals have you set in the past and reached? Do you have a good record of success with dropouts, or bilingual students, or teen mothers? What do you do well? Translate it into the success of this program.
• Budget: Not only should you have a breakdown of where the money will go, but you should also have some income for the program aside from this single grant maker.  Whether that income comes from other grants you're waiting to heard back from or the district or parent donations, let the grant maker know that they are not the only ones who are going to make this program happen.

I heard last week at a grant writing session that it doesn't take good writers to win a grant, but it takes true passion for your organization and your program. I think this is completely true. If you truly believe that the program you're hoping to implement is going to make a real difference in the lives of your students, make sure your passion comes through in your descriptions.