SFC- December 29, 2005 Newsletter

SCHOOL FUNDING NEWSLETTER

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Contents
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Top Grant-writing Manual in the Nation
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SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL GRANTS is a step-by-step grant-writing manual for both new and experienced grant writers. The author, Dr. Deborah Porter, is one of the most successful grant writers in the United States. More than 90% of the grants she writes are funded each year. You need this manual, $38.00 total cost, including shipping.

http://www.schoolfundingcenter.info/jump.asp

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Quote of the Month
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Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream, which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.
--- John F. Kennedy

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Editorial
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There's been much talk lately about how we are to refer to the holidays. Is it OK to keep "Christ" in Christmas? What about people who celebrate Kwanzaa? Or Hanukkah? No matter what you call these holidays, the issue boils down to one
thing: We live in a diverse nation.

Would you agree that one's ability to function effectively in a diverse community makes for a more well-rounded individual?
I would have to say it does. And education, no matter how diverse the setting in which it's utilized, plays a vital role in helping to mold a well-rounded individual.

As educators, you may agree that tending to a diverse student body presents many challenges. Not every student is cut from the same cloth, and some require more attention than others.
Where one child will benefit from technological learning, another may not. Your common goal is to educate. But the means in which you educate must take each student's capacity for learning into consideration.

The School Funding Center has a diverse collection of grants that serves all kinds of students; those in public school or private school, at-risk to migrant. In addition, the grants fund all types of programs, from reading to math to technology.

Searching for the best possible funding for your school takes time. But the search will be well worth the effort when the funding you receive is used to govern the diversity, turning it into a population that is working toward one common goal: the acquisition of knowledge.

Take some time to apply for a grant today.

Jennifer Kellar Erwin
erwin03@carolina.rr.com

For a full list of available grants (110,000), go to:
http://www.schoolfundingcenter.info

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Feature Article
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What Exactly Is A Letter Of Inquiry?
by Jennifer Kellar Erwin

In past issues, I've written about certain aspects of grant writing to give you a clearer picture about terminology that is often used in the wide world of grants.

You may have heard about the Letter of Inquiry, which is, in most cases, considered the preferred form of initial contact between you, the grant seeker, and the organization from which you seek funding, or the grantor.

Remember when your mother told you that you only get one chance to make a first impression? A Letter of Inquiry is just that: your chance to make an impression on the grantor, and to give him or her a glimpse into the program for which you seek funding. And because this is your initial contact, you can surely understand how important it is, especially if you are expecting a monetary gift in return.

Most Letters of Inquiry are requested from the grantor before the receipt of your completed proposal; typically, these letters should be no more than 2 or 3 pages in length, although some organizations require just a one-page letter. While the letter should be as clear and concise as possible, it also should give enough detail about your project and why you are requesting funding from that particular organization.

Your Letter of Inquiry should include the following:

Introduction: This part should include the name of your organization, the exact amount you are requesting and a description of your project. Try to limit the introduction to one paragraph.

Description of your organization: It's important to include in this section why your organization can meet the goals it has set for itself with the sought funding. What is currently being done to accomplish your goals? What do you hope to accomplish if funding is awarded? Be sure to include this information as well.

Statement of need: This is the section where you must convince the grantor your project or program deserves the funding it seeks.
Does this program serve a certain population of students? Is your school located in an at-risk community? Sometimes, geographical components are important to include.

"The Game Plan": This is usually called the methodology section, or the "meat" of the letter, where you should describe, in a bit more detail, the project, who will staff it, and so on.
Do you have a vision? What are your objectives? List them here.

Other key players: Have you approached other resources for additional funding? Did your school system fall short when it budgeted for the project and lacks just $15,000 to put it into motion? In this instance, it would be important to let the organization know that you aren't relying solely on them for the total amount needed.

Summary: Wrap it up! Let the funder know you will be available to answer any questions he or she may have. Also, thank him or her for considering your project.

Of course, with a little research on The School Funding Center site, you'll find whether or not the grantor requires a Letter of Inquiry before receiving your completed proposal. So, happy searching and good luck!

The School Funding Center's database at http://www.schoolfundingcenter.info
will help you match your needs to the grants that are available. We include live links to e-mail and Web sites of
granting organizations whenever available.
Usually address, phone, and/or fax is included.

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Tips
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1. Apply for your first grant in January; the sooner the better.
2. Don't work alone the first time; find a partner.
3. Find a simple application to begin. Often foundations
make it easier to apply for their grants.
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Our database is filled with every state, federal, and foundation grant available to your school. You have absolutely no need to buy any other product. We already monitor over 4,000 sources to compile our grant information.

We have grants for universities, colleges, K-12, and pre-K.

We have grants for public, charter, private, and faith- based schools.

Our database contains over 110,000 grants worth over
$6.5 billion.

To do a free search, go to:
http://www.schoolfundingcenter.info

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School Grant-writing Manual
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SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL GRANTS is a step-by-step grant-writing manual for both new and experienced grant writers. The author, Dr. Deborah Porter, is one of the most successful grant writers in the United States. You need this manual, $38.00 total cost, including shipping.

3 ways to order:

Phone: 1-877-856-7400 with credit card
Fax: 1-903-856-5272 (signed purchase order)
On-line: http://www.schoolfundingcenter.info/jump.asp

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Q & A
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Q. Should I let a colleague who didn't help prepare the proposal read over it before I send it to the grantor?

A. The more eyes on the proposal the better! Sure, there is reason to take pride in your work, but now isn't the time to be territorial. Having someone that had nothing to do with the proposal's preparation is a great way to get a unbiased opinion. This person could very well suggest an idea you failed to include, or an alternative that may better suit your program's need. Be open to suggestions! In addition, he or she may catch that typographical error you overlooked.
You should gladly accept the extra help to ensure the proposal's accuracy and clarity.

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Grant Announcements
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Grant name: Coming Up Taller Awards

Funded by: President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities

Description: The Coming Up Taller Awards recognize and reward outstanding after-school and out-of-school arts and humanities programs for underserved children and youth. These awards focus national attention on exemplary programs currently fostering the creative and intellectual development of America's children and youth through education and practical experience in the arts and the humanities.

Program areas: After-school, arts, at-risk/character, social studies, all other

Recipients: Public school, private/charter school, higher education, faith-based, other

Proposal deadline: 1/30/2006

Average amount: Up to $10,000

Web site: http://www.cominguptaller.org/

Availability: All states

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Our database is filled with every state, federal, and foundation grant available to your school. You have absolutely no need to buy any other product. We already monitor over 4,000 sources to compile our grant information.

We have grants for universities, colleges, K-12, and pre-K.

We have grants for public, charter, private, and faith- based schools.

Our database contains over 110,000 grants worth over
$6.5 billion.

To order, go to: http://www.schoolfundingcenter.info/jump.asp

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Grant name: Toyota Tapestry Grant Program

Funded by: Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. and the National Science Teachers Association

Description: The awards will focus on three areas. The Environmental Science Education category funds projects that emphasize the efficient use of natural resources and protection of the environment. The Physical Science Applications category includes projects that relate the laws, principles, and concepts of science (physics and chemistry) to phenomena and events relevant to students' lives. Unique ways of applying science to technology and making physical science more accessible to students are encouraged. The Literacy and Science Education category will focus on the development of literacy skills in the context of science teaching and learning.

Program areas: Science/environmental, technology

Recipients: Public school, private/charter school

Deadline: 1/19/2006

Average amount: $2,500 to $10,000

Website: http://www.nsta.org/programs/tapestry/program.htm

Availability: All states

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Grant name: NCRR Science Education Partnership Award

Funded by: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Description: The National Center for Research Resources
(NCRR) invites applications for the Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA) program whose goals are to foster the development of novel programs to improve the understanding of the clinical trial process and NIH-funded health science advances by K-12 students, teachers and the general public.

Program areas: Health/PE, science/environmental

Recipients: Higher education

Proposal deadline: 1/27/2006

Total amount: $3 million

Contact person: Ms. Leslie Le

Telephone: 301-435-0856

E-mail: leleslie@mail.nih.gov

Website:
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=3322

Availability: All states

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Grant name: Personnel Preparation to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities--Center on High Quality Personnel in Inclusive Preschool Settings

Funded by: U.S. Department of Education

Description: The purposes of this program are to (1) help address State-identified needs for highly qualified personnel -- in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education -- to work with infants or toddlers with disabilities, or children with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the skills and knowledge -- derived from practices that have been determined through research and experience to be successful -- that are needed to serve those children.

Program areas: Disabilities, early childhood, professional development

Recipients: Higher education

Deadline: 1/30/2006

Total amount: $500,000

Contact person: Beth Caron

Telephone: 202-245-7293

Web site: http://fedgrants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=2287

Availability: All states

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Feedback
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Don Peek
dpeek@schoolfundingcenter.com

I look forward to hearing from you.

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General Info
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School Funding Newsletter, Copyright 2005, Don Peek, except where indicated otherwise.
All rights reserved worldwide. Reprint only with permission from copyright holder(s). All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Advertisers are solely responsible for ad content.

This e-zine may be accessed online at:
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To contact us with feedback, questions or praise, send e-mail to: dpeek@schoolfundingcenter.com, or write to:

The School Funding Center
449 Rusk St.
Pittsburg, TX 75686

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