Looking for funds to make an innovative technology project possible? Seeking recognition for outstanding teachers or students in your district? Here's a sampling of some great opportunities.
Genieve Systems invites high school and post-secondary teachers to enter the Ching Ching for the Bling Bling contest. All you need to do is complete the online entry form, including a paragraph or two about how having the product XCLASS would benefit your school. One winner receives an XCLASS Standard multimedia classroom management system (60 station package) and $500 cash. Two additional winners each receive an XCLASS Standard package. The entry form is accessible at www.genieve.com/contest. The drawing will be held on May 30.
Each year, the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation funds grants to support projects and research designed to promote careers in graphic arts and communications. High school graphics arts and vocational education teachers may submit proposals for either full or mini-grants. Awards for full grants vary, and mini-grants are funded up to $2,500. The proposal guidelines and application forms are available at www.gaerf.org/grants/grant.html. The deadline for applications is May 30.
Members of the International Reading Association or one of its affiliated groups may apply for a Travel Grant for Educators. This grant program provides financial support to educators from any country to assist them in attending IRA-sponsored meetings that are held outside the awardees' continent. Grants may be applied to costs for meetings taking place between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006. Information is available at www.reading.org/association/awards/travel.html. The deadline for applications is June 1.
The United States Patent Model Foundation sponsors the Invent America! competition for K-8 students. Awards are made for each grade level: First Place, $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond and medal of honor; Second Place, $500 U.S. Savings Bond and award certificate; Third Place, $250 U.S. Savings Bond and award certificate; Honorable Mention (two for each grade level), $100 U.S. Savings Bond and award certificate. www.inventamerica.org. Entries are due June 15.
Four hundred public school teachers or paraprofessionals working with students in grades 1-12 will receive grants of $2,500 from the Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program, sponsored by Nike and Michael Jordan. These grants fund proposals describing lesson plans and thematic units that demonstrate instructional creativity and exemplify high learning standards for under-served students. Application materials are available at www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=26&item=community. The deadline for applications is June 15.
The Braitmayer Foundation offers education grants to programs that emphasize school reform and professional development for teachers. Grants range from $10,000 for smaller projects to $35,000 for larger projects. Letters of inquiry for larger projects are due by June 30. Selected applicants will be asked to submit full proposals by November 15. Proposals for smaller projects are due June 30th or November 15th. www.braitmayer foundation.org/guid.htm.
Tip of the Month
Getting the word on whether or not your proposal is funded isn't the final step in the grant writing process. Once you know the status, ask the grantor to provide the readers' comments. Reviewing the remarks provides valuable feedback for future writing. If the grant was not funded, use this information to identify its strengths and weaknesses. Then rewrite and submit it again. It's not unusual for a proposal to be approved the second time around.
Resource
Finding people to help you write a grant may be less challenging than keeping them organized and on track once you begin! Experienced grant writer Deborah Kluge offers a free Proposal Preparation Checklist on her Web site that may be just the ticket. Although designed with social science and USAID proposals in mind, Kluge encourages visitors to modify the checklist to meet individual requirements.
Visit http://techlearning.com/resources/grants.jhtml to search through the extensive database of grants and contests.
