Grant Writing Tips & Techniques

Helpful Hints

• PRINT
• EMAIL

Grant writing is a challenge for both novice and experienced writers. Grants are highly competitive, and rejection is disappointing. To avoid undue stress, realize that your proposal may be funded or it may not. A grant proposal is similar to a personal résumé; you have only one chance to make a good impression and grab the reviewers' attention. Here are some helpful hints to ensure that your proposal is effective and competitive.

• If you do not qualify, do not apply!
• Start early, plan ahead, and allow plenty of time for writing, revising, and editing.
• FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS! Carefully read the RFA/RFP to ensure that you include all of the required information and forms.
• Disaggregate student achievement data and identify your needs.
• Write concisely and in the active voice.
• Write to communicate, not to impress.
• Write, rewrite, and then ask an objective reader to comment and edit.
• Use a simple document design--Times New Roman or Arial, 10- or 12-point font.
• Remember that a deadline is a deadline. Send or deliver your proposal prior to the deadline.
• If your proposal is not funded, be sure to request copies of the reviewers' comments and use them to improve the proposal before the next submission.
• Be persistent. Consider the applications that are not funded as valuable practice and choose to learn from the experience.

Postings
Describes the READ 180 All-Star Awards, announces the National Teacher of the Year, introduces a new tool for teaching writing, provides funding information, and more.

Creating Effective Writing Assignments
Writing is often assigned, but if students are to master this complex craft, it must be taught. The first step is creating an effective and purposeful writing task. Learn how from author Jim Burke.

Grammar Cop
Tasha is writing a letter to some aliens, but she needs help with homophones.

LESSON PLAN	Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales for Grades 4-6 Students learn folktale, folklore, and myth genres.
UNIT PLAN	Different Ways We Celebrate Students explore the concept of tradition by using graphic organizers and responding to writing prompts about holiday customs. Also, students...
ONLINE ACTIVITY	Writing Biographies with Writers Learn how to research and write a biographical sketch! Great writing strategies and warm up exercises to help you get published on our site!...