How to Write & Submit a Grant

GRANT PROPOSALS

Grant proposals are completed completely online.

Click here for a link to the application site.

Here are detailed instructions about the application process and the steps that should be followed when applying for grants.

Applications should convey a vision for the project, but should be as concise and to the point as possible. References to state or national teaching and learning standards should only be cited if they are explicitly related to your project. Grant proposals that are directly linked to district or building goals are strongly encouraged!

LTEF will consider providing funds for the following:

• Classroom materials and projects that are not possible within the school district's budget

• Tools/equipment that are not possible within the school district's budget

• Special programming: visiting artists, assembly programs, and field trips, especially if longer-term impact is anticipated

• Shipping & handling and installation costs

• Professional development in support of proposed projects to ensure the project's successful implementation

• Professional development that will enhance classroom instruction

LTEF does not Fund the Following:

• Tools/equipment that should be provided for in the school budget, standard classroom supplies, or maintenance and facilities costs

• Refreshments, unless they are central to the project

• Travel expenses for district employees

• Salaries or stipends for district employees or substitute teachers

THE GRANT WRITING PROCESS

Here is an outline of the form that you will be required to complete. The first part of the process will ask you to complete a LOI (Letter of Intent) that will be sent to your principal. Once it is approved you will be asked to complete the application. All that is required in that step is to upload your grant budget and supporting documentation.

1. Project Overview: The project name should be concise and descriptive of the project. It should not simply be a "sound bite" with little substance. "Using Dr. Seuss Books to Assist the Developing Reader" is better than "Dr. Seuss comes to Lawrence Township Public Schools."

2. Project Leader and Participants: Include names of ALL individuals, title(s), and school(s) involved. For projects involving more than one teacher, designate one project leader. The project leader will be responsible for implementing the project and will be the primary contact person for LTEF.

3.  Repeat Grants: Has this student program or project received full or partial funding from LTEF within the past 3 years?  Yes or No.

LTEF will consider funding projects that have already received funding from LTEF within the past 3 years.  To qualify, a completed outcomes report that was submitted to LTEF should be attached as an appendix.  If LTEF has not received the outcome report, LTEF cannot award repeat funding.  You can repurpose your original grant application for this application but you must provide a new and updated budget and highlight any significant changes from the original application.  It is suggested that you contact LTEF directly at info@ltefnj.org to find out if your project will qualify for repeat funding.  LTEF will not fund replenishment kits.

4. Project Details: The project description should be broken down into seven distinct elements to allow for clarity in review:

• Statement of need. Please describe or answer "What problem will this project address?"

• Project start and end dates Approximate dates are OK.

• Objective(s). Please articulate the objectives of your project given the defined statement of need.

• Plan for implementation. This section of the proposal allows you to provide details on activities and how you will go about implementing them. A general timeline is required.

• Student Participation. Include which students, and how many, will be served by the proposed project. One of the criteria for grant review is the breadth of a project thus it is important to be able to assess student participation accurately.

• Primary Curricular Area. Please indicate the PRIMARY area of curriculum that this grant proposal will benefit.

• Project evaluation. Please provide detail on how outcomes will be measured. Include details of the criteria, procedures, and data that would provide evidence of success for the project.

• Technology Approval. If your grant has strong needs for implementation by the LTPS technology department, please discuss your grant with them prior to applying.

5. Itemized Budget: The maximum amount of funding that can be requested in support of a grant is $10,000.  Provide an itemized list of expenses in an excel spreadsheet and upload once your LOI has been approved.  Please be clear when outlining what is to be funded by LTEF and what items are to be funded by the district (and/or other sources). Be sure that the need for budgeted items is explicitly evident in the project description required above.

6. Additional Documents: Please provide links to web site and photos to better describe your grant.  Feel free to include video links, testimonials and more to support your grant idea.

7. Terms of Agreement: As with many organizations, LTEF is bound to secure adequate funding to achieve its mission.  As a result, the LTEF engages in promotional activities and may solicit external funding for suitable grants. To this end, LTEF requires that all grant writers understand that their grants may be repurposed for outside funding requests and that every funded grant must include submission of a final outcomes report.