 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Before you get started...
- Assess the needs of the community you seek to serve
- Evaluate the talents of your organization
- Identify a grant that will enable you to better serve your targeted community
- Determine whether or not your organization meets the eligibility requirements
- Read: Grantmaking at ED (http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/about/grantmaking/index.html)
- Find out from the grant program office when the grant competition will begin; ask for a copy of the grant application package; and ask for a copy of a successful grant application submitted in the last competition
Completing the application...
- Be detailed, clear and concise
- Address selection criteria in the order it was listed in the competition notice
- Adhere to page limits
- Utilize charts, graphs and maps where appropriate
- Make sure the budgeted items are:
- Allowable—either permitted or not specifically prohibited
- Allocable—necessary for project success
- Reasonable—cost that would be incurred by "prudent" person in comparable circumstance
- Identify needed personnel:
- Purpose, duties and qualifications of each position
- Resumes if staff is in place
- Compensation and percent of time for each position
- Include expenses for:
- Justifiable travel
- Lease or purchase of necessary equipment and supplies
- Site modification (Construction is usually not allowable; however, minor remodeling is OK with approval of program officer.)
Important reminders...
- Plan ahead—grant applications typically must be submitted 45 days after the application is made available
- Follow application directions carefully
- Thoroughly review application before submitting
- Remember to include the required signed certifications and assurances
- Request a copy of your reviewers' comments
- When in doubt, call the program officer listed for the grant