Deb Ward's Column

1-10 of 22

  • GAO calls for enhancements to Grants.gov system
    Fri, Sep 04, 2009    Primary Topic Channel:  Funding Strategies
    Readers who have used Grants.gov to submit federal grant applications and who have experienced difficulties might find some comfort in a report that was released in July. The report, titled "Grants.gov Has Systemic Weaknesses that Require Attention," was based on a study conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2008 and 2009. The GAO surveyed federal agencies that use the Grants.gov system and came up with several recommendations for improving the system. [ Read More ]

  • Allow plenty of time for writing federal grant proposals
    Mon, Jun 01, 2009    Primary Topic Channel:  Funding
    One question I'm frequently asked during my grant-writing workshops is, "Just how long does it take to write a federal grant proposal?" My response is usually 60 to 90 days, depending on the grant guidance. This response frequently results in shock and surprise from people who have never written a federal proposal before. Key words: federal education grant, education grant proposal, education technology funding, education technology grant, technology grant, education grant [ Read More ]

  • Six tips for securing federal stimulus money for your schools
    Fri, May 08, 2009    Primary Topic Channel:  Funding
    The passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has provided unprecedented levels of federal funding for education, and it has prompted most grant writers across the country (from all disciplines, not just education) to prepare themselves for a deluge of funding announcements--many of which will require quick turnaround times for proposals. [ Read More ]

  • Six ways to ensure successful collaboration on grant projects
    Fri, Apr 03, 2009    Primary Topic Channel:  Funding
    Collaboration is a common occurrence in grantsmanship today. Even when funders do not require it, many applicants find that in order to carry out a project successfully, they need the expertise and resources that others can provide. For example, a technology vendor or university researcher might be helpful in planning and carrying out an assessment of your grant project. In fact, some funders require specific types of collaborative partners for a grant-funded project. [ Read More ]

  • Five simple steps to getting started in grant seeking
    Wed, Oct 01, 2008    Primary Topic Channel:  Funding Strategies
    Across the country, schools are feeling the pain of steep budget cuts; now, more than ever, it makes sense for schools that haven't had a clear grant-seeking strategy to adopt one to help keep valuable instructional programs afloat--and even implement new projects. [ Read More ]

  • Grantsmanship is about more than raising funds
    Mon, Sep 01, 2008    Primary Topic Channel:  Funding Strategies
    I have heard many grant writers express frustration about their district's or organization's lack of knowledge about the grantsmanship process. These frustrations typically stem from working with people who don't really understand the purpose of grants and expect funders to reimburse their district for money they've already spent to start a project. Or, they don't have a project in mind but would like to apply for a grant in spite of this, assuming they can fill in the "small details" of a project once they've received funding. Or, they don't believe in partnering with others outside their district, because it will result in a lack of control over the project. [ Read More ]

  • Want to apply for funding? It's going to cost you
    Fri, Aug 01, 2008    Primary Topic Channel:  Funding Strategies
    A colleague who writes research grants recently brought something to my attention that totally surprised me. I have been in the grants field for more than 10 years, and I have to say, this is the first time I have ever seen this on a funder's web site. I even did a Google search to see if any other funders were doing this, but I couldn't find any. So, what is this mysterious development? Would you believe...charging an application fee for submitting a grant? [ Read More ]

  • Seven strategies for beating grant deadlines
    Thu, Jul 03, 2008    Primary Topic Channel: 
    I recently spent some time working on a federal grant proposal that obviously could not be completed by one person in a four-week time period. I was reminded once again of the complexities of federal grants, and why it's important to leave plenty of time to work on a proposal. [ Read More ]

 

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