Tillie Harris, director of the Grant Training Center in Washington, D.C., offers these tips for getting the grant you want.
1. Tell a good story: Let donors know what problem you’re trying to solve and do so in an engaging way. Use hard data and testimonials to build your story.
2. Know the donor: Find a donor whose agenda matches your own. There are many to choose from; approach the ones who share your goals.
3. Fit the grant within the needs of your school: Help donors understand who you are, your mission and goals, and how funding assistance would enhance your professional development needs.
4. Have a good plan and design: Make your goals explicit. What are your intentions? How will you evaluate your program should you be funded? How is it going to help your beneficiaries?
5. Make it about your beneficiaries: Remember, funders do not care about what you need or want, but rather what your beneficiaries need and want. Ultimately, donors want to know how your professional development will help your students.
For more information on the Grant Training Center, visit its Web site: http://www.granttrainingcenter.com/