After 8 years of teaching, I finally took the plunge into grant writing. I was always overwhelmed by the process and didn't feel like I had the time for ONE. MORE. THING.
I made the decision to grow my classroom library and grants seemed like the best way to get the amount of money I needed to get my shelves where I wanted them. Begrudgingly, I started the process and I'm so glad I did because it literally paid off.
In the past three years, I have received over $6,500 in grants to fund my classroom library.
So, where do you begin?
1. START BY LOOKING LOCALLY
Your district may or may not have a grant coordinator. They would be your first point person to see if anything is offered specifically to your district. After checking there, see if any bigger cities near you offer reading grants.
I would also:
Check with your school’s PTA/PTO to see what they may offer
Reach out to your public library about community-based grants
Consult your state’s Department of Education website
If you live in the Cincinnati area, this Learning Links Grant has awarded me $1,250 each year I've applied.
2. CONSIDER THESE TRIED AND TRUE GRANTS
If the local route doesn't work, here are some that have proven successful:
Dollar General Literacy Foundation (I received $3,000 this year!)
There are so many out there, but you will need to pick and choose the ones that work best for you.
3. CREATE A DEADLINE CALENDAR
You will not get chosen if you miss a deadline, so make sure that you choose ones that you know you want to take advantage of and set reminders in your phone. Things usually take longer than expected so start early!
4. OPEN A GOOGLE DOC (OR EQUIVALENT)
Most grants ask for the same information, so I put all of my writing into a document that I can easily pull information from. Here is some of the information to think through:
Name your project
Demographics of your students by quantity, race, special needs, etc. (I always find this info here!)
Needs & Budget (some ask for itemized list of books; some do not)
Identify the problem in your classroom (you need all the books), but WHY?
How is literacy within your district, community, etc.?
Specifically explain how the grant can be a solution to your problem
How will you measure success--are there literacy markers you are trying to meet? (I generally give a pre and post reading assessment)
Tax codes and school ID (be prepared to email or call someone within your district)
Send any questions you run into to us, and we would be happy to answer!
5. BE PATIENT
Much of the time, the longest part is waiting and anticipating if you received your requested grant. They don't always work out, so be prepared for that. Also, don't be afraid to ask for feedback as to why you weren't chosen--whatd'ya have to lose at this point?
And you can always look here for some steeply discounted books...
If you work in a district that offers Title 1, you qualify to purchase from First Book Marketplace. This online book shop has been a godsend for our classroom library. At times, we do make a purchase (most titles are at least 50% off market value), but just as often, First Book sends a coupon code for totally free books!
We recommend always keeping a cart stocked because the coupons move fast!
If you haven't signed up for First Book, leave this blog and sign up now...seriously.
Once you get books for your classroom library, utilize our book label freebie for easy set-up. Click here to see how we use the labels in our own classrooms.
Check out our store for helpful resources to get your through the school year!
Stay weird,
~Brittany
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