Keys to Successful Grant Writing Contact Information John F.

Kennedy Middle School

Finding a grant may be challenging. However, be- IT Department
ing prepared is the key to successful grant acqui- Bill Dornbush, Technology Director
sition. Follow these tips: 587-1317
bdornbusch@northampton-k12.us
• Have pre-written material ready that can be
adapted to the specifics of each particular Eric Gagne, Senior Network Systems Engineer
grant. This should include: 587-1371
An overview of the request egagne@northampton-k12.us
Statements addressing needs, goals,
and objectives Building Contacts
A well organized budget with costs Lesley Wilson, Principal
and explanations 587-1489, ext. 394
• Understand the specifics of the grant. Each lwilson@northampton-k12.us
grantor has specific guidelines and require-
ments. Follow them precisely.
John Kaczenski, Technology Department Chair A Teachers’ Guide
587-1489, ext. 106
• Appearance matters. A clear, professional Jkaczenski@northampton-k12.us to
cover letter and easy to follow content is impor-
tant. Remember, “Thank You”.
Teresa Habel, Technology Integration Specialist Technology Funding
587-1489, ext. 105
• Keep informed about funding opportunities. thabel@northampton-k12.us
Always be on the lookout and constantly keep
in touch when you do apply.
For more information on grant writing for teachers,
please visit:

http://712educators.about.com/od/grantwriting/
Grant_Writing.htm

http://www.middleschool.net/prodevlo/
grants.htm Source: Roblyer, M.D. (2006) Integrating Educational Tech-
nology Into Teaching, Prentice Hall, Columbus, OH.

©2008, John T. Crescitelli, Boise State University

John Crescitelli,
John F. Kennedy Middle School Educational Technologist

100 Bridge Road

Funding technology presents challenges Florence, MA 01062
that can be avoided with proper planning. 587-1489
jtcrescitelli@northampton-k12.us
Effective
Technology
Integration
When considering software and hardware
purchases for your JFK Middle School
classroom is it impor-
tant to thoroughly as-
sess technology needs
as they pertain to your
learners, the stan-
dards, and the vision
Proper integration is
essential to success. of the school system.
Use this guide to help.
Determining
Relative Advantage
To determine if your technology request
should be appropriated, consider the fol-
lowing questions:
1. What is the learning problem this
technology will address?
2. What are the specific technologies you
will use to address this problem?
3. Can you be specific about the advan-
tage of using this technology? What is
the technology meant to contribute?
4. Can you describe how technology is
helping a particular student?
5. Can you be specific about the assess-
ment of learning outcomes from using
this technology?
Technology can be expensive. Careful
consideration of actual need is essential.
Can you justify the cost in terms of time
and money to incorporate this technol-
ogy? “Is it worth it?”
Meeting the Standards Funding
Funding appropriations have to be approved by How are you planning to fund this technology
building principals in accordance with the School
Improvement Plan. Does your use of technology
request? Might it be small
enough to appropriate
address the standards and curriculum as they from your classroom
budget, or is this purchase
pertain to your school’s improvement plan?
more appropriate as a
system purchase?
District—School Considerations Classroom networks are all the
rage these days. Be prepared
You have done thorough research and feel that Local Grants
to run one in your classroom.
the use of this particular technology will best ad- • The JFK PTO
small grants up to $500
dress educational needs in your classroom. You
believe that this technology also addresses the http://jfkpto.northampton-k12.us/
school improvement plan. Now what? There is still • The Northampton Education Foundation
quite a bit to take into account. Consider the fol- grants up to $2000
lowing: http://www.northampton-edfoundation.org/
Software National Grants
1. Are you looking for a single site license for a • BestBuy Teacher Awards
grants up to $5000
classroom computer? Do you need the soft-
http://www.bestbuy.com/
ware for a computer lab or the entire school? community_relations/teach_awards.htm
This may require district planning and coordi-
• HP Teaching Technology Grant Initiative
nation, especially around
http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/grants/us/
funding.
programs/tech_teaching/index.html
2. How will this software
Grant Listings
be loaded and main-
tained? All computers in
• Massachusetts Department of Education
EdTech Grants
the Northampton schools
http://www.doe.mass.edu/edtech/grants.html
Wireless access has are locked for your safety.
revolutionized the classroom. Your IT staff will need to • US Department of Education Grant funding
resource site
load all software.
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/
Hardware technology/edgrants.html
1. What specific hardware are you considering? • Technology School Grants
(consider USB, external hardware only) http://www.technologygrantnews.com/grant-
index-by-type/school-grants.html
2. Is it compatible and upgradable with the
school computers? For more resources, see your IT specialist
3. Does this hardware require IT personnel to
install and maintain this hardware? Your IT
Speak to your IT professional and principal
prior to any software or hardware purchase.
staff will need to load all software associated
You must seek approval for all changes to the
with your hardware. computers in your classroom.