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	Proposal Writing and Grantsmanship for Teachers This site was used for a presentation to the NSF EMPOWER program teachers at the summer workshop, June, 1999. The presenter was Dr. David Haase, EMPOWER project co-principal investigator. Sometimes you want to do something in your classroom for which you do not have the resources (equipment, time, assistance, money, supplies) to do. What are your alternatives? "I know! We will write a proposal and get a BIG grant!" What do you really want to do? Is this it? Proposal Writing and Administering a Grant Funded Process is Only a Means to an End What do you really want to do? What is your vision? Is an external grant the only way you can get there? Are you willing to pay the costs? Will it be more trouble than it is worth? What is in it for you? As a person, as a teacher, as a teacher-leader? What Do People Ask For? Equipment Training time or trips Field Trips Awards for Students Supplies for special projects especially student projects Trips to student competitions, science fairs, etc. ???????? The Proposal-Grant-Program Process An Idea Finding a Funder Preparing a Program to Propose Authoring and Submitting a Proposal Waiting Funding Decision - Yes, now we have to do the work No, try again soon, resubmit, never give up. Preparing the Program Administering the Program Reporting the Program Outline for a Proposal Need What is the need for this project? Why do you think you have a solution to the problem? Is this an important problem that will meet concerns that are important to the funder? Proposed Project What will you do? Who will do it? Is it feasible? What is the time line of activity? Evaluation How will you document whether the project met its goals? Formative and summative evaluations. Budget and Budget Explanation *Follow the format of the funder's RFP!* Tips for Writing a Proposal Write what the funder wants to read. Put yourself in the shoes of the funder and the reviewers. Read the Request for Proposals very carefully Call up the funder for clarifications Use appropriate language Format, grammar, etc., must be perfect Write as if the proposal is important to you Letters of support and commitment are important Get an outside reader to help you Examples of organizations that fund teacher-written proposals Toyota Tapestry Grants Local Eisenhower programs Chambers of Commerce, local businesses Additional References The most consistently useful listing of grant opportunities is the newspaper of the National Science Teachers Association. Other websites that may list proposal opportunities The National Science Teachers Association The American Association of Physics Teachers The National Association of Biology Teachers Federal Resources for Education Excellence (FREE) Department of Education National Science Foundation Department of Education Technology Grants North Carolina Science Teachers Association Program Administration We have the money, now we have to do the work! Plan early and often Follow the proposal time line and evaluation protocol Maintain good contact with the funder Publicize your success. A photo is worth a thousand words. Share your success - give credit where credit is due. Write a solid and interesting final report. Documented results are important for further proposals and programs.

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