2. These rules are generally followed
throughout the funding world.

3.  Vision for improvement (problem statement)
 Plan of action (project goals and objectives)
 Request for funding (budget)
 Commitment (evaluation)

4.  Read (and reread) the grant guidelines carefully
before beginning to write out your proposal. The
more specifically your project can address the
requirements of the grant, the more likely you will
be to receive funding.
 Return to the grant guidelines throughout the
writing process, and again before submission.

5.  Grant criteria (do you
 Due date and your school meet the
requirements to be
 Number of pages funded?)
 Appendix or no appendix  Budget guidelines
 Number of copies for  What are the funding
submission goals for the granting
individual or
 Information required organization? What is
the individual or
organization’s mission?

6.  The problem statement explains the reason for your request to
the funding organization. It identifies a problem and describes
the ways in which you aim to address it through your project.
 The problem statement should prove that you have a thorough
understanding of the issue, and that the issue can be improved
by the implementation of your proposed plan within the time-
frame of the granting organization.
 Helpful links and examples:
◦ http://www.policegrantshelp.com/Columnists/grants-101/articles/1887996-Building-blocks-
of-your-grant-proposal-The-problem-statement/
◦ http://www.ehow.com/how_6042320_write-problem-statement-needs-assessment.html
◦ http://www.mscd.edu/~act2/grant2/problem.html

7.  “Project Goals” are general statements of purpose for
what you are attempting to accomplish.
 “Project Objectives” are specific and measurable, and
will allow you to quantify the results of your project.
YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO CLEARLY ARTICULATE
THESE CONCEPTS. IF YOU CANNOT, YOUR
GRANT IS UNLIKELY TO BE STRONG ENOUGH TO
BE FUNDED.

8. Remember, funders are
INVESTING in your idea!

9.  Your budget is one of the most important sections
of the grant.
 Funders need to see that you have a specific plan
for the entire amount of money requested, that the
entire sum is necessary for meeting your project
objectives, and that you will be a responsible
steward of their investment.

10.  “In-kind” items are items that are not considered by their
cash value. The donation of time, services, facilities, or
equipment would be considered “in-kind.”
 “Line-item” refers to pricing each individual element of
your budget. (For example, if you request money to buy
science supplies for your classroom, a line-item budget
would list each piece of equipment and it’s cost rather than
simply saying “science supplies, $500.00.)
 All budgets should include in-kind items and be in line-
item form, unless otherwise directed. Budgets should also
include information on monies or donations coming from
other sources but going to the same project.

11. Show your funders that you will
be able to prove their investment
was well spent!

12.  Clearly explain your evaluation methods in the
grant submission.
 Include the following:
◦ What data will you collect for study at the completion of
the project?
◦ What instruments and methods will be used for analysis?
◦ Who will do the evaluation?
◦ How will you define success?

13. Funders are usually happy
to help – after all, they
want to receive the best
possible grant that you can
write!

15.  Excellence in Education (EIE)
◦ The EIE grant is made available at the beginning of the school
year and is due in mid-September. Up to $500.00 is awarded
for individual grants, and up to $1,000.00 for collaborative
grants (those involving multiple classrooms, grade levels, or
schools).
◦ Projects are intended to be completed during the school year in
which they are written.
◦ EIE grants are designed for use in classroom enrichment. An
EIE application and examples of projects that PEF has funded
through EIE grants in the past can be found here:
http://www.pefevansville.org/grants/grants.php

16.  Students for Sustainability by Vectren
◦ The SFS grant is made available at the beginning of the
school year and is due in mid-September. Up to $500.00
is awarded for individual grants, and up to $2,500.00 for
collaborative grants (those involving multiple
classrooms, grade levels, or schools).
◦ Projects should increase classroom learning in the fields
of energy conservation and environmental stewardship.
Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate the
ability to sustain themselves beyond a single year.

17.  Rotary/PEF/Love Foundation grants
◦ Applications become available after winter recess, and
are due in early February. Up to $750.00 is awarded for
individual grants, and $2,500.00 for collaborative
projects.
◦ Projects are intended to be implemented the following
school year from when the grants are written.
◦ Rotary/PEF/Love Foundation grants are also intended
for classroom enrichment, examples of which, along with
a copy of the application, can be found here:
http://www.pefevansville.org/grants/grants.php

18.  TJ Maxx Teacher Study Grants
◦ Applications are made available the first of April, and are
due mid-to-late April. Teachers can be awarded up to
$500.00 for professional development that will increase
their knowledge base to benefit their classrooms.
Teachers may also apply for funds to hold local seminars
benefiting a large number of teachers. There is no limit
on the amount of money that may be requested in this
type of grant.
◦ Examples of TJ Maxx Grants and applications may be
found here:
http://www.pefevansville.org/grants/grants.php

19.  Priority is give to grants  Priority is given to
that impact a larger projects that can be
number of students continued in future
(remember, funders are years without the need
looking at return on for repeat funding.
investment).
 Priority is given to
 Priority is given to grants that are creative
projects that can be in their approach to
effectively evaluated at addressing the problem
their completion. or situation.

20.  they ask for materials or  the grant DOES NOT
equipment not directly related FOLLOW grant guidelines.
to the project.
 the project is one that has been
 they include compensation for previously funded by PEF.
teachers, staff, or substitute
teachers.  the grant has spelling,
grammar or math errors.
 they ask for materials or
supplies usually provided by
the EVSC.

21.  PEF grant recipients will receive their funds only
after signing a Grant Funds Agreement. This
Agreement ensures that all parties are aware of
expectations for the project and those involved
with implementing it.

22.  Read the Guidelines
 Follow the Directions
 Proofread
 Be Clear in Your Project Proposal
 Be EXTRA Clear in Your Budget
 Explain How You Will Show Your Success
 Feel Comfortable Being in a Dialogue with the Funding
Organization Throughout the Process