How can teachers find private funding for classroom equipment? Most foundations require that elementary or secondary school requests are sent on official school letterhead or coodinated through the school district. Investigate whether your county school district has hired a fundraiser or grantwriter to coordinate proposal submissions. Remember that a competitive proposal normally requires much more than a quick request for a single piece of equipment. Be prepared to build your case by describing new curriculum, demographics of your student population, measureable objectives, realistic learning outcomes, matching funds, and community partnerships. For an example of the type of planning required, look at the guidelines for the AOL Foundation's Interactive Education Initiative.
http://www.aolfoundation.org/grants/iei.htmlA few companies sponsor contests for teachers with cash or equipment prizes. You might periodically check this web site for leads:
http://www.techlearning.com/grants.shtmlSometimes the easiest route to equipment is by asking local retailers, civic organizations, or corporate offices. For example, local branch managers of banks can often approve contributions up to about $1,000 without much delay. You might be able to obtain a surplus slightly-outdated projection system from a local community college or university. Members of the Parent-Teacher's Association (PTA) might have connections through their employers. How can I find grants to create a new nonprofit organization? Although foundations frequently give seed money for new projects, they rarely fund the start-up of entire organizations and generally prefer supporting established nonprofits with proven track records and demonstrated fiscal responsibility. Collaborative work between multiple organizations is valued, so consider approaching an established organization to sponsor your envisioned project. Each funder has different priorities. Generally, funded projects provide unique services, address urgent needs, and show a history of effectiveness. Do your homework. Most public libraries and university libraries carry books on philanthropy, nonprofit management, fundraising, and grantwriting. The following web sites might also help with a starting place.
http://nonprofit.about.com/business/nonprofit/msubstart.htm
http://fdncenter.org/
http://fdncenter.org/onlib/orient/intro1.html
http://www.grass-roots.org/
http://www.getinvolved.net/What workshops can I take to learn more about grantsmanship or fundraising? PNN Online Classes: The Philanthropy News Network and Educational Funding Strategies recently began offering distance learning classes in grantsmanship, nonprofit boards, Internet research, fundraising and proposal writing.
http://www.pj.org/pnnu/overview.cfmCenter for Nonprofit Management: Based in Southern California. Offers such classes as "Building and Maintaining an Effective Board of Directors," "Three-Day Proposal Writing Workshop," and "How to Raise Money from Dead People, Endowment Funds & Estate Planning Made Simple."
http://www.cnmsocal.org/Management Center of Northern California: Sponsors workshops such as "Executive Director 101" and the "Nonprofits and the Press" conference. Personnel isssues, employee compensation, and liability insurance are often featured.
http://www.tmcenter.org/Which books are the most helpful for beginning grantwriters? Check with your local public library first to find classic grantwriting titles. The following books are worth purchasing for a home or nonprofit collection. Program Planning & Proposal Writing, by Norton J. Kiritz. Step-by-step guide to proposal writing. Includes specific examples of what causes a grant proposal to succeed or fail. Published by The Grantsmanship Center; 48 pages; $4 plus $3 postage and handling. (800) 421-9512
http://www.tgci.comThe Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing, by Jane C. Geever and Patricia McNeill. Includes advice from grant makers and sample proposals. Published by The Foundation Center; 191 pages; $34.95 plus $4.50 postage and handling; (800) 424-9836.
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