While it is quite true that a well written grant application invokes empathy in its reviewer, EdSmart believes that grant writing is more than simply compelling rhetoric that might convince a reviewer to fund your program. Funding acquisition is a complex process of introspection, analysis, and choice that defines the issues, explores solutions, examines data and trends, and then provides the appropriate funding source with data-driven reasons for funding your program.

With the authorization of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), more emphasis is placed on defining solutions than on describing the needs. Nearly every district in America has comparable problems, so only a well-defined, aggressive solution to the problem is a viable approach to grant application. Solutions must be research-based, reproducible, data driven, and implemented by highly qualified personnel. The grant application is the only opportunity your district will have to demonstrate that your solution deserves funding over another applicant. Additionally, states, districts, and schools are being held more accountable for the programs funded. They must identify objectives and benchmarks that are hard-hitting, achievable, and based on an analysis of academic, fiscal, administrative, and community data. The result is less a rhetorical plea for funds, and more a detailed action plan to deal with a specific problem; one to which the administration can be held accountable.

To that end, EdSmart’s grant application process includes the direct participation of all stakeholders: staff, administration, governance, community, students, and parents. Grants may be identified to fund existing or proposed solutions to problems. Conversely, they may be created to satisfy specific grant requirements. For example: CSRD grants require that a research-based program, which is not currently being implemented at that site, be selected as part of the grant writing process. Alternative funding sources and supplemental sources must also be identified. This entails researching solutions to the issue for a known funding source.

Alternately, the district may have an existing after-school program that is in need of funding for expansion or continuance. In this scenario, EdSmart would research all federal, state, and other funding sources to locate and apply for funds.