GRANTS FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE EDUCATION: WHERE TO LOOK AND HOW TO WIN Second edition. Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education Editorial Staff: Writer: Gary Allen Editorial Advisor: Vera Faulkner Editor and Text Design: Monica Sharpe Editorial Assistance: Judy Coleman (C) March 1994. Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education - Reprinted with permission TABLE OF CONTENTS GRANTS: WHERE TO LOOK AND HOW TO WIN Introduction Grantseeking Tips Selected Non-Federal Grant Opportunities Where to Find Grant Opportunities Federal Grants: U.S. Department of Education Eisenhower National Clearinghouse and Eisenhower Regional Consortia Eisenhower Regional Consortia Directors INTRODUCTION This document is designed to aid teachers, school districts and others in seeking and winning education grants. The booklet provides: * Tips to winning grants * Listings of selected non-federal grant opportunities * Listings of publications which provide current grant opportunities * Eisenhower Program description and grant funding opportunities. This is not a comprehensive list of all grants available. Rather it is a resource guide which provides some specific grant opportunities while also highlighting certain publications which regularly provide various education grant opportunities. The section on the U.S. Department of Education's National Eisenhower Clearinghouse and the Eisenhower Regional Consortia are added as curriculum information and technical assistance resources for teachers of mathematics and science. We strongly recommend using a checklist of key proposal elements and approvals prior to submission. Prepare this list before you start using the guidelines provided by the prospective funder and the requirements set by your school, district or organization. This list will assure you that all the essentials have been addressed before you submit your winning ideas. GRANTSEEKING TIPS * Before starting the application process, be very clear about what you want to accomplish. Develop a plan that projects the project's outcomes at least a year beyond its conclusion. * Learn all you can about the funder. A quick read of guidelines and directories is not sufficient. Obtain inside information if possible from someone who received support from the same source; and, where appropriate, before, during, and after submission of your proposal develop and maintain a personal relationship with funding officials. * Look at successful applications by others if they are similar to what you propose. It always helps to know the competition. * Do not spend all your time writing the proposal. See if you can get funders to review a brief 3-5 page summary of your proposal to see if they like your approach. * Develop your budget carefully. It will likely be one of the first things a reviewer studies. It needs to be realistic -- do not ask for more than you need. It needs to be accurate. The numbers must add up and be cost effective. The budget reflects the value of each element to the outcome of the project. Two reminders: (1) keep records of how you arrived at the costs you include and (2) if the application includes in-kind contributions, identify what you are contributing. * Work to a timetable. Know your funder's deadlines. Be sure you have the time to do a good job. Do not resubmit the same application because you did not have time to revise it. * Build on collaboration with others. Nearly every funder wants proposals which reflect participation by more than one organization. If you develop a collaborative proposal, make sure the final proposal reflects the collaboration, not just the sign-off by another organization. Genuine collaboration requires investment of effort by all parties. * Read the R.F.P. (Request for Proposal) and any guidelines very carefully. This sounds obvious; but, in many highly competitive programs, a number of proposals are deemed non-responsive. * Do not assume the funder understands the problem or strategy your proposal reflects. Provide evidence of the depth and breadth of the problem with data, case studies, or citations; and provide solid reasons why your proposed plan will produce the desired result. * Management credibility is essential. Your organization must provide good evidence that you have the skill and experience to successfully implement the plan and account for the funds used. * The strongest proposal is the one judged most likely to achieve its goals. Results should be clearly spelled out and, wherever possible, measurable. Measurable results are always preferred over good intentions. * Develop a file of standard information used in proposals -- saves time and need not be reinvented with each new effort. Resumes and organization data, including annual reports and financial statements, need only be updated while you concentrate on the specific information required by a particular application. * Stress your qualifications to the funder. What makes you or your organization unique and thus provides you with a better assurance of success in carrying out your plan. * Proposals are marketing tools for your ideas, your people, and your organization. Ask yourself, "Why would they (the funder) want to invest me?" Special Corporate Funding Tips * Personal meetings are very important. The reviewer may not be an expert in the subject area or grants review -- the written proposal may be less important than the personal assessment of your credibility. * Big corporations are often overwhelmed with unsolicited proposals, but many smaller businesses in your own community may be a much easier place to look for realistic support. * Start small -- ask for something you know you can do well. Do not ask for an amount vastly out of line with your present budget. All funders will wonder how you can handle the funds. Smaller grants do not require an extensive review and are consistent with the goal of many companies to spread their support as widely as possible. * Remember support from corporations can come in various forms-equipment donations, loaned staff, support for transportation, a reception or the products or services the corporation believes can be donated. Don't be shy about asking or cultivating matching support. * Corporate proposals should be short, generally no more than 5 pages, plus a budget and supporting information. * Research corporate funders carefully. The more you know about what they are interested in funding, the better your chances of success. * When dealing with corporate funders, be specific about how much money is needed and why early in the proposal. Special Foundation Funding Tips * Make your first contact as strong as possible. If it is written, keep it short, to the point and as compelling as possible. If it is personal; be confident; friendly; knowledgeable about their interest; and what you want and why. * Foundations are generally interested in investing in people and organizations, not just in problems. They are willing to be flexible about amounts if they have confidence in the organization. Personal contact is an important, often essential, part of the process. * Be prepared at the outset for a lot of rejection. If you get a rejection letter, contact the foundation to ask what was wrong with the proposal. Often it may be a question of correcting only one aspect and resubmitting it. Most applicants receive a rejection the first time they apply to a foundation. More win the second time than the first. * Be responsive to the program officer's comments. Even if you win the grant, the program officer may want you to make some changes. For instance, the officer may ask you to run a three-year project rather than the four-year project you proposed. Unless you feel suggested changes would seriously harm the project's chances for success, you should accept the program officer's recommendations. Summary Tips * Be objective about your chances of winning support. Rejection is not final unless you fail to learn why and do not try again. Good proposals take extensive effort. Invest your time and apply for funds when you have good reason to believe you will be successful. * Proposals are not judged based on weight. * Look for opportunities to make your organization visible in the community. Affirmation by others in the newspaper and other media will help funders recognize the value of your work. * Know your field and who funds work in it. What public and private funding trends affect you? Can your community contacts help you? You cannot succeed without a plan, and a good plan reflects what will happen after the grant expires. * Finally, the competition for funds is growing in every area. The keys to success: organization, clear presentations, a unique approach, good evidence that you are likely to succeed, and the acquisition of good information about the potential funder. These will turn your idea into a program and your program into a community benefit. SELECTED NON-FEDERAL EDUCATION GRANT OPPORTUNITIES AMERICAN EXPRESS PHILANTHROPIC PROGRAM Has a direct interest in education, particularly where American Express has a significant presence. Contact: American Express Philanthropic Program, American Express Travel, World Financial Center, New York, NY 10285-4710, (212) 640-5661. AMERICAN HONDA FOUNDATION Supports projects that focus on career technical training in mathematics and science education for gifted and disadvantaged elementary and secondary students. Contact: Kathy Carey, Manager, American Honda Foundation, P.O. Box 2205, Torrance, CA 90509, (310) 781-4090. BELL ATLANTIC FOUNDATION Supports projects in elementary and secondary education in the Bell Atlantic service area. The Foundation makes grants for projects with national or regional significance in literacy, especially as it affects the family; equity and access in mathematics and science education; preservice and inservice training for science teachers, and other mathematics and science related areas. Note: Bell Atlantic is an example of how all the regional bell systems support education. Check the system that serves your area for contact, priority, and application information. Contact: Denise Bailey, Program Officer, Bell Atlantic Foundation, 1310 N. Court House Road, 10th Floor, Arlington, VA 22201, (703) 974-1729. EDNA MCCONNEL CLARK FOUNDATION Has a particular interest in urban inner cities reform of middle schools. Contact: Hayes Mizell, Director, Edna McConnel Clark Foundation, 250 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10177, (212) 551-9100. FORD FOUNDATION Considers projects that strengthen education institutions and the teaching profession, enhance the quality of scholarship and teaching in selected fields, and broaden education opportunities for disadvantaged students. Contact: Ford Foundation, 320 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017, (212) 573-5169. INTEL FOUNDATION Supports projects in elementary and secondary education in communities where Intel Corp. operates. Eligible organizations include school districts, higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations near its facilities in Hillsboro, OR; Albuquerque, NM; Phoenix, AZ; and Folsom or Santa Clara, CA. The foundation makes grants for projects on the national and regional levels in elementary and secondary education that enhance mathematics and science literacy, especially among girls and minority students. Contact: Wendy Hawkins, Program Officer, Intel Foundation, 5200 N.E. Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6497, (503) 696-2390. JOHNSON & JOHNSON Considers proposals from organizations in communities in which it operates in the priority areas of education, employment training, family support and health. Contact: Helen Hughes, Senior Contributions Administrator, Office of Corporate Contributions, Johnson & Johnson, One Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, NJ 08933, (201) 524-3255. NEC FOUNDATION OF AMERICA Funds science and technology education projects that have a national impact. Grants typically average $30,000. The Foundation encourages applicants to send one-page preliminary proposals before making a formal request for funding. The Foundation is interested particularly in collaboration between various agencies and broad-based efforts to share information. Contact: Sylvia Clark, Executive Director, NEC Foundation of America, 8 Old Sod Farm Road, Melville, NY 11747, (516) 753-7021. NSTA and TOYOTA Cosponsor the annual TAPESTRY competition, which offers 30 grants of up to $10,000 each to middle level and high school science teachers for innovative projects that enhance science education in the categories of environmental education and physical science applications. To apply for funding, teachers of any grade 6-12 science discipline must write a TAPESTRY proposal according to the program requirements. Proposals may be submitted by an individual teacher (the Project Director) or by a team with up to four additional teachers. Contact: NSTA/TAPESTRY, 1840 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22201-3000, (703) 243-7100. THE ANNENBERG FOUNDATION Supports efforts to advance the public well-being through improved communication, and encourage the development of more effective ways to share ideas and knowledge. Support primarily for early childhood and K- 12 education. Contact: Program Officer, The Annenberg Foundation, Inc., St. Davids Center, Suite A-200, 150 Radnor-Chester Road, St. Davids, PA 19087-5293, (215) 341-9066. W.K. KELLOGG FOUNDATION Funds precollege education projects nationally and in its home state of Michigan. It makes grants for programs in early childhood education, school-based involvement in community service, systemic improvement and family issues. Contact: Nancy Sims, Executive Assistant, Programming, One Michigan Avenue East, Battle Creek, MI 49017-4058, (616) 968-1611. INFORMATIVE PUBLICATIONS Grants for School Districts 23 Drydock Avenue Boston, MA 02210-2387 Winning Science Equipment Grants: Model Proposals from Federal and Private Sector Capitol Publications P.O. Box 1453 Alexandria, VA 22313-2053, (800) 221-0425. WHERE TO FIND GRANT OPPORTUNITIES "Education Grants Alert" is a weekly report on educational funding opportunities. The above listing of non-federal grant opportunities was taken from recent "Grants Alert" editions. Capitol Publications also offers other funding publications. Contact: Helen Hoart, Publisher, or Michele Thrasher, Editor; Capitol Publications Inc., Suite 444, 1101 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703 ) 683-4100. The Foundation Center, located at 79 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003-3076, (800) 424-9836, offers guides to grant funding in various areas, including these education guides: "The National Guide to Funding for Elementary and Secondary Education," second edition, provides essential facts on over 1,600 foundations and corporate direct giving programs, each with a history of awarding grant dollars to projects and institutions related to elementary and secondary education. The volume includes a list of grantmakers already interested in your subject field. It also includes: Grantmaker Portraits: Each entry provides crucial data such as address, financial data, giving priorities statements, application procedures, contact names and key officials. Sample Grants: Many entries include descriptions of actual grants recently awarded by the foundation or corporate giver for projects in the field, the best indication of a grantmaker's particular funding interests. The volume includes over 4,500 sample grants. Range of Indexes: The volume's indexes help you target potential funders by the names of donors, officers, and trustees; geographic area, types of support; subject area preferred; grants awarded by subject; and name of the foundation or corporate giver. The grant descriptions show the organizations that have successfully approached grantmakers for funding, from the smallest schools to major nationwide research initiatives, as well as bilingual programs, cooperative/community education, drop-out prevention, educational testing, gifted programs, remedial reading/mathematics initiatives, and vocational/trade schools. Use this directory to find local grantmakers likely to fund your school or educational program, as well as major grantmakers likely to fund your school or educational program, and major grantmakers with national funding priorities. "The Science and Technology Programs Guide" includes grants for education and research in computer science and technology, scientific societies, associations and institutes, science museums, planetariums and libraries. Contact: The Foundation Center, 79 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003-3076, (800) 424-9836. FEDERAL GRANTS: U.S.DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION "Grants for School Districts" is a monthly publication which also reports Department of Education grants available to school districts in many areas, such as gifted and talented, drug-free schools, disabilities, educational equity, and others. The bulletin is published by Quinlan Publishing Company. Write: Grants for School Districts, 23 Drydock Avenue, Boston, MA 02210-2387. THE DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM of the U.S. Department of Education is designed to provide funding to improve the skills of teachers and the quality of instruction in science and mathematics in the nation's public and private elementary and secondary schools. The three largest parts of the program fund activities that are implemented by state and local education agencies, state agencies for higher education and institutions of higher education. LOCAL AGENCIES Flow-through funds for local education agencies (LEAs): All school districts are eligible to receive an annual formula allocation of funds from their respective state agencies; in some cases (e.g. small rural districts), the funds can be received by an intermediate education agency or consortium arrangement on behalf of the LEAs. STATE AGENCIES State agencies for elementary and secondary education (SEAs) receive a set-aside amount for "demonstration and exemplary" projects. In addition, these agencies and their counterparts are responsible for higher education and have small amounts that can be used for technical assistance, administration or other activities that fulfill a leadership function. HIGHER EDUCATION AGENCIES Grant funds for higher education institutions: State agencies for higher education (SAHEs) are allotted funds to be distributed to institutions of higher education through grant competitions or as cooperative projects. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION EISENHOWER NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE AND EISENHOWER REGIONAL CONSORTIA EISENHOWER NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE Located in Columbus, Ohio, the clearinghouse provides a catalog of mathematics and science curriculum materials from public and private sources, including print and other media. This Eisenhower information dissemination center also provides a database that includes the catalog, evaluations of materials in the catalog, and the full text or image of many catalog materials. The clearinghouse cooperates closely with the ten regional consortia to make clearinghouse publications and resources available to teachers. Contact: Eisenhower Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education, 1929 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43210, (614) 292-9560. REGIONAL CONSORTIA The Department of Education's Eisenhower Program established ten regional laboratories (mathematics and science education consortia) to provide technical assistance to school districts and teachers throughout the geographic regions. The general purpose of the consortia are to disseminate exemplary mathematics and science education instructional materials, and to provide technical assistance for implementation of teaching methods and assessment tools for use by elementary and secondary school students, teachers and administrators. REGIONAL CONSORTIA DIRECTORS REGIONAL CONSORTIUM NAME / DIRECTOR Appalachian Pam Buckley Eisenhower Math/Science Consortium at AEL (304) 347-0400 Mid-Atlantic Keith Kershner Mid-Atlantic Regional Constortium for Mathematics and Science Education (215) 574-9300, ext. 201 Mid-Continent John Sutton, Alice Krueger The High Plains Consortium for Mathematics and Science (303) 337-0990 North Central Gil Valdez Midwest Consortium for the Systemic Reform of Mathematics and Science Education 708) 571-4700 Northeast and Islands Eileen Ferrance,Robert McLaughlin The Regional Alliance for Systemic Mathematics and Science Education Reform of the Northeast and Islands (508) 475-9220;(802) 223-0463 Northwest Rob Larson The Northwest Consortium for Mathematics and Science Teaching (503) 275-9594 Pacific Rick Davis, John Kofel The Pacific Mathematics and Science Regional Consortium 808) 533-6000 Southeast Francena Cummings Southeastern Mathematics and and Science Regional Consortium (910) 334-3211(NC), (904) 922-8533(FL), (800) 854-0476 Southwest Wes Hoover Southwest Consortium for the Improvements of Mathematics and Science Teaching (512) 476-6861, ext. 200 West Art Sussman, Steve Schneider Far West Eisenhower Regional Consortium for Mathematics and Science Education Regional Consortium 2000 415) 565-3070 STATES SERVED Appalachia: Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia Mid-Atlantic: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania Mid-Continent: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota North Central: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio Northeast and Islands: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands Northwest: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington Pacific: American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau Southeast: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina Southwest: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas West: Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah For additional copies of this document contact: Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Technical Assistance and Leadership Development Project Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education 5112 Berwyn Road College Park, MD 20740-4129 (301) 220-0817 This document was prepared by the Triangle Coalition's Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Technical Assistance and Leadership Development Project.