In this essay, I reflect on my experiences and lessons learned while serving as Commissioner of the National Center for Special Education Research, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. Although I was in the grant writing business for my nearly 30 years as a professor of special education, I learned that I knew very little…

Little information exists about the structure and content of grant writing courses offered in the United States. To fill this gap, we used multiple data sources, including a content analysis of syllabi from 93 graduate-level grant writing courses in the United States, and an online survey that sought insight into (a) the ways in which textbooks…

In today's economic downturn budget cut is becoming more and more common. Even libraries seen as a vital part of the educational process are subject to reductions because districts are suffering financially. The answer? Grants. They aren't a perfect solution, but there is a lot of financial support available for those who ask. Besides the monetary…

This article suggests an approach that facilitates the preparation and submission of grant proposals. Discusses how to work out the budget, how to complete the application, and how the review process works. (CT)

In this article, the author provides answers to several questions about grants, fundraising, and budgeting. In one particular question, the author explains why verification is required for administrative support in technology programs. She also suggests several qualities to seek when undergoing a contract with a grant writer.

A computerized budget projection program developed for faculty use in proposal preparation is described. The three budget components are global budget parameters, personnel, and other direct operating costs. Efficiency of budget preparation is greatly increased, especially for multiple-year budgets. A sample printout is included. (MSE)

When it comes to structure, governance, mission, or size, community colleges differ from state to state. One common element in many states, however, is state funding. Whether a state prepares its budget annually or biennially, the human behavior governing the budget process remains the same. Funds are finite. Everyone wants more than can be…

Financially troubled districts could benefit by investing in a school business manager's salary. This article discusses how business managers can save districts money or increase revenue by streamlining cash management, fiscal accounting and reporting, financial planning and budgeting, grantsmanship, construction management, insurance and risk…

A survey of scientists and engineers in research and educational institutions in India investigated the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system of administering research and development (R&D) projects. Topics addressed include proposal submission, peer review, project reporting, budgeting, interagency interaction, and project…

Discusses the process of writing grants and requests for proposals (RFPs) from regional, state, or federal sources by school libraries. Topics include statement of need, goals and objectives, implementation of plans, staff development, evaluation methods, budget, and future issues. (LRW)

Suggests ways to stretch media center budgets for technology, based on experiences at Winona Middle School (Minnesota). Topics include keeping statistics, hardware purchase and warranty information, centralizing purchases, planning for the reallocation of hardware and software, creative financing, working with business and community groups, staff…