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…

As with past practice, publishing this set of guidelines officially launches the higher education capital planning and budgeting process for fiscal years 2009-2014. The guidelines include a schedule, definitions, planning assumptions, statewide considerations, and instructions for presenting a six year capital plan. Contents include: (1)…

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.

Suggestions and ideas culled from interviews and conversations with federal officials reviewing applications for funds from local school districts. (Author)

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…

The workbook for proposal writers treats budget writing as an integral part of the proposal-writing process rather than an afterthought. Working out the budget implications of the proposal as the idea evolves is encouraged. The workbook is designed to assist in developing budgets for federal grant programs. It consists of an introductory section…

This handbook offers guidelines for compiling successful grant proposals. Chapter 1 reviews basic elements of a proposal, explains how to match the proposal's priorities with those of funders, and offers suggestions for writing big proposals. Chapter 2 presents strategies for monitoring funding sources, and chapter 3 describes how to conduct a…

Step-by-step instructions on how to write a proposal for funding a program are given in this booklet. While many of the examples are related to the needs of arts educators, the information and procedures can be adapted to other situations. In a workbook approach, 36 questions are posed to clarify objectives and needs, including planning a budget,…

This manual is intended to help applicants write successful grant applications in response to requests for proposals (RFPs) from the Division of Personnel Preparation of the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs. It is particularly aimed at institutions of higher education involved in the Alliance 2000 Project, institutions with at least 25…

This book presents a lighthearted examination of the trials and tribulations of university research development and grant acquisition. Fun is poked at the grant acquisition process through a series of characters and their advice: Ann Granters (advice column format) gives directions on how to "wire" a proposal; Bogie tells how to squeeze the most…