When it comes to learning certain mathematical, scientific, and technological concepts, students often need a set of practical hands-on tools to help break them down from theory into reality. You can find plenty of tools through Technical Training Aids. However, we recognize that not all classrooms and schools are able to afford 3D Printers and advanced technology. We highly suggest applying for grants as a means of securing funding for your school. In the following blog, we want to walk you through the steps of grant submissions and follow-ups.
Grant Submission Process
The concept of a grant submission, especially your first one, may seem incredibly daunting, but it does not have to be. The initial submission process contains several key steps. First, you want to thoroughly review all grant guidelines and application requirements. You do not want to have any surprises when you are applying, so be sure to read all the fine print. Next, you will need to put together any necessary documents and supporting materials to send in with your proposal. The third step involves writing a compelling proposal. This is your chance to tell your story, so be sure to include as much detail as possible to persuade those reading it. Finally, be sure to meet the grant submission deadline. You don’t want to put in all that effort and miss out on the award.
Follow-Up After Grant Submission
After completing the grant application and submitting it within the proper timeline, then the wait for the final result officially begins. Something to keep in mind about these grants is that the timeline for the award can be long and arduous. There are a few steps you can take after submitting a grant proposal to help things proceed more smoothly. First, is sending a thank-you note or email to the grant provider. Similar to an employer receiving a job application and conducting interviews, a grant provider deals with a lot of correspondence asking for funds. Any kindness you can provide should go a long way. Second, be sure to know your grant timeline and expected responses. Similar to the submission deadlines, this timeframe is also crucial to your potential grant award. Finally, be sure to keep in frequent contact with the grant provider to see if there are any updates.
Grant Award and Grant Acceptance
After several weeks or months, you finally receive the call or email that you’ve been waiting for, and congratulations, you have received approval for your grant! Now you have to enter another process, this one involving your grant acceptance. Here are some things you need to consider. Be sure to review all the grant award terms and conditions. As mentioned earlier, you do not have to accept this grant with a chance of being surprised. Be sure it’s what you think is best for your organization, and it would be wise to have a lawyer who specializes in grants take a look at the document. Next, let the grant provider know that you are accepting the grant. Finally, be sure to provide any requested additional information or documentation.
Grant Management
Now that you have your grant, what’s next? Well, besides purchasing your initial Technical Training Aids equipment, you need to effectively manage your grant according to its intended purpose. What does that entail? First, you need to establish a grant management strategy and timeline. As the saying goes, “those who fail to plan plan to fail.” Second, be sure to monitor any milestones and overall progress with the grant. Next, keep in regular contact with your grant provider. Finally, keep track of all financials to ensure that the grant is properly used. You do not want to run out of funds before you use the grant for its original purpose.
Grant Reporting and Evaluation
In addition to effective grant management, you are responsible for proper reporting and evaluation. There are a few steps you can take to make sure this process goes smoothly. First, submit regular progress reports to your grant provider. Usually specified in the grant agreement, these reports allow the provider to know how their money is being spent and if it is being spent properly. Second, you should be able to back up these reports with quantitative and qualitative data; the more specific and detailed, the better. Finally, if any challenges or deviations from the original grant proposal arise, be sure to address them with the grant provider immediately to avoid confusion on either side.
Grant Renewals and Continuation
If you want to extend the funds you have for your grant, you can seek a few different options including grant renewals or continuation grants. Sometimes, you are applying for these grants because your funds have run out, but other times you are applying for the grants before you get to that point, as in a continuation grant. Each of these grants will have different terms and conditions since your grant provider may have stricter guidelines for this round of funding.
Whether it’s writing your proposal, following up with the grant provider, or managing your grant post-award, all these steps are key to having a successful grant. And of course, you will want to report on your progress as much as possible to make sure that your funds are being used properly. Finally, if you want to expand your grant, there are plenty of ways to apply for grant continuation and renewal.
Follow us for more information about grant writing, 3D printing, and scanning for your classroom. Reach out to your TTA salesman to find out more about grants available in your area.
