Frequently Asked Questions About Grants

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Home > Services > Business Services > Frequently Asked Questions About Grants

Where and how do I start?

Identify your specific problem or challenge, your plan to address it, and what resources – including grant funds – you need for your plan to be successful. Look through the resources, training, and grant opportunities within this website for ideas with your particular project in mind. Keep it small to begin with and contact the Office of Strategic Engagement whenever you feel the need.

Where do I find grants for my classroom or school?

Links to several grant engines are provided under Grant Opportunities.

Where does the money go and who is responsible for it?

It depends on how large the grant award is. Small awards may come with a letter and a check (made out to the school). Grants involving equipment; or capitol assets (buildings/playgrounds/gardens); or technology; or salaries or stipends; or are exceed $30,000; need to involve the Public Information Officer and Grant Accounting within the Business Office. Higher awards and the district Grant Accounting Team needs to be involved. Give me a call. As the Project Director, you are responsible for seeing that the funds are spent according to the approved budget and as described in the application. All grant awards will have a reporting requirement at the end. Be sure to submit this in a timely way. Take photographs, don’t overspend, and send thank-you letters.

Can I pay myself or my students with grant money? Can I buy snacks?

Generally, grants for schools are not used for salaries, but for supplies, materials, and direct classroom supports. Including snacks as a budget item may lessen your chance to receive an award. Always check the fine print.

Is the district considered a 501(c)3 organization?

No. That designation is for another branch of non-profit organization that includes community-based organizations, among others. As schools and a school district, we are not eligible to apply for a 501(c)3-only grant competition.

What if the grant is for me, personally?

There are many grant-funded opportunities for teachers to attend conferences, be partially supported to study in their field, or to be recognized for their contribution in teaching. Some awards include additional funds that are specified for either use in the classroom or not allocated at all. In the latter case, the recipient is free to use the funds in the manner he or she prefers.

What about matching grants?

Just like any other budget item, matching funds listed in the budget are subject to full compliance. Ensure that matching funds – whether cash or in-kind – are actually available. Teacher and school personnel staff time during the contract day cannot count. Volunteer hours DO count, but are worth the amount someone doing that work would normally get paid. Call for help if you need it.

What are the chances of getting a grant?

It depends. Make it the right “ask” for the right amount of money. Match your request to the mission of the funder. The more local, the better. If you get rejected locally, send a thank you letter anyway; they’ll remember you. Do your homework and read the fine print. Plenty of your colleagues have brought in thousands of dollars in grant funds. So can you.


(Special thanks to Portland Public Schools for their support and collaboration in the development of these pages.) 

GRANT DEVELOPMENT

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

GRANT RESOURCES & TRAINING