Grant Opportunities

Each year, several PLUS grants are awarded in honor or memory of former educators and strong supporters of PLUS.  The William Atchison, Roddy Adkisson, Kim McDaniels Shining Bright Foundation, and Dr. Patricia Smith grants are given to outstanding grant applicants.

What makes a good PLUS grant application?

While there is no one exact recipe for how to write a grant that will be awarded, there are certain ingredients that are often found in winning grant applications. In writing your grant you might consider the following:

COLLABORATIONS

How many children will benefit from this grant? Perhaps include multiple classes in the same grade level. Make connections across grade levels, subject areas or even between school and community, etc.

BANG FOR THE BUCK

When the budget is broken down what is the cost per child? Is it something reusable? Will it require future funds to maintain, and how will those funds be attained?

EVIDENCE OF TEACHING OR LEARNING

Does it help teach a lesson or reinforce a skill? Is it part of a unit of study? Is it creative and innovative with a hands-on element?

DESCRIPTIVE AND SPECIFIC

Before answering the application questions, look at the rubric for scoring. Be very descriptive in explaining the idea, the execution of it, and the budget. Indicate clear objectives. Attach pictures of the items requested with prices. Do not assume that judges will understand current educator programs and jargon. Explain everything.

AVOID INCENTIVES AND REWARDS

PLUS grants are intended to provide students with unique and memorable learning experiences, not stickers and candy. Judges will often score projects low that mention incentives and rewards.