I didn’t plan on becoming a grant writer. Honestly, I just wanted things for my students that my budget couldn’t cover. Like most educators, I had a growing list of “wouldn’t it be great if…” ideas scribbled in the margins of a spiral notebook.
Sometimes it was new STEM kits. Other times, sets of LEGO bricks or even bells and pipe cleaners. I’d catch myself thinking, If I could just get a few hundred dollars, this could actually happen.
That’s how it started: one idea, one application, one win. That win gave me the confidence to try again; fast forward, and I’ve written grants for everything from Snap Circuits to library materials to LEGO sets that fuel imaginative storytime play.
If you’re brand new to grants, here’s the good news: you don’t need to be an expert. You just need a passion for providing for your students and a little bit of time.
Where to Start
Start with this question: What do my students need that I can’t give them right now?
That’s your “why.” Maybe it’s comfy seating or recumbent cycles for your reading nook. Maybe it’s robotics kits, art supplies, or books that actually reflect your students’ lives. The more clearly you can name the need, the better your chances.
Once you’ve got the idea, go hunting for a grant that fits. A quick Google search is a great start. I’ve used sites like Follett Funding, GrantWatch, and WeAreTeachers’ grant roundups. If you’re in Texas like me, there are plenty of local lists worth checking, such as HEB and your own district’s grant foundation.
Know the Rules of Grant Writing
Every grant is its own little universe. Some want a budget spreadsheet, while others require a vendor quote. Some take five minutes to apply for, while others feel like writing a dissertation.
Save yourself some stress and read the instructions before you start typing. I make a quick checklist so I don’t forget anything.
And don’t forget, your district might have rules too. Some require administration approval before you submit. If you’re not sure, ask around; it’s easier than trying to fix it later.
How to Stand Out (Without Sounding Like a Robot)
If the grant asks for a title, give it some spark. “STEM Kit Expansion” is fine, but it’s not memorable. Something like SNAPping into STEM or Painting with a Purpose will stay with the reader.
When you describe your project, don’t just say, “We’ll use Snap Circuits in stations.” Instead, help them see it: Students will work in small groups, building working models of fans and alarms. They’ll connect what their hands are doing to the engineering concepts behind it.
The more you help the reader picture the impact of the project, the more likely it will be funded.
Stuck on Ideas?
You’re not the only one. Sometimes the hardest part is figuring out what to even ask for or what to prioritize in your grant.
When that happens, I look online. I search things like second grade reading grant or library STEM project to see what’s out there. I’ve borrowed and adapted plenty of ideas from other educators.
Yes, I’ve even asked AI tools to help brainstorm. I’ll feed in a topic, get a big list back, and then tweak the ideas to fit my campus. The trick is making sure the final version sounds like me, not a computer; no one wants to read paragraphs of copy-and-pasted ChatGPT verbiage.
What Happens After You Win
First of all, celebrate your huge accomplishment and share it with your district, colleagues, and the world at large!
Then, document everything. Snap photos when the materials arrive and as you unbox them. Track how you’re using the grant, including asking for feedback from those utilizing the resources. For one grant, I used a Google Form to gather feedback that really emphasized how impactful those small little Ozobots were to my students. Most funders will ask for updates or reports later, and you’ll be glad you have it ready.
One thing to remember: if you change schools, the materials usually stay. You wrote the grant for those students at that school, so it only makes sense.
A Few Favorite Wins
STEM GEMS Wins was one of my favorites. I had a group of eager elementary-aged girls ready to tackle STEM projects, but I lacked the proper resources to make our time together meaningful. With supplies from STEM GEMS Wins, I was able to create memorable, purposeful activities for my all-girls STEM club, such as a slime-making party, chromatography t-shirts, and more.
Learning With LEGO was another. I knew I wanted to begin a LEGO club that focused on using LEGO bricks to help students innovate and create real-world solutions to real-world problems. Thanks to the grant, we had a successful year-long club in which students learned more about building, engineering, and our environment.
You Don’t Need to Be Perfect
If I could give one piece of advice, it’s this: stop waiting to feel “ready,” because you won’t. Pick an idea and go for it. Worst case, you try again. Best case, you make something amazing happen.
If you’re still not sure where to start, I’ve put together a bunch of resources at bit.ly/tceafund. I’ll be happy to cheer you on, as well!
Let’s get you funded.