Funding through Grants - Case Study Example

Funding through grants due: Introduction Grants are used to generate a ‘common good asset’ that is an academic, social or human ‘profit’ for others. The grants communicate the recognition of the grantee’s potential and actual endowment and identify reciprocal commitment between the grantee and grantor in a divided vision of the right and a bigger ordinary endeavor. In most cases, grants have contracts that are attached to them. The intent of the grant is to protect an idea and cover it in a way that it will sustain and blossom (Kass, 2007). With this knowledge in mind, this paper will critically discuss the concept of funding a project through grants. Experience in looking for funding sources The original idea in this case is the new surfacing technology that is easy to adopt and utilize in the learning activities of dynamic 21st century. The information provided in various websites, and it was clear that various organizations support different areas of interest, for example, environment, science, technology, and math. One feature that was similar to all the foundations was that there was a specified amount of the grant that was offered (Fernandez, 2010). This is helpful in budgeting because an individual can limit the project to a specified amount of money. The list of funders included in most websites have expired dates but are considered to have opportunities in the future. In this case it is necessary to subscribe to school grants biweekly newsletter that is provided at a fee. The problem arises in a case where there is no established budget for the project (Fernandez, 2010). Useful websites There are various websites that were of use, for instance, Grant Star. (2013) http://www.grantstar.org/. The information provided on this website highlights the important points considered when writing an application to obtain a federal grant (Grant Star, 2013). In addition, GrantStar customers have the privilege of finding out on time about the availability of federal grants. GrantStar concentrate on writing applications on behalf of their clients. The applications are based on the customer’s particular needs. The GrantStar organization focuses on loans and grants offered by state and federal governments. As a consumer, the individual benefits from resources given in the form of video and books about grant writing at no cost. The information on grant writing enables an individual to apply for grants independently. The GrantStar organization makes it easy for an individual to locate and apply for federal and state grants (Grant Star, 2013). In addition, another valuable website is: Foundation Center. (2014). Guide to Funding Research. Retrieved December 17, 2014, from http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/gfr/basic.html This particular website is very helpful in finding the funding foundation that is interested in the technology field. In addition, it highlights the three approaches utilized for efficient outcomes (Foundation Center, 2014). The one that is very essential is the subject approach. In this approach, an individual is capable of finding a foundation that has revealed an interest in providing money in the field of technology. The foundation center provides electronic and print publications that have indexes that make it easy to employ the subject approach. The online foundation directory consists of records for over eighty-eight thousand U.S. foundations, public charities, and corporate donors. Moreover, it provides specifications for over 340,000 current grants (Foundation Center, 2014). Exploring the websites, the data disclosed that the grantors can be very openhanded but surprisingly, they suddenly change their interests, and it is possible the project is abandoned without notice (Davis, 2005). What is learned through Web Exploration that might influence the approach to the grant-seeking process Green Steps. (n.d.). Green Steps Program for Environmental Education. Retrieved December 18, 2014, from http://www.greenstepschools.com/greensteps/Resources/grants.asp It was clear from this web site that some of the grants available were restricted to particular specifications. The grants available targeted specific schools and others particular districts. The grade that is involved in the project is very crucial. In most of the grants, there were particular grades that are viable for the project funding. Some of the funding organizations give grants to teachers. In such a case, the teacher must be in the category described to qualify. Some of the grants were provided to individual or group of teachers. In some websites, the grant requests are reviewed several times in a year. It implies that the grant application has a chance of being inspected several times. From this perspective, such a funding organization is better compared to those with strict deadlines that happen annually. The one with reviews at an interval gives an opportunity for the application to be submitted at particular times of the year. The grantee has ample time to write a proposal and submit on time (Green Steps. (n.d.). Reflection on the original project idea The clear picture drawn from the information provided on several websites is that the project is viable. The first step towards obtaining a grant is to design the particular technology plan for the learning activities. It is paramount to identify the target group that will participate. It may include students from a particular grade and teachers to make it more objective. The funding organization is identified that shares the same interests with the project. The information about the grantor will provide the necessary information required to know the particular standards that must be met by the project. At this point, it is necessary to communicate with the funding organization for clarifications where details are not clear (Davis, 2005). It is critical for an individual writing a proposal to adhere to the guidelines provided by the funding organization. In most cases, the funding agency issue covers sheets or application forms. Therefore, it is imperative that the grantee follow all the instructions. The proposal describes the project objectives and the how the problems will be solved. The other point to consider is the source of other funding. Majority of the funding organizations like to give grants to projects that have support from other interested parties. Moreover, the funding agencies are interested in innovation and hence; they do not like to support one project for long. From this point of view, the project viability will depend on a broad range of supporters. The project support will come from the community, private grants and individual contributions. The project will have an evaluation plan that will be used to assess the project achievement (Davis, 2005). Conclusion All in all, asking for a grant is at times very frustrating and requires much time. In most cases, only one proposal out of three is funded. There is a possibility of receiving project money and lack the operating cash required to run the fundamental pursuit. In most foundations, they have skilled employees and board that are curious, thoughtful and ready to assist innovative concepts. Therefore, a well-organized project that fulfills the needs of students will attract individuals who are interested and ready to advice. The concept of hiring a professional grant writer has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of using a grant writer is their ability to identify the likely funding organization and write an excellent fundamental proposal. The disadvantage is that the grant writer promises to raise much money for the project whereas, the big amount of money is given to groups with a history of stable funding foundation. In this situation, much time may be wasted waiting for funding that will never materialize. In addition, the grant writer may utilize known connections to get financing for the project that is not right because grants are given on the basis of worthiness and not relationship. References Davis, B. (2005). Writing a Successful Grant Proposal. Retrieved December 18, 2014, from http://www.mcf.org/system/article_resources/0000/0325/writingagrantproposal.pdf Fernandez, D. (2010). SchoolGrants - Nationwide Grant Opportunities - No Deadlines. Retrieved December 18, 2014, from http://www.k12grants.org/Grants/nation-no_deadline.htm Foundation Center. (2014). Guide to Funding Research. Retrieved December 17, 2014, from http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/gfr/basic.html Green Steps. (n.d.). Green Steps Program for Environmental Education. Retrieved December 18, 2014, from http://www.greenstepschools.com/greensteps/Resources/grants.asp Grant Star. (2013). Small Business Grants - Get Government Money for Small Business Fast! Retrieved December 17, 2014, from http://www.grantstar.org/ Kass, A. A., (2007). Giving well, doing good: Readings for thoughtful philanthropists. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. Read More