By calling the office that is offering a grant, one can get information on how to submit an application, how many applicants are expected, and how many awards will be given on a specific grant. Some are highly competitive. Usually, these monies are available for the following school year, with applications required nine months to one year in advance of use. Some cover a period of multiple years. Funding may be available from a private foundation belonging to a cause, a family, a memorial, or such.
Foundations usually have a certain area of education that they are interested in supporting.
It is important to find a good match between the project and the foundation's mission. Foundations usually have general guidelines for submitting proposals for grants. Availability of funds can be immediate or long term, depending on the foundation's policy. Amounts vary according to stated needs. Corporation funding is usually available in a certain area of education and related to their business.