Be complete Experienced grant writers have developed formats for the process and the proposal, and you might want to follow suit to be certain that you cover all of the essential elements. Whatever format you follow, any grant proposal can be helped if you can make sections compelling and slant them in the direction of the grantor's wants or needs. It should also mention the support your district is willing to provide, such as teacher hours and specific building modifications. Keep in mind that if your proposal is accepted, you can expect to wait at least a year from the time you applied until the dollars start coming in. Keep in mind, too, that it is difficult to get a grantor to fund staff positions, so don't ask for them unless they are truly essential.
Many small grantors believe that staffing is the least a school can contribute.
Grantors, especially foundations, are especially interested in how their money can make a difference in the lives of kids. Plot and graph benchmarks they hit and maintain. Equally important to grant sponsors is the replication factor. If you become successful, then it only makes sense that others should want to follow your lead. Most textbooks on grant writing advise being plain and direct in your use of language, but my experience has been just the opposite.