Grants and Funding Opportunities
Schools are oftentimes on a limited budget as far as program spending is concerned. Therefore, it is crucial to explore and identify alternative areas of funding. Grants can be especially helpful when it comes to funding the comprehensive school counseling program. To ensure that you are implementing a successful school counseling program it is essential to utilize up to date and relevant supplementary materials. Materials that may be useful include classroom guidance books, counseling related books, conference fees, and other miscellaneous counseling tools. Although these tools are not crucial to the foundation of the counseling program they do provide evidence based interventions and programs that have demonstrated an impact of the program. However, these materials come at a high price. Many of these resources are very costly, in addition to cost of supplies the school counseling program does not always have a built in budget. Thus, it is imperative that school counselors can identify and apply for various grants and funding opportunities.
For some school counselors grant writing can be a daunting task. Vernon and Rainey (2009) outlined several steps that school counselors can follow to increase their competence and confidence with the grant writing process. Step one of the process is similar to the construction of the school counseling program. Prior to applying for grants it is imperative for school counselors to determine the goals of the of the program and develop a vision for the program. Additionally, it is crucial to understand the demonstrated needs in the school based upon data to guide you in your grant selection process. Once needs have been identified, the school counselor can begin to search for grants that are applicable to the needs of the school.
Once you have identified the grant(s) you intend to apply for you can begin the second stage which includes writing the grant. Before you can begin writing the grant you should ensure that you have all of the materials needed to apply for the intended grant. Many grants have similar manners in which you apply. One should be cognizant of the timeframe and deadline of the grant in addition to the directions that are specifically tailored for the grant. The grant sections include: (1) a statement of need; (2) the project objectives and goals; (3) a description of the project; (4) the amount of money requested; (5) a detailed budget for the project; (6) a timeline for the implementation of the program and (7) a description of the evaluation measures and procedures.
Upon acceptance of the grant proposal the grantor will send information and a contract for the grant writer or administrator to sign. Oftentimes in the packet of information, the grantor will include an outline for implementation. Once the contract is signed the grantor will send the funds to the grant writer. Upon receiving the funds it is crucial that you follow the steps outlined in your proposal to avoid any legal or ethical violations.
Lastly, it is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of the grant. One must follow the steps as outlined in their proposal and provide the grantor with their evaluation and measures of the grant. At the conclusion of the grant process there are steps that the grant writer, or school counselor can follow. The first step for the final evaluation includes: (1) collecting all original receipts and purchase orders, (2) a summary of the objectives and goals including if and how they were met, (3) a statement of the effectiveness of the project, (4) the applicability of your project to other settings, and (5) the results of your evaluations.
Vernon, D & Rainey, J.S. (2009). The school counselor as grant writer. Journal of School Counseling, 7(19).
For some school counselors grant writing can be a daunting task. Vernon and Rainey (2009) outlined several steps that school counselors can follow to increase their competence and confidence with the grant writing process. Step one of the process is similar to the construction of the school counseling program. Prior to applying for grants it is imperative for school counselors to determine the goals of the of the program and develop a vision for the program. Additionally, it is crucial to understand the demonstrated needs in the school based upon data to guide you in your grant selection process. Once needs have been identified, the school counselor can begin to search for grants that are applicable to the needs of the school.
Once you have identified the grant(s) you intend to apply for you can begin the second stage which includes writing the grant. Before you can begin writing the grant you should ensure that you have all of the materials needed to apply for the intended grant. Many grants have similar manners in which you apply. One should be cognizant of the timeframe and deadline of the grant in addition to the directions that are specifically tailored for the grant. The grant sections include: (1) a statement of need; (2) the project objectives and goals; (3) a description of the project; (4) the amount of money requested; (5) a detailed budget for the project; (6) a timeline for the implementation of the program and (7) a description of the evaluation measures and procedures.
Upon acceptance of the grant proposal the grantor will send information and a contract for the grant writer or administrator to sign. Oftentimes in the packet of information, the grantor will include an outline for implementation. Once the contract is signed the grantor will send the funds to the grant writer. Upon receiving the funds it is crucial that you follow the steps outlined in your proposal to avoid any legal or ethical violations.
Lastly, it is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of the grant. One must follow the steps as outlined in their proposal and provide the grantor with their evaluation and measures of the grant. At the conclusion of the grant process there are steps that the grant writer, or school counselor can follow. The first step for the final evaluation includes: (1) collecting all original receipts and purchase orders, (2) a summary of the objectives and goals including if and how they were met, (3) a statement of the effectiveness of the project, (4) the applicability of your project to other settings, and (5) the results of your evaluations.
Vernon, D & Rainey, J.S. (2009). The school counselor as grant writer. Journal of School Counseling, 7(19).