Guidelines for Writing an LTEF Grant Proposal

Each proposal must be organized according to the outline below. Using the template that can be downloaded at this web site will help you to organize your information in this format. Please use 12-point type and adjust completed applications to remove unnecessary spaces.

Proposals should convey a vision for the project but should be concise and to the point. References to state or national teaching and learning standards should only be cited if they are explicitly related to your project. Grant proposals that are directly linked to district or building goals are strongly encouraged. Projects that have specific and measurable outcomes will be given priority over proposals that do not include a clear way to determine the outcome of a project.

1. Title and Date of Proposal
The title should be concise and descriptive of the project. It should not simply be a "sound bite" with little substance. "Using Dr. Seuss Books to Assist the Developing Reader" is better than "Dr. Seuss comes to Lawrence Township Public Schools."

2. Project Participants and Contact Information
Include names of all individuals, title(s) and school(s) involved. For projects involving more than one teacher, designate one project leader. The Project Leader will be responsible for implementing the project and will be the primary contact person for LTEF.

3. Executive Summary
The executive summary should be a one paragraph description of the proposal that includes:

• general goal(s)
• general method(s) of implementation

4. Project Description
The Project description should be a concise but complete description of the project. Points to be included in the Project Description should include:

• Rationale for the project: Answer the question: "What problem will the project address?"
• Expand on the method of implementation.
• General timeline.
• Relationship to School Program: Be specific. Describe how the project is linked to district or building goals. Do not simply reference state or national teaching and learning standards. You may use these standards to support your proposal, but you must make the connection explicit.
• Expand on the projected outcomes of the project. Be specific as to how many students and/or staff will be influenced by the project.
• Expand on how outcomes will be measured. Include details of the criteria, procedures, and data that would provide evidence of success for the project.

5. Budget
Provide an itemized list of expenses and, when appropriate, vendors' names. Make explicit what is to be funded by LTEF and what items are to be funded by the district (and/or other sources). Be sure that the need for budgeted items is explicitly evident in the project description.

LTEF will consider providing funds for:

• Classroom materials and projects that are not possible within the school district's budget
• Tools/equipment that are not possible within the school district's budget
• Special programming: visiting artists, assembly programs, and field trips, especially if longer-term impact is anticipated
• Shipping & handling and installation costs
• Professional development in support of proposed projects to ensure the project's successful implementation
• Professional development that will enhance classroom instruction.

LTEF does not fund:

• "The necessary" – tools/equipment that should be provided for in the school budget, standard classroom supplies, or maintenance and facilities costs.
• Refreshments, unless they are central to the project
• Travel expenses for district employees
• Salaries or stipends for district employees or substitute teachers.

6. Appendices

In most cases, a good grant proposal will stand on its own merits. Thus, supporting information should be limited to a list of links to web sites. Photographs and video may be submitted as electronic files.

Proposals must be sent to your principal and subsequently transmitted by email to ltefgrants@ltps.org BEFORE 4:00 pm on the due date.

Thank you for your hard work! We look forward to considering your proposal!

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