How to mix and match grants

A single grant may not cover everything you need, but many funding providers will match the funds you’ve raised or received from other organizations. Keep the following tips in mind when seeking funds from multiple sources.

Categorize your requirements before you begin

Before you start to source grant funding, divide proposed expenditures into categories so you can target grants to cover each area. For example, you might approach one funding agency for professional development assistance and different organizations for equipment, software and networking services.

Itemize all costs involved

Most experts estimate that 55 percent of a school's technology budget goes to hardware, software and necessary upgrading. Since most of your grant money will go toward these purchases, you may need to approach more than one foundation or agency to raise sufficient funds.

Consider more than just hardware

Internet connectivity accounts for a small but significant portion of the total budget. It is estimated that 8 percent of the budget will go to initial lab or classroom installation with an additional 15 percent required for ongoing costs.

Training can easily make up the rest of your budget. Depending on the number of teachers involved and the project's scope, you may have to broaden the funding search for this component. Luckily, many grant organizations are exclusively dedicated to funding training programs.

Tap community resources

Involving everyone with an interest in your project, from parents and teachers to community stakeholders, will help make the grant-application process easier. For example, can you find a parent or community volunteer willing to help you research and write grants from home?

Share Shane McConnell's  tips on How to Write a Successful Grant Application to help educate your recruits.

Immerse yourself in the art of grant matching

Many organizations will match funds raised by the school or another external organization. If you are considering applying for several related grants, spend a few minutes checking their matching criteria beforehand in case there are specific guidelines.

Remember your contribution

How do schools match resources with funding organizations when the need to apply for grants stems from a lack of available resources? Think of the teacher salaries, facility costs and school supplies you are dedicating to your technology project and factor in these costs on your grant application as part of the school’s financial commitment.

There are many private foundations you can approach for funding and countless grant combination possibilities – browse the grant database for some potential partners.