Article and discussion topics such as Finding the Funds are always important, but now – with the country’s financial problems impacting school funding - that’s more true than ever. Here in a nutshell, are four fundamental rules for finding funds. These rules apply whether you are looking for a grant or a gift or to fundraise or form a partnership.

Rule number one, there is nothing like a good plan. With a good plan in hand, you know where you are going. Without a plan, any road will take you somewhere, but not necessarily where you want to go.

The second rule works when you have a plan; people will help you with a cause that is locally based and will provide programs and services for their students. I know of four ways to get funds: grants, gifts, fundraising and partnerships. As a parent, I would rather give funds to my own child's school or classroom. As a local business owner, I would be more likely to sponsor an activity in my own town, rather than one a few miles down the road. As a company that may be interested in partnering with your school or school district, you must be able to determine the benefits for all partners.

The third fundamental rule is you must clearly state how the funds that you secure will be used. This is your pitch or your one-minute elevator speech. Target your programs so that your donors, partners or grantors will know exactly what you will be doing with their money, goods, or services. In other words, plan, then seek. The easiest way for you to get hardware or supplies for your may be to get it gifted. The people most willing to help your local school are people who directly or indirectly benefit from the services your school provides. Who are some of the people most likely to be interested in helping you local school? Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are a great place to start. Students are also important resources as well. Does your school have a tradition that each culminating class buys a gift for the school? Have you thought about tracking down alumni, even if you work in an elementary school? Have you thought about local service clubs and nearby business?

The fourth fundamental rule is, it pays to advertise. DonorsChoose.org is a website that the New York Times says "addresses a fast-growing trend in contemporary philanthropy, that donors simply want greater control over their gift." My nephew teaches fourth grade in Los Angeles and recently created a proposal for a Fish Tank in the Classroom. You can learn more at http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=180876. 

There are a number of other sites like DonorsChoose.org; for example check out www.fundraising.com, www.firstgiving.com, and www.classroomwishlist.org. My four fundamental rules apply whether you are looking for a grant, a gift, to fundraise or form a partnership.

In a nutshell, these four fundamental rules apply whether you are looking for a grant, a gift, or a partnership. Following them will assist you in writing winning proposals and in developing meaningful partnerships. As a quick review, rule one, start with a good plan; rule two, look for local supporters; rule three, clearly state how the funds will be used; and rule four, advertise and celebrate your successes on a website, news releases, and through open houses.

By Gary Carnow
From TechLearning