You Have All You Need to be Grantable

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Anyone can be grantable. There can be many bumps in the road along your grant searching journey that can derail you from knowing the truth about all there is for you. Let’s take a moment to refresh your perspective on just how doable grants can be.

Let’s Recap

If you’ve been keeping up with the grantable series, you know that this is the fourth part in a several part series. You have learned everything there is to know about:

  • Eligibility
  • Grant purposes
  • Financial needs
  • Logic Models
  • And more!

Now it’s time to remind you that this process isn’t just for people who know everything there is to know about grants—it’s for you, too. Becoming grantable doesn’t take anything extra special. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I have a financial need that can make a difference?
  • Do I have a clear understanding of what eligibility is?
  • Do I know where to find grants?

If you can answer the first two questions, then you are already grantable! Finding grants can feel like the most difficult part of the process. That’s where grant research tools, like GrantsAlert, come into play. With access to new and featured grants and excellent resources to understand the grant space, you are well on your way to being grantable.

It’s Doable

It doesn’t take a special person to be grantable. All it takes is someone with a passion for meeting a need and someone who understands where they come from and what need they are serving. You are already grantable. All it takes is action on your part. Now that you have the resources and tools to be grantable, you need to apply. It’s doable for anyone. It’s doable for you, too.

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Logic Models, Grants, and You

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Logic models are the essentially the sturdy framework that programs are built on. Logic models provide the necessary strategy that evaluators and grantors are looking for when it comes to allocating funds, implementing programs, providing necessary trainings, and so much more. The visual aid that logic models provide can make or break your success in the grant space.

What Are Logic Models?

Many companies, grantors, and evaluators, require logic models as an essential piece for building programs and interventions. There are several main features to incorporate when it comes to building an effective logic model. It’s important to keep these things in mind if you are attempting to create one or are looking for a solid one to follow!

  1. All logic models must have defined resources. These resources can include curricula, materials for instruction, facilities, and much more.
  2. Additionally, logic models need clear activities drawn out. Activities are the events and programs that the resources help achieve, such as partner collaboration and training sessions.
  3. It is also important that every logic model describes its short-term goals. What are different goals your program seeks to achieve along the way? This is also where changes can be made in the middle of the process.
  4. Lastly, it’s critical to be able to define the long-term goals. For something to be most effective, the long-lasting impact must be measurable. Logic models help with this.

Grants and Logic Models

As stated before, most grantors require logic models. Without logic models, it is very difficult to clearly lay out any sort of plan. Logic models provide a direction that allows a program to have guidance and structure. Additionally, there is a more organized method of analyzing the process and its efficiencies.

In the world of grants, logic models provide the framework to evaluate what needs funding and who gets that funding. A logic model clearly labels a programs impact for the population being served. With this quality, grantors are pushed to write grants and allocate the funding to the places and organizations that need it most.

What Does This Mean for Me? These concepts will follow you along your quest for grants, grant writing, and any conversation you may have with a grantor. Now that you have a basic grasp of logic models, the hope is that you can use this tool to support you along your funding journey.

Are You Grantable? Understanding the Logic

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Navigating all the possible grants available to you can feel like a never-ending journey. There are so many grants to sift through, terminology that feels impossible to understand, and pages of documents to read. Well, what if there was a way to simplify it all? Grant funding doesn’t have to be so complex when you simplify the way you try to make sense of it. Approaching your funding journey in a logical way is crucial for making your grant quest a breeze.

The Logic of Me

Logically understanding yourself is the first, foundational step. In the grant space, you must know what you need, when you need it, and just how much. It’s also important to have a basic understanding of who you are, organizations you represent and more.

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Let’s begin with some personal profile basics:

  • You need to know your eligibility: schooling, occupation, and district or location for example
  • You also need to know your financial needs
  • Have a logical understanding of your personal timeline and when you would need the funding
  • Understand your purpose for seeking funding

It’s important to have a logical picture of who you are and what you need before you begin trying to make sense of all the content that exists within a grant.

The Logic of Grants

Moving into the logical components of grants, it’s important to understand how grant criteria and content must logically make sense with your personal profile and needs.

Examine these concepts, made available to you within every grant:

  • Find out when the funding arrives
  • Find the exact financial amount given
  • Find out the purpose of the grant
  • Find out the eligibility criteria for the grant

Each of these areas are important to have a logical grasp on when digging into grants that are right for you.

How to Match it All Up

This is where the magic happens. Now that you know what your needs are and you know what to look for in a grant, it’s time to simply examine each section of the grant and logically match it up with your needs and profile. Matching up your needs and profile with the grant criteria is the piece of the puzzle that makes funding a breeze. Navigate the grant world by using a seamless, logical approach.

Are You Grantable? A Look into Your Eligibility

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Finding the perfect grant can feel like an unattainable dream. There are many factors to consider when it comes to determining how “grantable” you may be. One of the most important things to be aware of is pertaining to the matter of your eligibility. Let’s take a look at what it means to be eligible and how you can find grants that fit your profile of eligibility.

What Does Eligibility Mean?

To be put simply, eligibility means that in order to receive a grant and all its benefits, you must meet a certain criterion. Here are some possible areas that might be looked at to consider eligibility:

  • Age
  • Area of education (i.e. STEM, education studies, mental health)
  • How far along you are in your education (i.e. elementary school, high school, college)
  • Organizations you work for or partnered with (i.e. nonprofits, businesses, schools, hospitals)
  • Level of need (i.e. financial or specific need)
  • Type of school (i.e. public, charter, private)
  • Location (state, school district, city)

In addition to the categories mentioned above, there are many other possible ways to determine whether you are eligible. These are just some of the most common methods of narrowing down eligibility.

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How Do I Know if I am Eligible?

You might be wondering if you can find a grant that matches your level of eligibility. Well, the good news is that you can! There are many grants available that can be found through grantsalert.com where you will find grants that match your profile of eligibility.

There are a few things you want to make sure you’re aware of when determining if you’re eligible for a grant or not. Every single grant has an area within the grant itself that clearly states what is required of a person applying to the grant. One of those categories states what it takes in order to be considered eligible for that specific grant. Once you find that section, you cross check it with your current status, employment, location, level of education and more. From there you get to determine whether you are eligible for that grant or not. If you are eligible, then it’s time to apply! 

Finding Grants That Fit Me

With this break down of what eligibility means, it is the sincerest hope that you can find grants that fit you and your needs. Once you know what eligibility means, you have the opportunity to find grants that you actually have a chance at earning. Now go out and apply to get once step closer to meeting your goals and needs in life.

Are You Grantable?

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You might be a teacher, employee, business owner, student, or someone who simply needs funding for a solution. Perhaps you have identified this need, but you have no clue where to begin. GrantsAlert is here to help. Let’s break down the many ways that you can determine what exactly makes you “grantable.”

Are You Eligible?

When it comes to grants, it can seem as though you are sifting through a sea of government jargon that is difficult to understand. This is where we come in handy. Eligibility simply answers the question, “Do I qualify?”

Grants break down funding in many ways. One of the sections that you will find in a grant is “eligibility.” When reading the criteria within the eligibility you section, you will be able to determine if the grant is attainable for you.

There are so many grants with eligibility requirements that you perfectly match up to. It’s simply a matter of finding those grants. GrantsAlert is just one available tool that makes discovering your eligibility that much easier.

Creating eligibility criteria is an essential component to grants, grant writing, and the awarding of grants. Without clear eligibility criteria, it is difficult to determine who is awarded the grant.

What is the Logic

There is a logical component to grants. Simply stated: what is the purpose behind the grant, who benefits from the funding, and will it serve the designated purpose well?

When determining if you are “grantable” these questions are imperative to ask yourself when searching for a grant. Logically speaking, you are worthy of the funds and access that grants provide. The next step to owning that reality is finding grants that will logically benefit you.

Have You Considered Practicality?

Another important consideration is whether there is a practical problem needing a practical solution. If you can determine the practicality of what needs funding, odds are there is a grant to fund your solution. Determining what deserves funds is based on the severity of the need. This can be a grayer area in grant funding. With creative thinking, pure intentions, and thoughtful structure you can develop the greatest advocation tactics in expressing solutions to problems. Above all, being “grantable” means funding practical solutions to real problems.

Are Grants Possible for You?

One of the greatest misconceptions about grant searching and awarding is that they are impossible to find, access, and receive. Let’s bust that myth today. Through series of application steps and the determination to access funding, grants are possible for you to receive. The first step is made easier by GrantsAlert, and the application process simply requires your submission.

Destroy the ideology that grants are an unattainable goal. Follow up with applications and let the process show itself to you. Funding is right at the end of your fingertips for you to grab. You just have to know where to look.

Where Ideas and Solutions Meet Funding

The greatest takeaway is for you to understand that your ideas for solutions are worthy of funding. There are grants available that will provide you the means to fund your ideas. Turn away from discouragement and see that there is funding for you, you just have to take that next step in pursuing it. You are grantable, let us show you how.

Grateful for Grants that Give Back

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One of the greatest privileges for RFPMatch is that we can locate grants and make it possible for any person to apply to the funding they need. When individuals, school systems, organizations, educators, and others receive funding that makes their dreams possible, we are reminded of why we do what we do.

This month, we want to highlight a partner of ours, Nick Carlucci. Nick is one of many who searched for funding to promote research, education, and so much more for his students. Not only was he searching for funding, but he found it! RFPMatch is honored to celebrate and highlight the stories of successful grant applications that lead to new opportunities and funding. Nick is one of many who are extremely grateful for all that grants can do. 

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Grant

Nick was made aware of an incredible grant opportunity through a company called Chespax. Chespax partnered with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to restore the rockfish population in the bay. Nick, being an elementary school teacher at the time, got the brilliant idea of applying to this grant and using it as a teaching opportunity for his students. His hopes were that the grant would support the Chesapeake watershed curriculum, that students would experience a hands-on field trip, and that the kids would be able to contribute positively to their environment.

The Rockfish Restoration grant provided a funding opportunity of 4,000 dollars. Additionally, the grant winner would large saltwater tanks to raise the rockfish from eggs. After the fish were large enough, the grant then funded the opportunity to release the fish back into the Chesapeake Bay.

The Outcome

After the application was submitted, Nick heard the news that every grant applicant wishes to hear: Nick and his students won the Rockfish Restoration grant. Immediately, the school received the resources to raise the fish. After they were grown, Huntingtown Elementary went on a fieldtrip to release the fish into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The total amount of fish released was 3,000!

Gratefulness is an Understatement

Any teacher who loves their job and students will tell you that one of the best daily takeaways is seeing a kid learn something new while also having fun. Nick reported that, from start to finish, winning this grant was a great experience for all. He and his students were beyond grateful to receive the grant. Additionally, they were grateful to make a difference in the environment of a local watershed, grateful to learn new things about their local marine life, and to create wonderful memories for all. 

Our Hope

Our hope here at RFPMatch is that we would be a resource for you to find the funding you need to reach your goals and meet your needs. When we get the opportunity to help people by locating grants, it is us who are grateful to be a part of your journey.

Give the Gift of Funding

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Finding the funds for all your basic needs in the school system can be quite the task. If you are concerned about where to even begin, look no further. We have the solution to make all your funding research so much easier. Not only can you lighten the load for yourself, but you can also give the gift of funding to a fellow educator. GrantsAlert is one of the best methods of staying on top of the latest grant funding available for educators, school systems, and more.

Why Every Teacher Needs Funding Help

It’s no secret that educators are some of the hardest working and most dedicated professionals out there. We know that every one of you have a never-ending list of things to do. From lesson planning, teaching in your classroom, and using your own money to fund your classroom needs, it’s impossible not recognize how much you take on as a teacher.

Utilizing a service such as a grant and funding alert system gives you the access you need as a teacher to help fund your lives, students, school, and community at large. GrantsAlert gives you an advantage to view all the new funding opportunities. When you subscribe to GrantsAlert you get access to all the latest grants available and you automatically feel the burden lifted of spending hours searching the internet for the grants you desperately need.

Get a Subscription and Gift a Subscription

There are many ways you can maximize the opportunities available through GrantsAlert. A subscription to GrantsAlert can cost as little as nine dollars a month. All the opened grant opportunities are available right at your fingertips as soon as they become available. From eligibility details, dollar amounts, and a direct link to apply, GrantsAlert makes funding a breeze.

Personal use:
• You get full access to the latest funding information that fits your specific funding needs.
• Simply subscribe to see all the money that’s available to you, the educator.

GrantsAlert subscriptions can also be given as a gift, from one educator to another. There are many opportunities for gifting and many people who would benefit from the service that GrantsAlert provides.

• Try giving the gift of a monthly subscription to a fellow teacher you work with.
• Broadcast the good news of all that GrantsAlert provides to any PTO or PTA meeting. Maybe they can collect the funds they have to cover the cost of providing GrantsAlert to educators in the schools they represent.
As an educator, you need all the support you can get. If you aren’t an educator but are wanting to help alleviate the burden they carry, consider giving the gift of a GrantsAlert subscription to an educator you personally know. Providing an educator with a service like GrantsAlert can make all the difference in their professional and personal lives.

Change the Way You Fund

Instead of browsing confusing, government-run websites for hours by yourself, consider using GrantsAlert. If you’re an educator and you know that this is a tool that would help you and your fellow educators, GIVE the gift of funding. Get a GrantsAlert subscription for yourself or give it as a gift to someone you know would benefit from this incredible funding service. Change the way you find your funding today!

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Future Teacher’s Checklist: Essential Guide to Becoming an Educator

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A Guest Post By Erica Francis

If you have always been someone who wants to help people, love explaining complicated subjects, and believe in the education of young people as a way to improve society, you just might be a teacher-in-training. If the calling to become a teacher is strong, there are some specific things you need to accomplish before you can don the instructor’s hat. Let’s take a look at what your high-level checklist demands in the meantime.

Trying to find funding opportunities for your school, district, or community? Subscribe to GrantsAlert today!

1 — Make the right decisions.

There are several questions you need to answer before you dive into a career in education. A few are more philosophical than others:

  • Why do you want to teach?
  • What grade do you want to teach?
  • What subject do you want to teach?
  • Where do you want to teach? What are the certifications required?

Choosing the right grade level to teach depends on how comfortable you are (or could conceivably become) interacting and engaging with different age groups. Engaging with a five-year-old, after all, is much different from engaging with an 18-year-old. Each of these questions guides you closer to the specific field you want, which, in turn, will inform the decisions you make about your education and career.

2 — Embody the right mindset.

Besides being a selfless, exciting way to devote your life, teaching is a great way to learn more and fully engage with the job you’re doing. It’s about more than writing exams, grading homework, planning lessons, and creating content for your students to absorb — it’s also about having patience, a resilient mindset, and unwavering knowledge that this is the career for you, according to Work IT Daily. Great teachers are warm, and enthusiastic — with a focus on creating a supportive, collaborative community in the classroom, according to Faculty Focus.

3 — Get the skills and brainpower.

The education you need to obtain a teaching job varies based on the state and local economy, according to Glassdoor. This degree doesn’t have to be in the subject you plan on teaching, though that does help. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), high school teachers earn an average of $61,660 per year and are required to have a bachelor’s degree at the entry level.

Although some high school positions only require a bachelor’s degree, earning your master’s degree in education via online courses is a good idea. After you start your high school position, going back to school via online means offers several key benefits. Not only will it teach you the skills necessary to become an effective educator, but it may also qualify you for a salary increase and ensure job stability.

4 — Go forth and teach!

Once you have the right motivation, mindset, skills, and knowledge, how do you go about starting your teaching career? Teaching jobs are on the rise — in fact, the BLS has predicted that teaching jobs will increase 4 percent between 2018 and 2028. Moreover, many institutions are having a hard time finding qualified candidates. The main locations to look for educator jobs, according to Student Loan Planner, are within local public schools. Make sure to improve your resume, using examples like the ones at The Balance Careers. Add your education, any relevant teaching or substitute experience, and accomplishments. Good luck out there!

Note: This blog is a guest post by Erica Francis.
Erica Francis aims to help teens develop the career skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 
Erica can be reached on her website at http://readyjob.org/ or by emailing her at efrancis@readyjob.org

Photo by mentatdgt from Pexels

New Upgrades for 2021

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With many streets quiet this holiday season, RFPMatchOnDemand and GrantsAlert are shouting

Merry Christmas and the Happiest Holiday Greetings

to all our Funding Family.

We are closing out 2020 with some upgrades to our tools

RFPMatchOnDemand.com and GrantsAlert.com

Starting on December 29th, 2020, there will be:

  • New, Improved Dashboards
  • Ability to Monitor Your Account
  • Better Notifications

On December 29th, you will need to login in using your EMAIL address, not your user name. Your password will remain the same.

Remember December 29th use your email address to gain access the best funding intelligence for education! Thank you for trusting your funding needs to us.

Together we bring the 2021 New Year

The Premier Funding Resources to Make a Difference in Education.

Cook Up Some Funding During the COVID Challenge

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Throughout our nation and across our world significant challenges are rising as we strive to keep students safe, healthy, and learning during the COVID – 19 pandemic.  As teachers, you have had to react quickly to new systems of learning. It is like creating a homemade recipe for maintaining high quality remote learning while also addressing the physical and emotional well being of your students, their families, your family and of course, yourself. 

Federal agencies, states, and private sector funders are working hard to add ingredients and help you meet the challenges.  There is a batch of resources and flexibility to communities in support of efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixing in with the many funds are provisions of the CARES Act, signed into law on March 27. Agencies, like the U.S. Department of Education, are providing menus of guidance on flexibilities within existing funding that can be used in response to COVID-19. 

COVID-19 has exploded requests for basic needs to keep students and families afloat. In response, many community foundations have changed their education giving strategies. Here are a few samplings of what is happening with local funders:

  • The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta committed $2.2 million for children’s educational needs and to provide food for students and families- a sizable slice of the nearly $12 million it raised for the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.
  • The Silicon Valley Community Foundation in California refreshed its grant making to respond to COVID-19 by providing nearly $95 million. It added ingredients of social and emotional health and wellness support for students, families and staff; remote learning, including equipment, IT support and training for teachers and staff; emergency child care centers to help people who cannot work from home; nutrition services, and family engagement. 
  • The New York Community Trust raised more than $95 million for its NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund. Requests pour in to develop online content for core academic subjects as well as arts education.
  • The Oregon Community Foundation is exploring support for rural and homeless students as part of its efforts to increase families’ access to technology.

Deadlines are being pushed out making it the right time to mix up the ingredients and create a recipe of funding to support your students and their families. Start assembling the grants you need to get cooking!