Why do grants matter? (My shocking secret)
- Peggy Downs
- Jun 8, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 22
I have to be honest. I actually hate writing grants. It’s tedious work with no guarantee of success.
I know. It’s weird. Why would I choose to develop a business that focuses on grant writing if I hate writing grants? Grants Mentor is actually focused on helping YOU learn how to write grants.
Yes, I write grants. And I review grants. And I study grants. But my favorite part of the day is when I get to help you find answers to your questions about grants. You have questions. I can help.
I see Grants Mentor as the perfect intersection of my two favorite topics: writing and school leadership. But it’s not really about me, is it? Let’s look at the key opportunities that a good grants program will provide to you and why it’s worth your time to learn more.
Why do grants matter?
You can become an influencer who understands the power of building partnerships to expand the reach of your school.
It’s not about the money, although that helps. It’s not about you, although this skill can significantly improve your marketability. It’s not even about your school, although that is the community you serve.
It’s about impact.
Grants help you build partnerships
When you partner with other organizations that care about the problems you want to solve, you can improve your community in meaningful ways that can have lasting effects. You can become an influencer who understands the power of building partnerships to expand the reach of your school. Grants can help you build those partnerships. The five key benefits of adding grants to your portfolio are leadership, vision, partnership, outreach, and personal growth.
Leadership
You see a problem; you create a solution. A grant can provide the resources you need to make a difference. As a school leader, you have the responsibility to implement programs and ideas that matter to your community.
Vision
You see a better future. When you write a grant, you clarify your vision and share your ideas with others. A shared vision can mobilize your school and community to do great work.
Partnership
Grants invite collaboration. Learn about the goals and values of others in your community. When you work with others who share your values, you build relationships. Donors and grant-makers will want to support your school’s mission.
Outreach
You can develop relationships with others in your community. Reach out to nonprofits or city agencies that work with your families and invite them into your school. They can help share your story about the great work you are doing.
Personal growth
Grant writing allows you to share your passions and truly make a difference. Winning a grant and implementing a program you created is deeply satisfying.
I also love writing grants
Sure, I hate writing grants. But I also love writing grants. I love learning about your school. I love hearing about your vision and your ideas for supporting your students. I enjoy the research. I like learning about new grants. And most of all, I love putting all the pieces together for a strong proposal. Grants provide an opportunity to create something new that matters to your community.
Explore GrantMax with Us!
Ideal for a larger or more complex initiative, this package helps you craft a robust funding case and apply for grants with greater reach.
What’s Included:
· Project blueprint, organizational overview, and problem/outcome statement
· Enhanced core narratives tailored to funder priorities
· Submission-ready proposals with budget and attachments
· Strategic funder alignment and grants tracker
· Ongoing email support + 3 strategy calls
Expected Outcome:
✓ Five foundation grant applications submitted, each requesting up to $50,000, with strong alignment to funder interests and increased potential for success.
Schedule your free exploratory call today and let's get to work!
My mission & vision
MY MISSION: to help 100 charter school leaders write successful grants in the next 5 years.
MY VISION: to help you create and lead the charter schools you envision so that together we can change the world.
Here’s how Granting Your Vision can help you
I operate at the intersection of school leadership and grants, because I understand both. Yes, I’ll write grants for you or with you. I will also develop resources to support you in grant writing, school leadership, and current issues in charter schools. My passion is effective and empowered school leadership that achieves the school's mission and fulfills its vision. I'm here to support you.
New Series by Peggy Downs
Book 1: Start-Up Guide for School Grants (Answers to the Questions You Should Be Asking)
Book 2: Charter School Grants (Save Time and Write a Better Grant)
Book 3: Grant Writing for Impact (Leverage Grants to Dramatically Increase Funding, Impact, and Credibility for Your School)
Each book in this series addresses a different level of grant writing skills. Just getting started and full of questions? Start with book 1. Ready to write your first grant? Choose book 2. Interested in learning how to develop a school grants program? Then book 3 is for you.
Each book offers links to free resources to help you be successful with school grants.
Order yours on Amazon today.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You pay nothing extra; any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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