Funding

Once a district determines what technologies to implement, the next concern is finding the funds to pay for everything. Effective change doesn’t come cheap. Districts have both limited resources and stringent requirements, so strategies must be cost-effective. They have to be more creative than in the past to keep their current initiatives going and add new strategies for the future. How can districts decide what to do? And how will those whose mission it is to integrate technology preserve needed funds?

According to the Consortium for School Networking, schools and districts whose leaders have a vision for technology use plus strong support from the community and parents are more likely to sustain or even expand technology initiatives – more so than schools and districts that lack this visionary leadership and support. Yes, funding remains an issue; however, these leaders tackle the problem by finding ways to raise additional funds or to re-purpose existing dollars.

Whether proposing a new bond issue for technology, trying to win a grant, or just getting community support, it is important to know what you want. Where do you start? Form a team to define the purpose, write a mission statement, define the scope of work with goals and objectives, develop a budget and timeline, and find a funding source that aligns to your program.

Strategies exist that can help schools and districts tap into the financing that will help them achieve technology integration.

  • Articles

    Writing a Grant Budget Narrative

    For a grant proposal’s developed budget, you use a budget form. Then you have to explain it. Here’s what you need to know.

  • Letters of Support

    Many grants require that you include letters of support that are read and scored as part of the entire grant evaluation process. You’ll get letters from several sources but perhaps the most important ones are from district partners. Here’s some advice.

  • Finding the Funds in Three Easy Steps

    How do you go about researching and finding a grant program that might fit your need? Here are suggestions and steps to success whether you are a first time grant writer or part of a district-level team.

  • Four Fundamental Rules for Grants, Gifts, Fundraising and Partnerships

    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.

  • Developing a Grant Budget

    Creating the program budget is by far the most fun and rewarding part of the grant seeking process. Here’s how to do it.

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