Grants and Research Office (GRO)

Before searching for funding sources, it is important to clarify your needs and goals. By briefly answering the following questions for yourself it will help you determine an appropriate funder.

1. Describe the activity/program or project you are seeking to fund.
2. What population(s) will your program serve?
3. What key terms describe the educational research, approach, and/or curriculum that would be included in a grant proposal?
4. What is the dollar amount you want to raise? By when?
5. Describe the difference this activity or program will make for your school(s).
6. What specific goals or objectives would you write into a grant proposal?
7. What other funding or in-kind resources have you already secured?
8. Describe other sources or groups that could offer funds/support.
9. What outside support do you anticipate you’ll need to plan, write and carry out this grant project? (i.e., facilitator, grant writer, evaluator, trainers, other technical assistance?)

Once you have clearly defined your needs and goals there may be a number of funding sources available to provide a grant for you. The Grants and Research Office has narrowed the search for you by providing five ready-to-use lists of funding sources.

• Minnesota Foundation Grants: Private organizations that are Minnesota-based
• Community Foundations
• Family Foundations
• Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Grants
• United States Department of Education (federal) grants