I started to learn about community grants in the fall and subsequently researched and listened to about 20 episodes of a "how to" for grant writing before applying for my first grant this December. With the principals support, I wrote a project proposal for an Earth Day event at SJS and was awarded the $2500 request! We will use these funds towards tshirts for all the students and faculty as well as gardening equipment, gloves and some plants. In a school with a limited budget, $2500 for a "fun" day for the kids is most certainly an accomplishment and a great way to do something extra without having to dip into funds better used for the classroom. It was also a great reminder of the resources out there and what is possible with a little bit of commitment.
My goal is to get 2-3 more grants approved in 2020, thus generating an additional few thousand dollars without needing to ask families for anything more than they already do! A small example of personally moving the needle for the communities that matter to us and a good way to start the year!
