Guide to Writing Grants

The Basics of Grant Writing

Grants can make dreams come true, but it requires a lot of preparation before a grant can turn those dreams into reality. Your determination and clear thinking will make it easier, and Grants Administration has prepared a guide that can help you on your way. Our online resources will get you going in the right direction.

After reviewing the manual, you may wish to meet with our staff to clarify requirements of the grant and get help in using our templates for common grant components. For help in doing this, please contact us.

Now you are ready to write your first draft. You may make an appointment with our team to review your draft; we will help you ensure that your proposal meets the requirements of the funding agency and is in alignment with district strategic goals.

M-DCPS Grant Submission Policy

All personnel are reminded to contact staff in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Grants Administration (OIAGA) at 305 995-1706 prior to generating any paperwork leading to the submission of a grant application. Contact with OIAGA staff is critical to ensure district-wide coordination of grant submissions and because funding agencies frequently limit the number of submissions per school district.

OIAGA staff will support the grant development process as follows:

facilitate the development of a grant proposal which supports the Vision 20/20: 2015-2020 Strategic Blueprint;
coordinate the grant submission process;
confirm funder’s eligibility requirements;
develop a letter of commitment or letter of support from the Superintendent, if appropriate;
link the grant writer(s) with collaborative partners, if appropriate;
provide the grant writer(s) with technical assistance including budget preparation; and
ensure that District procedures are followed according to an established timeline.

All grants are affected by this requirement, including those submitted on-line and those involving partnerships with an outside agency acting as fiscal agent. Teacher mini-grants administered by the Foundation for New Education Initiatives, Inc. and The Education Fund, and teacher scholarships/fellowships that are awarded directly to the teacher are exempt from these procedures. All grant funds awarded to the District, schools and/or Miami-Dade County Public School employees must be reported to OIAGA.

Grant awards and donations must be reported to the School Board. Pursuant to School Board Policy 6110 – Grant Funds, OIAGA must take all grant awards of $250,000 and above to the Board for approval. Grant awards under $250,000 must be reported to the Board on a quarterly basis. In addition, pursuant to School Board Policy 7230 – Gifts to the School District, donations or gifts of money over $50,000 must be approved by the Board prior to being accepted. All equipment that is donated or a gift with a value of greater than $50,000 in aggregate requires Board approval. Please see the chart with specifics on thresholds, Board Policy, approval and reporting requirements, and need to contact OIAGA for assistance.

Please refer to School Board Policy 7230 – Gifts to the School District for special category requirements for goods donated to school and/or district sites.

M-DCPS Memo: RYS, M016 Submission of Grant Applications 2021-2022

Guide to Writing Grants

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The Basics of Grant Writing