How to Get Started with Applications

You’ve done your market research on the types of funding available and have decided to pursue grants and competitions. Wondering how to tap into this opportunity stream??

Here are three foundational steps to get you started:

1. Find funders

Your first step is to identify potential funders. These could be government bodies, private organizations, foundations, or educational institutions. However, not all funders will be the right fit for your EdTech project. You'll need to:

• Understand the funder's mission and objectives. Does your project align with their goals?
• Evaluate the size of the grant. Is it suitable for your project's requirements?
• Consider the geographical scope. Some grants might be restricted to specific regions or countries.
• What is the frequency of the opportunity? What is their timeline?

2. Read the Solicitation or application

Once you've identified potential funders, carefully evaluate their grant solicitation or application. This step is crucial, as it provides:

• Details of the Application: Understanding the format, requirements, and deadline is vital. Each funder will have their specific guidelines.
• Criteria for Evaluation: What are the funders looking for? This could range from innovation, feasibility, projected impact, and more. Knowing these criteria can help you tailor your proposal effectively.
• Expected Deliverables: What would be expected from you if you were awarded the money? This could include progress reports, impact assessments, or other milestones.
• Timeline for funding: Different funders have different timelines for how much money can be disbursed and within what timeframe. Assess if the project you are proposing will still be relevant at that time.

3. Look Up Past Winners

Studying organizations or projects that have previously secured awards before you make your application can offer valuable insights:

• Alignment: Understanding why a particular project was funded can give clues about the funder's preferences.
• Proposal Structure: While you won't have access to their grant proposal, public reports or publications might give you a hint about their approach.
• Impact Metrics: How did these winners measure and report their impact? This can guide your impact assessment strategy.

Embarking on grants can be an exciting endeavor with its own challenges and rewards. While the path may seem complex, breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process more navigable. As you take these initial steps, always keep the bigger impact picture in mind: it's not just about securing funds but bringing about meaningful change in education.