There's a Grant for That! Funding YOUR Professional Development WITHOUT Your Paycheck
I’m a firm believer that personal and professional development go hand in hand, and that BOTH are essential for educators and youth care workers.
Every year I do surveys to assist me with outlining upcoming learning opportunities and it’s always so disappointing to me that so many counselors, social workers and support professionals don’t have a standard budget for their professional learning. While I love working with school and district leaders on choosing topics that are reflective of staff requests and maximizing large funding sources like ESSER or Title I funds, I also know that there is great benefit in individuals choosing topics of personal interest or need.
And did you know there are tons of organizations who agree with me???
Early in my career, I made use of the Indiana Youth Institute’s professional development grant and gained valuable knowledge attending a professional conference that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to afford, so I included a list below of a few others you may be interested in applying for along with my tips to get your request funded.
Getting your grant request funded
Follow directions
Each funding source will have specific requirements from how they want to receive submissions to what it needs to include. Make sure that you follow directions because for some programs that could be the difference between being approved and not even being considered. When in doubt, ask for clarification. There is almost always a FAQ section or email address where you can submit queries.
Give yourself time to apply
Do NOT wait to the last minute to apply. There may be references required or approval from an administrator needed, so make sure you view the website and application in its’ entirety to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Connect your goal to the bigger picture
You may think there’s a natural connection, but don’t neglect to fully articulate your vision in your grant program. There may not be specific data proving that drum circles can enhance social and emotional learning, but I had a colleague who was passionate enough to show that there could be. Most grants are funded by organizations that are nonprofits. They are obligated to make sure they are stewarding their resources well. You are the expert, but they need to be able to prove they aren’t wasting the foundation’s money too. Show your theory and how you will collect data. Those points can go along way.
The Mind Trust Educators Assistance Fund