• Need: Conduct a Needs Assessment. Identify the condition or status of the current situation. Clearly define the problem(s) experienced by the target population. Identify reasons/root causes of the problem(s).
• Look for funding sources: Consider resources and grant sources to fund your identified need.
• Talk with your school administrator: Does your project idea align with your School Improvement Plan? Does your administrator support your project?
• Submit the Principal Approval Form to the Grants Management Office.

• Complete a needs assessment.
• Obtain a signed principal approval form and submit to the Grants Management Office.
• Identify due dates and requirements for the grant.
• Purpose of the grant (goals, outcomes, etc.)
• Grant deadline
• School/ Department responsibilities (What are the expectations for staff/students involved with the grant? What are the obligations related to grant implementation?)
• Strategic Plan Alignment (Is the grant aligned with the SDOC strategic plan?)
• Grant period (One year? Multi-year?)
• Amount requested
• Establish a timeline for researching and writing your grant project. Submit the grant narrative and grant budget to the Grants Management Office for review prior to submission to the funding agency. The Grant Management Office receives many requests for review and completes a number of federal and state grants. A minimum of two (2) weeks is recommended for submitting grants to the department for review. Please do not submit your request for review the week the application is due. The Grants Management Office will review, as time and deadlines permit. We cannot guarantee your project will be funded, but our office will review the application to determine if the application criteria have been met.

Generally, NO. Although, in some cases it may be allowed if it is part of the project or program you are proposing and is included in the approved grant.

Proceed carefully - District personnel are not allowed to accept gifts from outside vendors, nor can we write a proposal that guarantees a sale from a particular vendor. Please remember to stay in line with all ethical and professional conduct!

• Awesome! You submitted a grant. Keep a file of the grant application. If your project is not funded by this application, it may still be a great idea that could be considered for another funding source. Don’t give up!
• Keep a timeline for when grant decisions are made. Is it an email notification? Do you check the agency’s website for a list of awarded grants?

• Congratulations on your grant award!
• Please submit your grant notification to the Grants Management Office. We will work with your school to set up the grant account, as needed.
• Make note of reporting due dates as required in your grant (quarterly, mid-year, annual).

• Identify what type of change is required. Is it a change in the scope of work? Does the change require a program change? Does the change require a budget amendment?
• Refer to your grant award and grant application files to determine how the funding agency considers and authorizes changes.
• Notify the Grants Management Office as soon as possible to discuss.