BCPS Grant Application Processes: General Guidelines

  • Schools and departments that have identified a grant opportunity from an external funding agency and are interested in submitting a proposal should ALWAYS:

      1. Discuss the idea with, and get approval from, the school principal or department director.
      2. Make sure the proposal supports school improvement plans, supports the District Goals and Guardrails, and complies with all District policies and procedures.
      3. Contact Grants Administration (GA) prior to the specified deadline for technical assistance and to learn about obtaining District approvals (including Superintendent and/or School Board).

     

GA Functions

GA Functions - 5 Steps

  • The GA Department works with schools and departments to prepare required documentation for School Board review and approval of grant applications or grant awards.  Schools and departments cannot access awarded funds without final Board approval.

     

    Grant applications for internal school district funds (district grants), such as Teacher-Directed Improvement Fund grants, do not require School Board approval or the Superintendent's signature since they do not create an obligation between the school system and an external funding agency.

BCPS Internal Proposal Development Guidelines

  • (Competitive or School-Based Grants)

     

    The following outline below provides an overview of the process currently followed for the development of grants in Broward County Public Schools. Please keep in mind that the time from when a grant funding opportunity is identified until the date of the grant proposal submission can vary from a couple of days to several months. Adherence to the outline below will insure timely development and submission of the proposal.

     

    1. Find Funding Opportunity
    • Discuss your proposed project or program with the school Principal or department Director to ensure that your plan aligns with school/department and the District Goals and Guardrails.
    • Find a funding source or reach out to GA for assistance in identifying funding opportunities.

     

    1. Develop the Proposal, Application or Request
    • Review the grant guidelines and make sure that you meet all the requirements.
    • Develop goals & objectives, timeline, budget and all other sections of the proposal.
    • Secure letters of support and other support materials when required. 

     

    1. Finalize the Proposal, Application or Request
    • Review drafts of the narrative and budget carefully. GA staff are available to provide writing and editing support.
    • Share the completed application with the Principal or Director for final review and approval.
    • Time permitting, send GA the draft so that staff can review, edit, provide support documentation, and double check that all proposal requirements are meet, as needed.  

     

    1. Submit Application
    • Compile all pieces of the application package and follow the funder's guidelines for submission. 
    • Retain a final copy of the application for your records.
    • Send a copy of the final submission to GA to ensure School Board review and approval of the grant should the grant be awarded.

     

    1. Post-Award
    • Share the award notification with the Principal or Director and GA.
    • Share Terms and Conditions or agreement with GA, as applicable.
    • Work with GA staff to receive School Board review and approval of the grant.
    • Work with your school's or department’s administration to access grant funds. 
    • Thank the donor and maintain communication throughout the funding year if possible.
    • Implement project, comply with internal grant spending controls, and meet all grant deliverables including reporting.
    • Inform donor and GA staff if you are not meeting grant deliverables or need a grant amendment or extension.