Grant Hunting for Music Teachers: 11 Tips for a Successful Search

• Polina Mann
• Posted 9/14/22
• 0 comments

Have you ever wanted to equip your classroom with more instruments or supplies but are unsure how to secure funding and don’t have a budget? Maybe you have thought about applying for a grant but do not know where to look or how to apply for one?  

As teachers in a special content area, we are often overlooked for funding, leaving us with few resources for our students. As someone who began her grant hunting journey last year and managed to win several grants,  I would like to tell you that the grant opportunities are out there. With a little digging and diligence, you can find something and apply for a grant in almost any teaching situation.  

Here are eleven tips to help you find, apply for, and receive grant money for your classroom: 

1. Do Your Research

I would start with a general search for grants such as just “grants for teachers,” “grants for music teachers,” and/or do a grant search in your state and see what the search engine gives you. Frequently there is a long list of grants per click, and I would advise you to go through as much of that as you can to see if you come across anything your school can qualify for. 

2. Check, Check, Check

Once you find a grant of interest, check to see if the grant is still available. There are many websites yet posted for grants that no longer exist. If it is active, check the deadline and who is eligible to apply: public school teachers, private school teachers, teachers who work for a non-profit, etc. 

3. What Do You Need?

Check the application requirements and what you need to apply: an essay, a lesson plan, a video, a picture, etc. If you are part of a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, please ask your business office for the tax ID and tax-exempt form so that you can submit this with your application. I would advise asking for other paperwork as necessary when applying, such as proof of tax-exempt status, proof of Title 1 funding, etc. 

4. Know What You Want

Research the items, prices, SKU numbers, vendor, etc., that you will need for your grant. Some grants may ask for only the items and the vendor, but some get very specific. Knowing what you want, how many, who will benefit, and how you will use the equipment or training you are applying for will help you fill out your application. The more specific the plan, the more you can advocate for your grant! 

5. Know Your Situation

Knowing your situation may sound obvious, but this isn’t always the case. For example, a Catholic school is classified as a private school and as a parochial school. A charter school is considered to be a public school but operates independently of the public school system and usually has non-profit status. Knowing what type of school you teach in and what status it has with the IRS can often qualify or disqualify you for a grant. Another vital thing to check is Title 1 funding. While often given to public schools, charter schools and Catholic schools can also apply for this grant type. If a school receives Title 1 funding, it qualifies as a Title 1 school which can in-turn make it eligible for specific grants.

6. Proofread and Spellcheck

This one goes without saying. Make sure to proofread your work and run it by a friend or colleague before sending it in. Having an extra set of eyes look at this doesn’t hurt. 

7. Hold on to the Memories

Grant committees like to see your passion for the classroom. Try to think of when you made a difference in the school; students were successful in their lesson; you connected with a student/parent. Use this experience to talk about the learning that happens in your classroom.  

8. Don’t Forget a Title!

Many organizations love a creative, catchy title since they read so many applications. If the application asks for a title, make sure you spend some time crafting something original so that your request stands out. 

9. Keep a Record

Keep a list of all grants you have applied for so that even if you do not win anything this year, you can continuously reapply. Also, print out the applications you send in, mark them with the application date, and keep everything in a big folder. Trust me; it will come in handy when you receive a congratulatory email and know which grant you won. 

10. Thank You and Follow Up

I always send a personalized thank you note to each sponsor who gave my school a grant. Some grants ask for a write-up of how you will use the fund awarded. Where possible, send pictures of your students using the equipment/software that you purchased to let the donors see their dollars at work first hand. 

11. Keep an Open Mind

If the grant does not benefit your school music program, can it help someone else or some other endeavor you are a part of? Perhaps an after-school program, a summer camp, a youth program at your church? It never hurts to think outside the box! 

I hope that this was helpful for you. For information on various grants, you can find my Instagram handle: grantsformusicteachers. I post new grant opportunities every week, so make sure to check often so you do not miss potential new opportunities!  

Good luck! 

This article was originally published by Music ConstructED on March 25, 2021.