Applying for a Grant

Requesting a Grant

The TPS Regional program accepts proposals on a rolling basis for projects lasting up to 18 months.
Applying for a grant is a two-step process:

1. Send a notice of intent to the director of your region to determine if your grant idea falls within the funding guidelines of the program. Once the regional director has determined that your proposal idea fits within the granting guidelines of the program, he or she will ask you to submit a proposal.
2. Use the proposal format provided by the regional director to write a proposal giving information about the project for which you are seeking funding, The proposal must include a budget and a project timeline. When a grant isn’t needed or awarded, TPS Regional directors will offer advice and assistance to organizations who would like to incorporate TPS methods and materials into their programs, but do not receive funding.

Evaluating Grant Applications

A successful grant application will include a thorough description of the intended project, its audience, and content, as well as be supported by a timeline of activities, budget, and narrative. Evaluators also look for management supports and a sustainability plan.
TPS Regional directors make granting decisions within six weeks of submission.

Granting Criteria

When making granting decisions, regional directors consider the following:

Access

Access that the proposed project will offer to geographic areas and populations not currently served by TPS Consortium members.

• Acceptable: The project reaches a teacher population not served by an existing Consortium member.
• Exemplary: The project has the potential to provide professional development to a critical mass of pre and or in-service teachers within a specified area. The proposed project reaches teacher populations that have not been targeted in other subcontracts.

Scope

Scope of the proposed workshop or course and its likely success in helping teachers achieve TPS program goals and objectives.

• Acceptable: The proposed project delivers a portion of the TPS program objectives.
• Exemplary: The proposed project delivers all of the TPS program objectives.

Activities and partnerships

Professional development activities and partnerships of the proposing organization.

• Acceptable: The organization has an established PD or education program for teachers that will integrate TPS content.
• Exemplary: Collaboration with one or more organizations is evident and used to reach project goals and objectives. Partners may include school districts, colleges, universities, libraries, historical societies, or professional organizations. When possible, partnerships include high-level administrators from key agencies throughout the state.

Sustainability

Sustainability of a grantee’s use of TPS content within their professional development programs for teachers.

• Acceptable: The project aligns with existing organizational objectives and is integrated into ongoing professional development.
• Exemplary: The proposed project includes plans for the integration of TPS into current and future activities, such as curricula or other ongoing professional development opportunities.

Project plan

Project plan describes sound planning, recruitment, implementation, evaluation, and resource allocation.

• The project staff has the capacity to implement the proposed project successfully.
• The application includes a reasonable plan to recruit participants.
• The plan narrative includes a reasonable evaluation plan.
• The proposed project has a realistic budget and justification.
• The proposal includes the required 20 percent matching contribution.
• Information provided by the organization regarding its partnerships and activities is supported by appropriate documentation, such as letters, reports, etc.

Award Requirements

Grantees must submit brief financial and program reports quarterly. Grant funds will be disbursed upon submission of appropriate documentation of expenditures.