Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mission the Department?

The mission of the Department of Grants is to expand the funding capacity of the school district to support initiatives that will increase student achievement.

What type of grants does the Department of Grants pursue?

The Department seeks and secures external funds from federal, State and local agencies, corporations, and foundations.

What are your internal reporting requirements?

The Department of Grants adheres to Board of Education Policy number 3230-Grant Assistance; Board of Education Policy number 3150-Solicitations and Acceptance of Funds; Board of Education Policy number 3293-Income–Donated Funds. In addition to these internal policies, all program or budget managers are expected to submit reports, and any amendments to the Department of Grants.

What are your external reporting requirements?

The Department requires all managers to adhere to the funding agency’s requirements such as progress reports, final reports, timesheets, and record keeping for all program data, financial and personnel. The Department requires a copy of all reports.

Do you provide in-kind service when pursuing grants?

Yes. Most grants require in-kind support from the applicant to show how the project will be sustained when grant funds are terminated. In-kind services are usually supported by the school system in areas such as: salaries, equipments, supplies, facilities for housing programs and a host of other factors. In many cases, in-kind services are provided through partners.

Are administrative costs built into the spending plan of the grants being pursued?

Yes. Costs are budgeted per the school system's or the funding agency’s guidelines.

Does the Department of Grants write grant proposals?

The Department of Grants does not write grants in isolation.  We write grants as part of a team.  We do this by providing technical assistance within the system to develop project strategy. This is done by identifying and forming a grant-seeking team that has the skills needed for project development. 

Who is on the grant-seeking team?

The grant-seeking team represents all of the stakeholders with the necessary skills to move the process from a problem to a problem-solving action plan (project). It consists of collaborations with personnel having expertise in research skills, problem-solving skills, organization ideas, organization process, project organization, budget development, leadership, data collection data, facilitation, and writing. The grant-seeking team, therefore, consists of staff from the Department of Grants, Budget Office, Research and Accountability, program content area, and partners. It is the leadership, vision and participation of the team that is critical to the development of a successful project and proposal.

What type of technical assistance does the Department of Grants provide in writing grant proposals?

The Department of Grants provides the following technical assistance when writing grant proposals:

• Identifying the grant-seeking team

• Developing the proposal timeline

• Assistance in the coordination and organization of the grant-seeking process

• Contacting funding agency for clarity

• Attending technical workshops provided by the funding agency

• Understanding the RFP (making sure there is a clear understanding of what the grant agency wants)—following directions

• Support in developing project strategy

• Support in establishing project outcomes

• Assistance in the collection of data to support the project’s needs

• Editorial support to ensure that the writing is clear and that it flows smoothly

• Editorial review and guidance to ensure that the application is in alignment with the funding agency’s needs and the system’s strategic plan

• Internal communication support to ensure that the CEO and Executive Council are informed about the project

• Responsible for obtaining all required system personnel signatures

• Making sure the application reaches the funding agency by its deadline for submission

• Making sure all required forms and documents are included in the application for submission

• Responsible for electronic submission of the application

Who decides which schools and programs are invited to participate in a grant proposal?

The funding agency sets the guidelines for eligibility, which sometimes eliminates some schools from the opportunity to apply for a particular grant.  In cases, where several schools or programs meet the funding agency’s guidelines, the system sets parameters and supports schools most in need and who are best prepared to participate in the grant project. This final step takes place with the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Council members.

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Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
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Last updated: Monday, April 14, 2008 01:35:30 PM