The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries has been providing grants to schools across the United States since 2002. The foundation's goal is to support education and foster a love of reading in students from birth to 12th grade. If you're a school librarian or educator looking to secure funding for your school's library, the Laura Bush Foundation grant can be a great opportunity. However, the application process can be competitive, and it's essential to approach it strategically. Here are five steps to help you succeed in your Laura Bush Foundation grant application:
Step 1: Understand the Grant's Purpose and Eligibility Criteria
Before starting your application, it's crucial to understand the grant's purpose and eligibility criteria. The Laura Bush Foundation provides grants to schools that serve disadvantaged or under-resourced communities. The foundation focuses on schools where at least 50% of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch.
To be eligible, your school must:
- Be a public, private, or charter school
- Serve students from birth to 12th grade
- Have a library that is open to students during school hours
- Have a librarian or library media specialist on staff
Review the Grant's Priorities
The Laura Bush Foundation prioritizes grant applications that:
- Focus on books and reading materials for students
- Enhance the library's collection and improve student access to books
- Support literacy programs and initiatives that promote reading and learning
- Demonstrate a commitment to serving disadvantaged or under-resourced communities
Step 2: Develop a Strong Grant Proposal
A well-written grant proposal is essential to securing funding from the Laura Bush Foundation. Your proposal should:
- Clearly articulate your school's needs and goals
- Describe how the grant funds will be used to improve the library and support student learning
- Outline a plan for evaluating the grant's success
- Provide a detailed budget and timeline for the project
Highlight Your School's Unique Needs and Opportunities
Your grant proposal should highlight your school's unique needs and opportunities. Be specific about how the grant funds will be used to address the challenges faced by your students and community. For example, if your school serves a large population of English language learners, you could describe how the grant funds will be used to purchase bilingual books and resources.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents and Information
Before submitting your grant application, make sure you have all the required documents and information. This may include:
- A letter of support from your school's administration
- A copy of your school's budget and financial reports
- Demographic data about your school's student population
- Information about your school's library and literacy programs
Review the Grant Application Checklist
The Laura Bush Foundation provides a grant application checklist to help you ensure that you have all the required documents and information. Review the checklist carefully and make sure you have everything you need before submitting your application.
Step 4: Submit a Strong Budget and Budget Narrative
A strong budget and budget narrative are essential components of your grant application. Your budget should:
- Clearly outline how the grant funds will be used
- Provide a detailed breakdown of costs and expenses
- Demonstrate a commitment to responsible financial management
Your budget narrative should:
- Explain the rationale behind your budget decisions
- Describe how the grant funds will be used to support student learning and literacy
- Highlight any cost-sharing or matching funds that your school will provide
Use the Budget Template Provided by the Laura Bush Foundation
The Laura Bush Foundation provides a budget template to help you create a strong budget and budget narrative. Use the template to ensure that your budget is complete and accurate.
Step 5: Review and Edit Your Grant Application Carefully
Before submitting your grant application, review and edit it carefully. Check for:
- Grammar and spelling errors
- Incomplete or inaccurate information
- Clarity and coherence
Ask a colleague or peer to review your application and provide feedback. Make any necessary revisions before submitting your application.
Submit Your Grant Application On Time
Make sure to submit your grant application on time. The Laura Bush Foundation has a deadline for grant applications, and late submissions will not be accepted.
Gallery of Laura Bush Foundation Grant Application:
FAQ Section:
What is the Laura Bush Foundation Grant?
+The Laura Bush Foundation Grant is a grant program that provides funding to schools to support literacy and education.
How do I apply for the Laura Bush Foundation Grant?
+To apply for the Laura Bush Foundation Grant, you must submit a grant application, which includes a proposal, budget, and budget narrative.
What is the deadline for the Laura Bush Foundation Grant application?
+The deadline for the Laura Bush Foundation Grant application varies, but it is typically in the spring or fall of each year.