State and federal grants play a significant role in providing additional support to critical district initiatives. Once a state or federal opportunity has been identified, Innovation and Development will work with senior leadership and program staff to establish a development process and timeline.

The process typically includes --

• Senior Leadership Review and Approval of Overall Grant Concept Direction
• Project and proposal development over a 3-6 week process
• Cross-functional review and approval needed for effective implementation of project, including: Research, Evaluation, and Assessment; Business Office; Operations/Facilities/Technology; Human Resources; Communications; and Purchasing

The sooner a strategic initiative is identified, the more time it allows for proper development and articulation of ideas. There are a lot of pieces to these grants, and setting aside time to vet ideas and review the final draft is crucial.

Assessing Needs -- if you have a great idea, be sure your proposed grant aligns with district initiatives.  Contact the Fund Development Coordinator  |  651-767-8344

Framework -- the framework for strategic initiatives includes --

• Areas that will make the most impact on student achievement
• Education models
• Conduct research to find proven best practices to implement through project design

Week 1

• Identify grant opportunity
• Notify Innovation and Development

Week 2

• Meet with Innovation and Development to discuss proposed project with subject matter experts around grant topic -- brainstorm project design
• Onboard evaluator -- internal and/or external
• Work with Innovation and Development and the account department for budgetary issues
• Vet process with district leadership

Week 3 and 4

• Review draft of final grant-- this process takes one week
• Application submission – contact Innovation and Development
• All grants are presented in the Board book each month for approval by the Board of Education. You should work with Innovation and Development to prepare a Board Agenda Item