A guide to successful grant applications for schools

In late 2020 Narromine High approached Schools Plus to seek funding for a project. After four years of drought their school community hub was surrounded by a barren and underutilised space. To transform this space into a thriving and interactive community garden, the school needed $10,000. Through Schools Plus’ grant service, they were able to successfully apply for funding from the Matana Foundation for Young People.  

“While we did not avail ourselves of all that Schools Plus could offer us, we are definitely going to be doing more business with them this year and we would recommend others do the same.”  – Louise Lawler, Community Hub Coordinator, Narromine High School   

Applying for grant funding for school projects is a great way to raise money for your school. This article is to help you understand how to find suitable grants, the grant application process, and how to write a winning submission. Schools Plus can support you in this journey. We have Deductible Gift Recipient status (DGR1). Most philanthropic grant-makers require grant applicants to have DGR1 status. As well as providing funding directly to eligible schools, Schools Plus are also able to apply for grants on behalf of schools, using our charitable status.  

Finding Grants

Many grants are published online and you can use grant databases to assist your search. For example:  

To prepare for your grant application we suggest:  

  1. Saving time by checking your eligibility via the grant guidelines 
  2. Reach out to the grant maker to ask questions and begin building a relationship 
  3. Prepare your answers to commonly asked grant questions, including: 
  • What are the planned activities? 
  • What are the expected outcomes? 
  • How will you measure results?  
  • How are you going to sustain the project beyond the funding?  
  • What is your budget outline? 
Writing your application 

The most essential part of the grant writing process is your plan. Answer the questions below to create a simple plan: 

  1. What is the problem you are trying to solve?  
  2. How will you solve the problem?  
  3. What is the timeline for the project? When do you need the funds?  
  4. How much will the project cost? What funds and resource do you already have access to?  
  5. Who is on your project team?  
Telling Your Story

Being able to articulate ‘why’ you are doing the project is essential to stand out from the crowd and other applications. Share your passion for the project and how it will benefit the students and your school community. Link it back to the guidelines for submission in the grant information to make it easy for the assessor. 

Reporting & Saying Thanks

Be prepared to report back by knowing when and what you are required to report on (e.g., outcomes and budget items). To add impact and create a great relationship with the grant maker you can also add photos, videos, quotes from students, schedule a call with your principal or invite the grant maker out to the school.  

When you are ready to start your grant journey, please reach out to Schools Plus. We are a national charity that helps children facing disadvantage succeed at school. Our vision is that all Australian children reach their potential through access to a great education. Together with our supporters, we empower schools in disadvantaged communities with funding, coaching and resources to create lasting change that improves students’ learning outcomes. Check your eligibility and contact us to find out more.

Tags: School Fundraising, Grant writing, Auspicing