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Financing:
Finding Funds for Technology - Part 4
Last time, we talked about defining your vision to add music technology courses. Now there are three things you could do simultaneously to further the process. First, have a talk with your Administrators and your Technology Coordinator. Let them know what it is that you're interested in doing and that you're actively doing something about it. Show them a proposed budget. Many times there are funds available that you are not aware of. It is not umcommon to have your needs met at the very start by an administrator or tech chair who becomes "sold" on your proposal. And it will help if you have begun to put your plans to paper. That's the second thing you can be working on now.
Going after grant money from private institutions or "foundations" will take some documentation on your part. Some of the things you will need to show are:
- A clear definition of the need and how you propose to solve it
- Some examples of schools where similar programs have flourished
- A proposed budget for what you intend to accomplish
- A timeline and benchmarks for when you propose things will happen
- A clear set of ways to measure your success
Give some thought to these questions and in the next edition we'll talk about how to write your justification so it appeals to business.
This is your justification and your proposal. I would encourage you to use your parents in helping you collect these documents. Parents can be wonderful at researching costs and considering the measureables. Remember that measurable goals signal to business people that you are serious about success and that can only work in your favor.
While you are developing this, the third thing you can work on (againk this is great for a parent who's motivated), is coallecting a list of prospects to which you will make your proposal. This is the beginning of finding "a good match." And that is a company who's giving goals are closely aligned with your needs. Those goals may fall into any of these categories: Arts and Development, Human Development, Education, Stay-In-School programs, Computers or Technology programs, Community programs, After School programs, and Job-to-Work programs.
There are two ways to go after private grant money at this point. Local businesses are much easier than larger foundation grants, but they are generally smaller dollars. Foundation grants can be much larger but requre more work. Aren't you glad you formalized your budget? In the next IOC, we'll talk about taking your "smaller" proposals to local businesses.
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