This issue of Learning Point offers highlights several schools and districts in which there is a shared energy around making processes of teaching and learning more efficient while understanding and applying technology where it can provide the most value added for student learning. Gratuitous technology or technology for the sake of technology and…

Based on the "simple truth" that people, not proposals, secure grants, this guide argues that grantseekers need to go well beyond strong ideas and "beautifully written" proposals. The guide provides fundraisers with the grantsmanship skills they need to navigate the grantmaking process: from avoiding common pitfalls such as…

Although Montana has not required school districts to write technology plans, districts need such plans to apply for technology grants and the E-rate discount on Internet service. This document was created to help Montana's primarily small school districts meet new demands related to technology and understand the role that technology can play in…

Describes a government publication which prints rules and regulations governing federal aid grants as well as notices of deadlines for grant applications and submittal of proposals. (Author)

Ways in which the beginning research administrator can assist faculty in understanding the review process and in using the information to enhance the chances of successfully competing for federal funds are described. (Author/MLW)

Since hundreds of requests for grants appear at the offices of American foundations, a proposal that wastes an opportunity by making a poor case cannot be tolerated. Suggestions are given for beginning the grant-writing, drafting the proposal, and avoiding certain problem approaches. (Author/MSE)

Books, journal articles, newspapers and magazines, reports, and other references on fund-raising from foundations are listed and annotated. They include reports about individual foundations and groups as well as more general grantsmanship materials and studies of private giving trends. (MSE)

Discusses five possible alternative funding sources for the school music program: local businesses, corporate foundations, private foundations, wealthy individuals, and state arts councils. (Part of a theme issue on the crisis in music education.) (Author/SJL)

A Washington-based fund-seeker is seen as necessary for helping institutions get a share of the billions in federal funds spent yearly in education. Responsibilities of a Washington representative are discussed, including knowing an institution's strong areas, knowing the agencies with jurisdiction over those areas, and connecting the two. (MLW)

Points to the availability of federal funds to educationally related institutions and individuals. Describes programs with multiple levels of eligibility and those open only to higher-education institutions. Cites dollar amounts available for various kinds of projects and compares "The Catalog of Federal Assistance" and "The Guide to Federal…

Discusses the characteristics of applicants, their experience, satisfaction with proposal review, and the analysis of survey results. (CW)

Discusses finding grant money for computer technology for whole language classrooms. Offers advice on writing grants. (SR)

A system implemented at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's medical school department of microbiology and immunology to track grant proposals before submission is described. Stress associated with proposal deadlines has been drastically reduced. Strategies used include a new submission process, development of an ideal timeline, and use of a…

Reviews the activities and research projects in education supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The Foundation's current emphases are on the humanities, campus diversity, granting fellowships, and working with premier institutions. Recent publications by Mellon staff have increased the visibility of the Foundation's activities. (DB)

Provides advice to teacher educators who are first-time grant writers about how to ensure that their proposals are competitive, noting common pitfalls frequently seen by those reviewing and evaluating grant proposals (e.g., waiting until the last minute to write, writing poorly, and not stating specific outcomes). A list of federal grant resources…