STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS BOTH NEED DONATIONS

Policymakers throughout all educational levels are wrestling with the cold, hard truth that the original funding of Education and software is changed. We are now wondering how we can afford to keep the tools our administrators, teachers, parents and students are finally putting to good use. Students are wondering how to put themselves through school with the higher cost of tuition and books. We must intelligently commit funding for the educational growth of all our children.

State and Federal Funds are Disappearing

With the revolving threat of federal funds elimination districts must find their own reliable and ongoing funding sources, state and federal leadership would do well to help calculate and take into consideration looking for other funding options. Seeing the big picture is a necessity.

Funding Where There was None    

Step 1: Form Foundations

If a community understands its local districts' funding constraints, they are often willing to extend financial assistance by creating a foundation. Schools in more affluent neighborhoods may have foundations that raise $100,000 or more. The schools in less affluent areas may only raise $5,000 or have no foundation, and will obviously be unable to support their student learning projects. Set up a group within the school to form a committee to set up fundraising goals to raise donations to fund the project.

Step 2:  Give Grants a Chance

Where are the grants? Too many students and education leaders do not realize that state and federal grants are much easier to obtain than they imagined. It is important for students and educators alike to research their options for funding sources, or other related state and federal sources. In addition, ferreting out grant money can augment general funds to support student learning with technology. This money has already been donated to fund these options, find out if you qualify.