Grants are a definitely a good source of info if you're willing to do the work. If you're looking for money for programs (ie literacy, arts, technology, music) there are people willing to help you! It sounds awful to say, but being financially disadvantaged is actually something that I wish our school was sometimes. Being "middle-class" means we don't qualify for a lot of grant opportunities, yet we don't have the money we need for so much.
A good place to start is the Foundation Center's website--though I warn you they're in it for the money (membership) and don't give out much actual foundation info. They have all sort of tips etctera, and some good leads. Another good place to look at is your own town: if you have any large companies there they often only support their areas of "geographic interest." Hasbro and Just Born (they make Peeps) come to mind. There's also a website "schoolgrants.com (or .org-- I can't remember which it is) that's a good place to look at.
Most corporations have a "Community" section in their corporate info section on their website ("About us" is usually the what you'll see). Target is generous, and has three general areas they support, I know two are literacy and preventing domestic abuse--I can't remember the third. Private foundations are harder to track down--I paid for a basic membership to the Foundation Center to get names and addresses.
Most foundations etcetera will tell you right on the website what info they want to see. About half the time all they want is a letter describing your case, and if they think you're something they're interested in they'll let you know if they want more details. Sometimes if you're lucky there's just a form to fill out.
If I think of anything else I'll let you know. Seeing as I have yet to get money out of any corporations I'm not sure I'm the person to go to for specific info. We did find money in our county's attempt to preserve open space though and received a grant towards our handicapped accessible playground.
Good luck, and poke around on the boards, there's info out there!
I am new to the whole Pta. I have seen that many organizations are applying and receiving grants. I know that no one wants to give me their secrets, but could anyone point in the right direction. My school hasn't had a functioning PTA that was able to anything for years. We live in an urban area where you don't get a lot of parental involvement for much of anything. I would appreciate the help. Thanx!
