This area of the NISN Resource Hub focuses on securing funding beyond available per-pupil and state formula funding. Resources are tailored towards capital projects; however, the principles and recommendations apply to fundraising for other needs.
This content will help schools improve their capacity to seek grants and other funds over time, prepare quality applications, and advocate for project support. Information and tools complement resources found in Facilities Funding Sources, which focuses on identifying and screening specific funding opportunities.
The video below provides an introduction to the concepts in this section on securing funding as well as tips related to Facilities Funding Sources.
Navigating Resources
- Improving Funding Readiness
NISN helps network schools increase their capacity to apply for funds over time. This area focuses on two main practice areas for improving capacity: assessing and improving readiness and creating a knowledge-base of documents commonly needed for applications. These resources are relevant to leaders of planned schools, existing schools, and school-affiliated 501(c)(3) foundations who are involved in securing facilities and/or program funds.
- Preparing Grant Requests
This area provided guidance about preparing grant proposals. Resources focus on proposal and project planning, responding to common proposal sections, and finalizing and submitting proposals. These resources are relevant to school leaders involved in grant seeking.
- Creating Advocacy Documents
Meeting capital funding needs often involves securing funding and other support from elected officials, agencies, and philanthropic representatives. An important tool for this is a short document about your school and project. This area offers guidance and a step-by-step process for creating effective one-page advocacy documents. This content is relevant for planned and existing schools when leaders are seeking funding allocations, project approvals, and project buy-in from key people.