• Latest
  • Trending

I Grant You Three Wishes

September 19, 2022
Ten Teaching Behaviors That Make a Difference By Dr. Charles T. Menghini

Ten Teaching Behaviors That Make a Difference By Dr. Charles T. Menghini

August 19, 2025
Reflections by Dr. Harry Begian By Dr. Richard Johnson

Reflections by Dr. Harry Begian By Dr. Richard Johnson

August 15, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
The Power of Partnerships: University, Communities, and Schools By Christopher M. Baumgartner

The Power of Partnerships: University, Communities, and Schools By Christopher M. Baumgartner

August 14, 2025
The First Week Sets the Tone By Peter Sciaino

The First Week Sets the Tone By Peter Sciaino

August 14, 2025
Band Camp Survival Tips From WindConductor.org

Band Camp Survival Tips From WindConductor.org

August 12, 2025
First Impressions of a Leader by Dr. Matthew Arau

First Impressions of a Leader by Dr. Matthew Arau

August 12, 2025
Headlines

Headlines

August 8, 2025
Colonel Bruce R. Pulver Leader & Commander, The United States Army Band  (Pershing’s Own)

Colonel Bruce R. Pulver Leader & Commander, The United States Army Band (Pershing’s Own)

August 7, 2025
Tempus Fugit by Tom Palmatier, SBO+ Editor-in-Chief

Tempus Fugit by Tom Palmatier, SBO+ Editor-in-Chief

August 6, 2025
Concert Band Set-up Fundamentals By Tom Palmatier

Concert Band Set-up Fundamentals By Tom Palmatier

August 5, 2025
Preview of the Midwest Clinic

Midwest Clinic’s 1st-Ever TI:ME Audio Technology PreConference Intensive

August 4, 2025

Laying the Groundwork: The Importance of Foundational Music Experiences By Annamarie Bollino

July 30, 2025
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
  • Contact
SBO+
  • Departments
    • Concert Band
    • Orchestra
      • String Section
    • Choral
    • Marching Band
    • Jazz
    • Modern Band/Popular Music
      • Mariachi
    • Theater
    • Editorial
      • Upclose
      • Advocacy
        • NAfME Neighborhood
        • MAC Corner
        • MusicEd: Mentor Minute
      • Commentary
        • Bubbett’s Bookshelf
        • Leadership Tips
        • Perspective
        • InService
          • America’s Bandmasters
          • America’s Musicians
        • Tone Deaf Comics
      • Features
    • News
      • Headlines
      • New Products
    • Performance
      • Woodwinds
        • Wind Talkers
      • Percussion
        • GoodVibes
      • Repertoire
      • Playing Tips
    • Technology
    • Travel/Festivals
      • Fundraising
  • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
  • Awards/Entries
    • Teachers’ Choice Awards
    • 50 Teachers Who Make a Difference
  • Subscribe to SBO+
    • Subscribe
    • Login/Manage Subscription
    • Support
  • Advertise
    • Email PR!
No Result
View All Result
  • Departments
    • Concert Band
    • Orchestra
      • String Section
    • Choral
    • Marching Band
    • Jazz
    • Modern Band/Popular Music
      • Mariachi
    • Theater
    • Editorial
      • Upclose
      • Advocacy
        • NAfME Neighborhood
        • MAC Corner
        • MusicEd: Mentor Minute
      • Commentary
        • Bubbett’s Bookshelf
        • Leadership Tips
        • Perspective
        • InService
          • America’s Bandmasters
          • America’s Musicians
        • Tone Deaf Comics
      • Features
    • News
      • Headlines
      • New Products
    • Performance
      • Woodwinds
        • Wind Talkers
      • Percussion
        • GoodVibes
      • Repertoire
      • Playing Tips
    • Technology
    • Travel/Festivals
      • Fundraising
  • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
  • Awards/Entries
    • Teachers’ Choice Awards
    • 50 Teachers Who Make a Difference
  • Subscribe to SBO+
    • Subscribe
    • Login/Manage Subscription
    • Support
  • Advertise
    • Email PR!
No Result
View All Result
SBO+
No Result
View All Result

I Grant You Three Wishes

September 19, 2022
in Archives, Survey, Choral, September 2009
Share on Facebook
ADVERTISEMENT

If only procuring funding for a school music program were as easy as rubbing an old oil lamp and bossing around a startled genie. Of course, there’s much more to it than that, especially in these trying times. Yet, beyond the bake sales and spaghetti dinners, the fundraising concerts and carwashes, there lurks a mysterious and often misunderstood source of funding known as “grants.” When painstakingly and mercilessly rooted out and grappled into submission, these strange creatures may provide what many would consider riches beyond our wildest dreams.

Fantasy aside, grants are a very real and attainable source of funding for many school music programs, as countless foundations, organizations, and benevolent companies across the country have set aside monies specifically for programs like yours all you have to do is find the perfect grant and submit an equally perfect application, which, granted, is no small task. To gauge the trends in grant writing among vocal music educators, Choral Director’s latest reader survey queried thousands of your peers nationwide, and indications are that this one area of funding remains mystifying for many.

Do you or other members of your department apply for grants?

Do you or other members of your department apply for grants?

If yes, how many per year?

If yes, how many per year?

“Our Music Boosters applies for small local grants and donations, typically in the $200 – $1500 range.”

Karen L. Reynolds
Tri County Schools
DeWitt, Neb.

“We have in-school grants that are funded by our Parents’ Association and other private donors. Mostly, those are the types of grants for which we apply.”

Lisa Pennington
Collegiate School
Richmond, Va.

If no, why not?

If no, why not?

“All of the above for me… It is very time consuming to find a grant that will meet my needs and time consuming to write if I find one.”

Carol Bellgrau
William Blount High School
Maryville, Tenn.

“Grants from industry or other organizations are #149;soft money’ and generally not renewable on an annual basis. It’s easy to start new programs and practices with grant money but often difficult to continue funding these endeavors without money on an annual basis. Education is the responsibility of the state and of the local community and as such should be funded by the state and community.”

Jeffry Stearns
West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School
West Lafayette, Ind.

If you don’t currently apply for grants, do you plan to do so in the future?

If you don't currently apply for grants, do you plan to do so in the future?

What percentage of your funding typically comes from grants?

What percentage of your funding typically comes from grants?

Type of grant support sought?

Type of grant support sought?

“The high school uses it for trips. I use the grants for large supplies, Yamaha pianos, recording equipment, et cetera.”

Doris Robinson
Paola Middle School
Paola, Kan.

What is the most challenging aspect of the grant-writing process?

“The time and paperwork involved. It can be a very intimidating process.”

Amanda Ragan
Oak Ridge High School
Oak Ridge, Tenn.

“Finding time to investigate the grant (that we qualify for and that will meet our need) and then getting the information needed to complete the writing process pricing equipment/installation expenses and finding quality time to complete the proposal.”

Susan M. Keefer
Wabash MS/HS
Wabash, Ind.

“Finding the right terminology that will convince the grantors that the grant is important and needed.”

Sister Lauretta Linsalata
Archbishop Ryan High School
Philadelphia, Pa.

“I suppose the time and the process that is in involved. I once had a workshop dealing with the grant-writing process. Again, #149;red tape’ seemed to be the major stumbling block. There has to be an easier way to do this.”

Don Stoner
Meyersdale Area School District
Meyersdale, Pa.

What is the most memorable grant you’ve been awarded?

“As a part of a team of four teachers, I wrote a large educational grant a few years ago that resulted in my school receiving $140,000 in funds. It took a lot of time, and our team of writers lived that process for several weeks. It was our first real grant award. That started it all for our school and resulted in much more money from other organizations. Keep trying! Once you get that first grant, others will follow.”

Ann Stahmer, (retired teacher)
City Choir of Washington
Washington, D.C.

“I’ve received one grant, applied for by our IT man. I obtained a Smart Board and projector, which became a main teaching tool in my class. Thanks for bringing this back to the forefront of my thoughts.”

Bruce J. Hanson
North Pole High School
North Pole, Alaska

“We received an almost-new trumpet to replace a very decrepit thirdhand one being used by a talented student who is planning on becoming a music teacher. A wonderful Connecticut organization named Horns For Kids gave us that.”

Frank Martignetti
High School in the Community
New Haven, CT

“Our Fine/Performing Arts program received $30K from state grants two years ago.”

Bonnie Graeve
Royal High School
Simi Valley, Calif.

“We received a grant for a new stereo system for my room. It was nearly $1,000!”

Jason Mondello
Winnebago CUSD 323
Winnebago, Ill.

“One from Lands End. First, I was selected from district grants to go to the final level, and then I was awarded $12,000 in computers for my elementary school music program as well as $900 in software. It was very rewarding for the students and helped over 2,000 students in music education.”

Rhonda Chalone
Toki Middle School
Madison, Wis.

“I wrote a grant for our school for $300,000 for staff development, materials, clinicians, and supplies. It was a CSR grant through the federal government for the state of West Virginia.”

Bruce Ensinger
New Martinsville School
New Martinsville, W.Va.

Do you have any tips for your fellow educators who may be interested in becoming more involved in grant writing?

“Choral grants are few and far between, but do not give up, there are some out there. Be creative with your ideas, it may be that you can find a grant to fund a new computer and then us your standard budget for music.”

Dr. Matthew C. Harden
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, Neb.

“Jump in with both feet and seek help for the sections that you don’t understand. The benefits are worth it. Take a grant writing course if you have the time.”

Jerilee Henderson
Tillamook High School
Tillamook, Ore.

“I would recommend talking with someone who has gone through the process, and to maybe find someone to help you with your first grant application. Some of them are very easy and many of them can get quite complicated. Also, be sure to stay on the lookout and check the Web for grant possibilities in your area.”

James D. Moyer
Pennsbury High School
Fairless Hills, Pa.

“Don’t be afraid to sit down and do the leg work. Grant writing is not as difficult or as time consuming as you may think it is.”

Leonia High School
Leonia, N.J.

“Keep a notebook of grants applied for and received. Constantly surf the Web, and keep a calendar to assist with deadlines!”

Wanda L. Mitchell
Davis Middle School
Hampton, Va.

You may also like:

Default ThumbnailGrant Writing: Shaking the Money Tree Report: 50 Directors SBO Presents The 19th Annual 50 Directors Who Make A Difference Default ThumbnailAre Grants Worth the Effort? SBO Presents the 18th Annual 50 Directors Who Make A Difference Report
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

POPULAR STORY

  • 50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference

    50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference

    1366 shares
    Share 546 Tweet 342
  • When Selecting New Choral Music, Choose Success

    1295 shares
    Share 518 Tweet 324
  • Concert Band Set-up Fundamentals

    1106 shares
    Share 442 Tweet 277
  • The Immediate Threat to School Music Programs

    1010 shares
    Share 404 Tweet 253
  • TI:ME Announces Free PreSonus Revelator USB Microphone at 30th Anniversary Celebration at TMEA

    971 shares
    Share 388 Tweet 243
ADVERTISEMENT

SchoolMusic.Travel

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations in the Northwest USA

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations in the Northwest USA

Mountains, music, and vibrant cities — the Northwest offers unforgettable experiences for student groups. 🎷 1. Seattle, WA – Innovation Meets Inspiration• Why it’s great:…

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations in the Northeast USA

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations in the Northeast USA

From Broadway to Boston, the Northeast inspires music students with rich culture and iconic venues. From Broadway lights to historic concert halls, the Northeast is…

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations in the Midwest USA

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations in the Midwest USA

The Midwest is the heartbeat of America — and it beats in 4/4 time. The Midwest is the heartbeat of America — and it beats…

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations on the West Coast

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations on the West Coast

Coastlines, concert halls, and creativity — the West Coast delivers stunning performance opportunities. From iconic performance halls to scenic coastal venues, the West Coast offers…

Next Post

The Unrelenting Ambition of Amanda Roeder

  • August 2025

    Articles | Digital Issue
  • July 2025

    Articles | Digital Issue
  • June 2025

    Articles | Digital Issue
  • May 2025

    Articles | Digital Issue
  • April 2025

    Articles | Digital Issue
© 2005 - 2025 artistpro, LLC
7012 City Center Way, Suite 207
Fairview, Tennessee 37062
(800) 682-8114

No Result
View All Result
  • Departments
    • Concert Band
    • Orchestra
      • String Section
    • Choral
    • Marching Band
    • Jazz
    • Modern Band/Popular Music
      • Mariachi
    • Theater
    • Editorial
      • Upclose
      • Advocacy
      • Commentary
      • Features
    • News
      • Headlines
      • New Products
    • Performance
      • Woodwinds
      • Percussion
      • Repertoire
      • Playing Tips
    • Technology
    • Travel/Festivals
      • Fundraising
  • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
  • Awards/Entries
    • Teachers’ Choice Awards
    • 50 Teachers Who Make a Difference
  • Subscribe to SBO+
    • Subscribe
    • Login/Manage Subscription
    • Support
  • Advertise
    • Email PR!

© 2005 - 2024 artistpro, LLC 7012 City Center Way, Suite 207 Fairview, Tennessee 37062 (800) 682-8114

Wenger EndurAd Promo