FOCUSING ON GETTING
THE PERFECT SCORE
Robin Ward
District Grant Writer
Brevard Public Schools
BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
When the grant application is received
the narrative sections are embedded in
the instructions…
Focus on the narrative sections of the
grant application to determine the points
awarded for each area…
METHOD FOR NOT LOSING SIGHT OF THE SCORE
Copy and paste the narrative sections with the scoring criteria into a new word document. For
Example:
Project Need 15 points Instructions Describe the need for the proposed project and provide
supporting data as evidence…
Criteria
• The magnitude or severity of the problem is evident, compelling, and clearly linked
to the outcome(s) of the proposed project.
• The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or the activities to be carried
out is apparent.
• The proposed project focuses on service or otherwise addresses the identified needs of
the targeted population(s).
Keep the section scoring criteria in the working document until all scoring criteria have been
addressed in the narrative.
FINAL CHECK FOR POINTS BEFORE SUBMISSION
Create an internal scoring rubric for a pre-submission review.
Section
Project Need
Criteria
•
The magnitude or severity of the problem is evident, compelling, and clearly linked to the outcome(s) of the
proposed project.
•
The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or the activities to be carried out is apparent.
•
The proposed project focuses on service or otherwise addresses the identified needs of the targeted
population(s).
•
It is evident that the proposed project is focused on those with greatest needs.
•
Gaps or weaknesses in services are explained, including the nature and magnitude of the gaps and / or
weaknesses.
Project Design and
Implementation
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The goals, objectives, and outcomes are clearly specified and measurable.
The design of the proposed project aligns with, and will successfully address, the needs of the target
population or other identified needs.
The objectives are measurable, qualitative, challenging, yet achievable, and address all expected
outcomes of the proposed project.
It is evident that activities / methods are comprehensive, likely to be effective, and result in achievement of
the objectives.
The methodology reflects up-to-date knowledge from research and best practices.
The timelines are specific, realistic, and consistent with measurable objectives and outcomes.
The applicant has provided a brief description of the design and implementation plan for consecutive
cycles two and three.
Points
15
40
Comments
POST SUBMISSION REVIEW
Did the reviewers see your vision
and award you the points you
hoped to achieve?
ANALYZE THE REVIEWERS SCORE SHEETS
Once the score sheets have been received use them to determine how successful you were in
achieving your score.
Criteria
Points Possible
Reviewer #1
Reviewer #2
Reviewer #3
Average Total
Percent
Plan of Operation
30
30
24
25
26.33
87.78%
Quality of Personnel
15
15
14
15
14.67
97.78%
Quality of Project Design
30
30
29
27
28.67
95.56%
5
5
4
4
4.33
86.67%
Evaluation Plan
10
10
10
9
9.67
96.67%
Commitment and Capacity
10
10
10
10
10.00
100.00%
Competitive Preference Priority
10
10
10
8
9.33
93.33%
New or Revised Magnet
10
10
10
10
10.00
100.00%
Selection of Students
10
10
10
10
10.00
100.00%
Promoting STEM Education
10
10
10
8
9.33
93.33%
140
140
131
126
132.33
94.52%
Budget and Resources
Results
ANALYSIS FROM RACE TO THE TOP-DISTRICT COMPETITION
Melissa Schwab
Grant Resource Specialist
Manatee County
BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR EFFORTS TO
FOCUS ON A PERFECT SCORE!
Questions?