How to Connect Grant Criteria to School Safety Needs with Dr. Paula Love

Finding adequate funding can be a difficult task for some schools. But there is a benefit when a school district, and ultimately its schools, become a grant recipient. These grants can help schools implement more educational and extracurricular programs, and even hire more staff, which can have a major impact on the quality of education provided. However, there are stipulations that come with these grants and schools often must meet certain guidelines to be awarded a grant. This is an area of expertise for Dr. Paula Love, who guides schools on how to apply for the grants best suited for their needs.

What are the types of grants out there for schools? How can schools ensure that they have better chances at winning a grant, and how can they match their needs to the criteria outlined in grant requirements?

Exploring the ways grants are utilized and the basis on which they are created, Dr. Paula Love discussed the matter with host Michelle Dawn Mooney, on an episode of “School Safety Today.” The two talked about the application process for schools in order to qualify, and how grants can play a significant role in school safety.

Mooney and Love further explored:

• The types of grants, including competitive and formula grants
• Examples of some specific grants and their eligibility, such as programs for special needs students and school safety
• The importance of applying for state grants, eligibility odds, and federal grants

“State grants are so good right now and the reason that I say that is it gives us [more of a] window,” said Love. “…At the federal level, and you’re competing for this money, there may only be a few winners. At state levels like what we’re seeing in Texas and other states, the opportunity to go after those is even greater.”

Dr. Paula Love is an author and the founder of RFP Match, a company she created to consult schools on applying and receiving grants. She’s worked in the education field for over three decades and found her calling in grant-writing.

Raptor Technologies provides resources on school funding information as well as works with RFP Match to help schools apply for and earn grant dollars.