Funding

Funding
//"A world-class education is the single most important factor in determining not just whether our kids can compete for the best jobs but whether America can out-compete countries around the world. America's business leaders understand that when it comes to education, we need to up our game. That's why we’re working together to put an outstanding education within reach for every child."// -President Barack Obama, July 18, 2011

As we witness the vast changes and innovative opportunities that will enhance public education, we can't diminish the fact that money is a key component. When it comes to educational funding, local and community business along with corporate support should be at the heart of financial efforts. Many businesses and local donors are willing to help support a worthy cause through reaching out to their youth in order to enhance their education and build-up the community. Parents are also a critical component of sustaining the vision via funding options. The key to soliciting support is increasing awareness. By having meetings, benefits, and community gatherings, the explanation of education's reconstruction will be voiced.

Teachers, PTA/PTOs, and other organizations must write grants and seek other opportunities for funding as a collaborative unit. Again, awareness of these opportunities is critical because some people are unaware of the "free" money that is out there. It takes preparation and extensive writing in most cases but once the vision is mounted, the passion will emerge and provide strength for pushing forward. Once awareness is captured, healthy alliances amongst schools and outside sources of funding must be created. The state of Maryland is the home of the 21st Century Education Foundation which promotes collaborative efforts to match the needs of the public schools in Anne Arundel County. They are heavily supported by various sponsors of businesses, industry, and in their community. This foundation is a great example of how it takes everyone to support a worthy cause in public education.

Fundraising
This task can be fully administered via PTO/PTAs and/or other organizations and clubs in or around the school. The creative programs linked below provide portals for online shopping which is much more convenient and safer for families. Donations of specified percentages will be given to the school of choice. __ [| The Manna Group] __ __ [|Cartridges for Kids] __ Innisbrook Wrapping Paper and Magazines __ [| SchoolPop] __

For guidelines on grant writing, follow this link.

Reed also recommends the following sites:
 * __ [| The Buck Stops Here: Debunking Five Common Ed-tech Budget Myths] __
 * __ [| Federal Communications Commission: E-rate] __
 * __ [| National School Boards’ Association Funding Toolkit] __
 * __ [| State Educational Technology Directors Association - Connects] __

The images below represent some resources via entrepreneurship, foundations, and national retailers.







Parental Support
Regardless of the scale of collaborating, parental support is a critical addition for success inside and outside of the classroom. View the video below to see how a simple yet rewarding project was graciously supported by parents. media type="youtube" key="Pa1WQ45S--A" height="315" width="560" //"Taking into consideration the fact that there is an enormous lack of funds to invest in school infrastructure in Kosovo, one very practical activity promoted by USAID's Basic Education Program is to involve parents in creating a better learning environment for their kids in a cost effective way. This activity also includes the provision of basic materials with which teachers, parents and students can organize a "make-over" of one classroom in the school to create a "21st Century Classroom". (YouTube description)//

View the video below for an inspiring story of the Newton School's Foundation and how they ensured every classroom was up to par with 21st century technologies. media type="youtube" key="qkBZaIjHdm4" height="315" width="560"

For more information and a detailed list of grant funding sources, please visit another chapter of the authors' previous wiki: Techstanding-Chapter 10: Financing the Vision: Informed Decision Making