Writing grant proposals is a complicated and time-consuming process, and without guarantees for the labor-intensive efforts that are required. However, in the current economic climate, grants are one monetary resource that can help school districts and other organizations to move forward with strategic plans, and to allow for innovation and implementation of technology.

Each grant funding source must clearly see the necessity of the proposal, and how it fulfills a need. Grants can help bridge the gap or chasm between the existing reality and the ultimate vision of where the organization wants to go. Grant recipients face high levels of accountability to the funding source that can be equally time intensive and filled with specificity and reporting requirements both on expenditures and results; thus, rewards must be weighed in advance of completing each application.

Available from a variety of funding sources including federal and state governments, foundations and other private sector organizations, each granting entity operates on its own timelines with very individual and specific requirements for who can apply based on specific criteria, the application itself, whether or not matching funds must be sought, efficiency and cost by participant to implement the scope of work, methods of evaluation and long term sustainability.

Winnebago High School students, staff, and alumni recently fed their competitive spirits with a healthy dodgeball competition. Held at Winnebago High School, with about 60 participants pumping up their heart rates and vying for prizes. The teams enjoyed rekindling friendships and enjoying collegiality with teachers.  As part of the Carol White PE grant, physical education instructors work diligently with students to explore a variety of ways to achieve 60 minutes of heart healthy activity each day for over all fitness.  Grant coordinator Annie Getschel, Mark Helm, Brent Thompson, and Kendra Cox coordinated the Tournament.  

Random raffles were conducted throughout the team competition.  Many teams from previous events participated helping to sustain rivalries and to keep the competition close!  A big thank you to area merchants for contributing certificates, including those from McDonald’s Subway, and Taco Bell.

First place team was The Ball Handlers, made up of:  Michele P., Alex M., Cheyenne M., Karissa J., Jake H., Kalin W., Sean T., and Mike P..