Apply Now for Special-Focus Networks Minigrants

By: NWP Staff
Publication: The Voice, Vol. 10, No. 3
Date: 2005

Summary: In October, sites that are members of special-focus networks will be able to apply online for minigrants to strengthen their work in these areas of focus: English language learners, rural sites, urban sites, and teacher inquiry communities.

This October, sites will be able to apply online for minigrants to strengthen their work in areas addressed by NWP's four special-focus networks: the English Language Learners Network, the Rural Sites Network, the Teacher Inquiry Communities Network, and the Urban Sites Network. The minigrants are offered by the National Writing Project each fall in conjunction with the writing project's continued funding application.

Although modest in size, minigrants have enabled sites to do such things as build teacher leadership, pilot models of teaching and professional development, or get extra funding needed to tackle a particular challenge at a site. This year, proposals are due to NWP by January 11, 2006.

To be eligible for funds, a site must be a member of the special-focus network to which it is submitting a proposal. Sites can sign up or renew their network membership beginning October 1, and then begin the application process. Awards are determined by peer review, usually among network leadership. Last year, 30 minigrants were awarded.

Those who wish to learn more about the minigrants or who would like to discuss project ideas with network leadership can attend the special-focus networks minigrants session at the NWP Annual Meeting on Friday, November 18.

For more information, visit the minigrants section of the special-focus networks Web pages. Also, look for more information in the October NWP site bulletins.