How to write a strong Impact Grant Application
Writing a grant application can feel overwhelming. What should you include? How much detail is too much? How do you explain why your idea matters? One of the best ways to understand a strong application is to see one in action.
Meet the Project
Meet the 2025 Winners
This 2025 Impact Grant winner is a great example of a well-written application. It clearly explains the idea, identifies specific student benefits, provides a detailed budget, and connects the proposed experiences directly to student learning.
GRANT APPLICANTS
Justin Peeper
Jennifer Peeper
Angela Bailey
Camille Bartel
Ellen Robinson
STUDENTS
19 freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors
TRIP
9-day cultural and linguistic immersion experience
LOCATIONS
Barcelona and Valencia
WHY THIS IS A STRONG EXAMPLE?
What Makes This Application Successful?
This example shows how to clearly communicate your idea and its impact on students.
Here are eight key elements that make this application stand out.
01
Start With the Student Experience
Be specific about who will participate and what they will experience.
02
Explain the “Why”
Show how the experience connects to learning and why it matters.
03
Be Specific About What the Grant Will Fund
Clearly identify what you're asking for and include a detailed budget.
04
Connect the Cost to the Impact
Explain what students will receive for the investment.
05
Show That Students Want the Experience
Include student interest, surveys, or other evidence of need.
06
Give the Reader a Picture of the Experience
Help us imagine what students will actually do.
07
Explain What Happens After the Grant
Share how students will extend their learning beyond the original experience.
08
Tell Us Why Your Idea Is Special
Highlight what makes this opportunity unique and the long-term impact for students.
The Grant in Action
What the Grant Funded
The application clearly identified two specific experiences and explained how each would benefit students.
$625
Sagrada Família Tower Experience
25 travelers × $25 per ticket
Students had the opportunity to climb one of the basilica's towers and experience Barcelona from a unique perspective.
$875
Valencia Tapas Experience
Approximately 25 travelers × $35 per person
Students shared a traditional tapas meal while practicing language skills and experiencing Spanish food and culture together.
A Simple Framework for your Application
USE THIS FRAMEWORK
What Makes This Application Successful?
This example shows how to clearly communicate your idea and its impact on students.
Here are eight key elements that make this application stand out.
01
The Idea
What do you want to do?
02
The Students
Who will participate?
04
The Learning
What will students learn, practice or experience?
03
The Why
Why does this matter
06
The Budget
What specifically are you asking the Foundation to fund?
05
The Plan
What will students actually do?
08
The Next Step
How will students share, apply, or build on their experience?
07
The Impact
How will students benefit?
Your Idea Could be Next
Ready to Start Writing?
The SACS Education Foundation wants to help SACS educators turn great ideas into meaningful experiences for students.
Use this example as a guide, then start writing your own application.
You don't have to have every word perfect before you begin. Start with the students, explain the experience, and tell us why it matters.
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