Proposals 101 for School and District Leaders: Turning Strong Ideas Into Funded Projects 

A 5-part interactive learning series on proposal writing, offering flexible participation and follow-up discussion opportunities

Writing a strong grant proposal can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. This interactive 5-part series is designed to walk school and district leaders through the process step by step—from understanding what reviewers look for to telling your story with data to pulling all the pieces together. Each session focuses on a specific part of the proposal-writing journey and offers practical tools you can use right away. Participants may attend the full series or choose the sessions that best meet their needs, and every session includes an optional discussion hour to ask questions, share drafts, and receive supportive feedback. Whether you’re brand new to proposals or looking to strengthen your skills, this series will help you turn strong ideas into funded projects.

Dates

December 4, 2025 – 1pm PST

December 11, 2025 – 1pm PST

January 15, 2025 – 1pm PST

 

Register for Proposals 101 Series

 

Session 3: Designing With Impact: Logic Models and Data Tools 

December 4, 2025: 1:00-2:00 p.m. PT

Description:
Logic models are simple roadmaps that connect your resources, your planned activities, and the results you hope to achieve. In this session, we will walk through each part of a logic model, including inputs (resources like staff time or funding), activities (what you will do, such as tutoring or holding family workshops), outputs (immediate results like the number of students served), outcomes (short-term changes such as improved reading scores), and impact (long-term changes such as higher graduation rates). We will also show how logic models can connect to your school and district priorities (including LCAP and SPSA plans) and introduce practical tools for data collection. Don’t worry if this feels new. We’ll break it down step by step.

Objectives/Goals:

• Understand the purpose and value of logic models.
• Learn how to connect logic models with funding opportunities.
• Explore simple data tools that strengthen proposals.

Discussion Hour 3: Apply What You Learned from 9:00-10:00 a.m. PT the following morning.
This is an optional follow-up session to workshop draft logic models, ask questions, and receive supportive feedback on clarity and alignment. Participants who attend Session 3 will be invited to the optional discussion hour.

 

Session 4: Telling Your Compelling Story: Blending Data and Narrative 

December 11, 2025: 1:00-2:00 p.m. PT

Description:
A strong proposal tells a clear and compelling story. This session will focus on weaving together quantitative data (like attendance rates) and qualitative data (like quotes from students or families) to highlight your vision, demonstrate your need, and show potential impact. Participants explore strategies for aligning their story with funder priorities while keeping it engaging and persuasive.

Objectives/Goals:

• Learn how to balance numbers and stories in your proposal.
• Align your narrative with both funder priorities and school and district goals.
• Explore storytelling strategies that inspire reviewers and make your proposal stand out.

Discussion Hour 4: Apply What You Learned from 9:00-10:00 a.m. PT the following morning.
This is an optional follow-up session in which you can share draft sections (whether data sets or narrative paragraphs) and receive peer and facilitator feedback. Participants who attend Session 4 will be invited to the optional discussion hour.

 

Session 5: Pulling It All Together: Case Studies, Feedback, and Final Review 

January 15, 2026: 1:00-2:00 p.m. PT

Description:
The final session will bring it all together with real-world examples from successful proposals and a comprehensive final review checklist. Participants will also explore how peer review and technology (including AI) can help polish proposals before submission.

Objectives/Goals:

• Review examples of strong proposal sections and analyze what made them effective.
• Apply a final checklist to ensure proposals are complete and competitive.
• Explore strategies for incorporating feedback and using supportive tech tools.

Discussion Hour 5: Apply What You Learned from 9:00-10:00 a.m. PT the following morning.
This is an optional follow-up session to which to bring near-final drafts, questions, and reflections. Participants will receive supportive feedback, peer input, and suggestions for the next steps. Participants who attend Session 4 will be invited to the optional discussion hour.

Register for Proposals 101 Series

 

Bios

Shannon McCullough, PhD, is a Research Manager with WestEd’s Resilient and Healthy Schools and Communities team and brings nearly 20 years of experience in education, including over a decade in research and evaluation. Her expertise spans school climate, social-emotional learning, and school-based mental health, supported by strong methodological training in quantitative approaches such as meta-analysis, RCTs, and quasi-experimental design.

Dr. McCullough is a former teacher and has worked on numerous federally and state-funded projects focused on improving student well-being and learning environments. Her work includes IES- and SAMHSA-funded initiatives on teacher-student relationships and mental health literacy, REL Northwest studies on trauma-engaged practices, and the ongoing evaluation of California’s Expanded Learning Division programs.

Jenny Betz (she/they) is a Senior Program Associate with WestEd’s Resilient and Healthy Schools and Communities team, providing professional development, coaching, and technical assistance to support inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environments. With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and education fields, Betz has supported hundreds of state, regional, and local education agencies in advancing school climate, social-emotional learning (SEL), equity, and educator wellness through strategies including culturally responsive practices, trauma-informed approaches, student leadership, community engagement, LGBTQ+ inclusion, bias-based bullying prevention, and effective data use. Betz also brings experience supporting district and school teams with strategic planning, implementation design, and improvement strategies that promote sustainability and alignment with local goals. Their work is grounded in collaboration, reflection, and a commitment to equity and continuous learning.