By Andrew Jordan

One of the biggest challenges small schools face is making the most out of limited resources. Tight budgets, small tax bases, and rising costs can make it feel like opportunities for students are out of reach. Yet, I’ve seen firsthand how external funding—through grants—can transform what’s possible. When used strategically, grants don’t just fill gaps; they create growth, fuel innovation, and provide students with opportunities they might never have otherwise.

Why Grants Matter in Small Schools

Small schools often compete against larger districts that have more funding, more staff, and more programs. While those advantages are real, grants allow small schools to level the playing field. Unlike fixed funding sources, grants provide flexibility to launch new initiatives, pilot programs, and bring in additional resources that otherwise wouldn’t be available.

For principals, this means moving from a mindset of scarcity to one of possibility. Instead of asking, “What can we do with what we have?” we begin asking, “What new opportunities can we create with external support?” That shift opens doors not only for students but for teachers and communities as well.

Strategic Alignment: Choosing the Right Grants

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that not every grant is the right fit. It can be tempting to chase every opportunity, but successful grant work comes from alignment. Just as a coach builds a game plan around the strengths of their players, schools must pursue funding that aligns with their vision and goals.

For example, if a school is working to improve literacy outcomes, applying for a grant that supports technology in classrooms can complement that effort. If a district is focused on student mental health, pursuing funding for professional development in trauma-informed practices makes sense. Alignment ensures that grants don’t become isolated projects but instead fuel long-term, sustainable growth.

Building a Grant-Writing Mindset

Some principals shy away from grants because the process feels overwhelming. The applications can be detailed, the requirements specific, and the reporting demanding. But like anything in leadership, practice builds confidence. Over time, I’ve found that successful grant writing comes down to three things: clarity, collaboration, and persistence.

• Clarity means being able to clearly explain your school’s needs and how funding will address them.
  
• Collaboration means involving teachers, staff, and community members in the planning process so that the proposal reflects real priorities.
  
• Persistence means understanding that not every application will be successful—but every attempt builds skills for the next opportunity.
  

When schools build a culture where grants are seen as a tool rather than a burden, they open the door to growth.

Turning Funding Into Impact

Winning a grant is only the beginning. The true measure of success is how well the funding is used to create lasting impact. This requires careful planning, transparent communication, and ongoing accountability.

For students, impact might mean new after-school programs, improved technology, or access to tutoring that helps them close learning gaps. For teachers, impact might look like high-quality professional development or classroom resources that make their jobs easier and more effective. For the community, impact might mean stronger connections between schools and local organizations.

As a principal, I’ve made it a priority to not just secure funding but to ensure that every dollar leads to measurable improvements. This means setting clear goals, tracking progress, and celebrating successes along the way.

Building Community Support Through Grants

One overlooked benefit of grants is the way they strengthen ties between schools and communities. When a district secures external funding, it sends a message: we’re actively working to bring resources and opportunities to our students. This builds trust and confidence among families, staff, and local leaders.

In many cases, grant-funded programs also involve community collaboration. Whether it’s local businesses offering internships, healthcare providers supporting student wellness, or universities partnering on academic initiatives, these partnerships amplify the power of the funding and weave the school more deeply into the fabric of the community.

Lessons in Leadership

Pursuing and managing grants has also taught me valuable leadership lessons. First, it has reinforced the importance of vision. Without a clear sense of where the school is heading, grant opportunities can become distractions. Second, it has reminded me of the power of collaboration. Successful proposals come from listening to staff and involving multiple voices in the process. Finally, it has highlighted the importance of accountability. Funding is a privilege, and using it wisely reflects the integrity and professionalism of the entire district.

From Scarcity to Growth

Small schools will always face unique challenges, but they also have unique strengths—close-knit communities, strong relationships, and the ability to innovate quickly. When those strengths are combined with the opportunities provided by external funding, the possibilities are endless.

Grants are not just about money; they are about vision, creativity, and growth. They give us the chance to dream bigger for our students and to back up those dreams with real resources. As principals, when we shift from a scarcity mindset to one of growth, we show our communities that small schools can compete, innovate, and thrive.

In the end, grants are not a silver bullet. But when pursued thoughtfully and implemented with care, they can become catalysts for transformation—turning challenges into opportunities and possibilities into realities. That’s the kind of leadership our schools, and our students, deserve.