Ann Arbor Public Schools: Reporting

Congratulations - your grant request was funded! Now you are able to move forward with your project.

People who give us money want to feel that they are a part of what we are doing. Most funders have report forms that are straightforward and tell you what information they want, when they want it, and where to send it. You can only send them the information you actually gather! Generally, you will receive reporting requirement information with your grant agreement paperwork when you are awarded a grant.

It is important to follow the evaluation plan you have outlined in your application. If you said you were going to survey parents, do it. If you said you would test students at several intervals, follow that plan. Keeping your information up to date will make it easy to gather at the end of the reporting period. Keep a record of program expenses, those covered by the grant and those not covered by the grant. It’s important to keep a file handy for receipts, and an up-to-date spreadsheet.

When possible, provide photographs and video to your funding sources. They in turn may use these to promote their funded programs. Make sure to check that any student featured in a photo has a photo release on file with your school’s main office.

The narrative of your grant report needs to be as informative as possible, no matter what the result of your program. Perhaps your project did not achieve its goals; perhaps there were unanticipated challenges, and maybe even unintended but positive outcomes that you could not have foreseen. Funders want and deserve to understand the complete impact of their support.

The Grants Coordinator is always on hand to help you with grant administration and reporting. Contact Chris Barry at barryc@aaps.k12.mi.us.