Getting Started with Grant Funding

I have found that one of the best ways to start a club is to find a local foundation that is interested in donating funds to help you start you club. It is worth the time to look for funds locally first, because it helps to spread the word about what your doing as well. I would suggest going after grants with modest modest awards of $100.00 or more. Most organizations, like the you local Lions or Rotery Clubs, have low dollar grants availible that are easier to write for and these groups will often be more willing to help your cause if your making a reasonable request. Most people tend to think in terms of millions of dollars when they start talking about robots, not considering the lowly embedded chip computer. With the equipment I chose to start my club with, we were able to get the major parts for ten robots with a $500.00 donation.

Below, you will find my revised grant that I was awarded from The Hartford Foundation, a local foundation that seeks to promote learning opportunities for local residents of Hartford, MI.

Grant Proposal for Funding to Start an Afterschool Robotics Club

Chris Daman

May, 2005

Goal: 

To generate interest in technology related careers by providing students with hands-on opportunities to solve challenges that robotitcists face in the workplace.

Objective:  

To provide a foundation from which to build robots through the purchase of modules and controllers.

            Sub Objective A:     Purchase controller modules

            Sub Objective B:    Purchase servomotors

            Sub Objective C:     Interface controllers with computers in computer lab

            Sub Objective D:    Control motors from the computer

Evaluation: 

The evaluation for this project will be the completion of the sub objectives which are measurable and time phased

Plan of Action:  

The first step will be to purchase the parts to build robots.  After the parts have been purchased, students will learn to connect the equipment to the computers in the high school computer lab.  Next, students will assemble the parts into simple robots.  Once the initial assembly has been completed, students will learn to write simple control programs for their robots with the BASIC programming language.  Once students have learned to control the basic motor functions of a simple robot, they will move on to more complex movement systems, learn to work with sensor data returning from the robot, or create more robust control programs for their robots.

Potential for Impact: 

This program will reinforce and support math, science and computer concepts for all students involved with the program.  It will encourage students learn and apply knowledge to solve practical problems faced by engineers in the workplace.  Students will learn to manipulate motors and control systems, program in the BASIC programming language and develop creative solutions to practical problems.

This program will provide students with an opportunity to explore technology related careers by providing them with hands on experiences.  Students will be exposed to hardware and software development processes, embedded control systems, motions control and many additional workplace related activities.  This early exposure to high technology systems may help students to pursue additional training offered by the ISD and careers related to technology systems.

Program demographics: 

This program will attempt to maintain an open enrollment policy for all students interested in participating.  During a three day sign up period, eighteen students have indicated interest in the pilot program.  Current plans require equipment for 20 units, requiring doubling up students working on some units.  As enrollment increases, additional equipment will be required.

Time Line:

Sub Objective A and Sub Objective B will be accomplished as soon as funds become available.  Sub Objective C will be completed starting with the third week if school and progressing throughout the rest of the school year.

Budget: 

Additional Resources: 

The additional resources required for this project will be access to computers with serial or USB ports in the high school computer lab.  The BASIC programming language compiler required for development will be installed on all computers.  The compiler used is a free program provided by Parallax that will not require additional funds.  The Deep Freeze program will protect the machines system software from errors in student’s programs.  In addition to equipment, the club will also require an adult to guide student learning and supervise students as they work with the equipment.

Copyright Chris Daman 2005. Created as part of P3 for EDT 644, Summer II, 2005.