School Budgets

GreenWitch · Jan 18, 2005

There are often grants available as well, and some generous dr offices will give you samples etc.

Do you know how I go about applying for a grant? And to whom? I know the county gets a grant for school nurses, but the money isn't actually in my hands, for example, this year it goes to BMI studies the PE coaches are doing in health class.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Jan 19, 2005

I wonder if small town grocery stores would help out, either by donating needed supplies, allowing donation jars to be put at registers, or by making up a few pre-made bags with the value of the contents written on the bags. Then, people can just pick up a bag, take it to the register and pay for it when paying for the rest of their items. (This is what local stores do around Thanksgiving & Christmas with food items in them.)

Of course, it really isn't in your job description to have to beg for money or items to run your clinic. Therefore, when the children come in and they need a band-aid or a tampon, say "I'm sorry we are out", and send them back to class with a note to the parent stating all the items you don't have! :chuckle

Good luck to you all. I know it is rough having to work with a low budget, especially when it comes to working around children. I know in a past non-nursing school position I had at one time, I bought a $50 stapler for the dept. with money out of my pocket so that thick booklets could be stapled together for the kiddos. (and that was the price on Ebay) :rolleyes:

hmcna · Jan 19, 2005

Do you know how I go about applying for a grant? And to whom? I know the county gets a grant for school nurses, but the money isn't actually in my hands, for example, this year it goes to BMI studies the PE coaches are doing in health class.

Ummm our organization, a not for profit org.... has a "foundation" that works on grant writing etc.

you may be able to find specific grants for specific things...

for example if you want to provide condoms and other safe sex supplies, ie gloves, lube, female condoms etc.... the local AIDS council may provide them for you.

For general supplies we usually contact one of the chain pharmacy's and ask if they have grants.

For example if you have Eckerd's drugs locally....

go to the web site.... http://www.eckerd.com

then go to contact us

then drop a quick email to [email protected]

Just say.... i'm a school nurse, and am wondering if your company might have any grant offers that could help pay for some of the expenses to stock my office (ie bandaids, ointment, tylenol etc) Or if your company has any way of making inkind donations for any of these items.... and other basic first aid, school nursing type of equiptment.

askater11 · Jan 19, 2005

I'm not a school nurse. Don't even think my sons school has one.

But I'm active with the PTA. My advise with a PTA that's not giving you extra money. Physically go to the PTA meeting--explain your needs, why you need them. How you've actively attempted to get money from the school district unsuccessfully. And what the $200 was used for. What you need more money for.

We have request for everything from 30 school computers, books, $750 kitchen playset, electric pencil sharperners you name it. We pass most things except having a hard time coughing up over $30,000 for computers. We're working on it (hard when a principal won't let us "make anymore money" )

Some things don't pass but the things that pass we have a good understanding why they need it. Some of the teachers talk with the PTO president and explain "WHY" they need it. Things seem to pass more likely that way.

Good luck with you venture. My son just started elementary school. This was a shock how little the district dishes out and how much the PTA has to dish out.

bergren · Jan 19, 2005

The best way to raise a sum of $30,000 is to write a grant. There are a lot of small amounts and large amounts of money available for health purposes in schools. Many districts have grant writers to assist. Even things like office supplies can be purchased if they are part of a larger grant. For instance, if you apply for an asthma grant, you can include the nurses time, nebulizers and peak flow meters and books and resources as part of the budget.

Bergren, M. D. & Harrigan, J. (1998). Writing an information technology proposal. Journal of School Nursing ,14 (1), 36-38.

We have request for everything from 30 school computers, books, $750 kitchen playset, electric pencil sharperners you name it. We pass most things except having a hard time coughing up over $30,000 for computers. .

GreenWitch · Jan 19, 2005

I wonder if small town grocery stores would help out, either by donating needed supplies, allowing donation jars to be put at registers, or by making up a few pre-made bags with the value of the contents written on the bags. Then, people can just pick up a bag, take it to the register and pay for it when paying for the rest of their items. (This is what local stores do around Thanksgiving & Christmas with food items in them.)
Of course, it really isn't in your job description to have to beg for money or items to run your clinic. Therefore, when the children come in and they need a band-aid or a tampon, say "I'm sorry we are out", and send them back to class with a note to the parent stating all the items you don't have! :chuckle
Good luck to you all. I know it is rough having to work with a low budget, especially when it comes to working around children. I know in a past non-nursing school position I had at one time, I bought a $50 stapler for the dept. with money out of my pocket so that thick booklets could be stapled together for the kiddos. (and that was the price on Ebay)

:chuckle LOL! I agree, it should not be part of my job! I guess I could send home individual notes. About every three months I used to send home supply lists with every student that came in the clinic. But either the parents don't care, assume someone else will do it...or the kids don't even give it to them....

I'm thinking about typing up a letter to my "frequent flyers" saying something like: Dear Parent, Your child is a frequent visitor to the school clinic. As the clinic is run by donations, could you please send one or more of the following items: yadda yadda yadda". But I'm afraid the parents might become defensive and think I'm complaining about their child.....

AARRGGHH!!!!!!! :crying2:

GreenWitch · Jan 19, 2005

Ummm our organization, a not for profit org.... has a "foundation" that works on grant writing etc.
you may be able to find specific grants for specific things...
for example if you want to provide condoms and other safe sex supplies, ie gloves, lube, female condoms etc.... the local AIDS council may provide them for you.
For general supplies we usually contact one of the chain pharmacy's and ask if they have grants.
For example if you have Eckerd's drugs locally....
go to the web site.... www.eckerd.com
then go to contact us
then drop a quick email to [email protected]
Just say.... i'm a school nurse, and am wondering if your company might have any grant offers that could help pay for some of the expenses to stock my office (ie bandaids, ointment, tylenol etc) Or if your company has any way of making inkind donations for any of these items.... and other basic first aid, school nursing type of equiptment.

Great! There are some Eckerd's around here. I didn't know they did things like that. I'll e-mail them and see what they say! Thanks for the suggestion!

GreenWitch · Jan 19, 2005

I'm not a school nurse. Don't even think my sons school has one.
But I'm active with the PTA. My advise with a PTA that's not giving you extra money. Physically go to the PTA meeting--explain your needs, why you need them. How you've actively attempted to get money from the school district unsuccessfully. And what the $200 was used for. What you need more money for.
We have request for everything from 30 school computers, books, $750 kitchen playset, electric pencil sharperners you name it. We pass most things except having a hard time coughing up over $30,000 for computers. We're working on it (hard when a principal won't let us "make anymore money" )
Some things don't pass but the things that pass we have a good understanding why they need it. Some of the teachers talk with the PTO president and explain "WHY" they need it. Things seem to pass more likely that way.
Good luck with you venture. My son just started elementary school. This was a shock how little the district dishes out and how much the PTA has to dish out.

Thanks for your well wishes and advice. I will speak to the principal about doing that. I think when they see how "far" $200 goes, they will try and help me out.