January 22, 2007

Everyone Knows a Teacher: Tell Your Favorite To Apply

First Choice Power Classroom Innovation Grant Applications Available Online
First Choice Power Fund Offers $500 to $3,000 in Teacher Grants

(FORT WORTH, TEXAS) – The First Choice Power Fund will accept applications for First Choice Power Classroom Innovation Grants until 6 p.m. CST March 5, 2007. The First Choice Power Fund will award grants to teachers across the state for creative and exciting classroom projects.

Full-time Texas K-12 teachers and pre-K teachers with an early childhood license in communities served by First Choice Power are eligible to apply.

“We encourage teachers to apply for First Choice Power Classroom Innovation Grants so they can obtain the necessary resources to turn their most creative teaching ideas into classroom magic,” said Diane Harrison Ogawa, executive director of the First Choice Power Fund, a division of the PNM Resources Foundation.

Applications must be submitted online by the deadline to be considered for grants. The application includes a project description, objectives, budget and evaluation.

The First Choice Power Fund also publishes a free electronic newsletter for teachers that shares teaching ideas based on First Choice Power Classroom Innovation Grant-winning projects. Published 10 times during the school year, this newsletter also informs teachers of grant opportunities, deadlines and tips on how to write a successful grant application. To sign up, visit www.FirstChoicePower.com/fund/.

Tips to write a successful grant application

  1. Use the current application materials for the grant.

  2. Convince your reviewer that your idea will make a difference. Winning applications have one common characteristic – the idea presented becomes alive to the grant reviewers.

  3. Receive feedback from a non-educator.

  4. Know the deadline. Don’t wait till the last minute. By submitting your application early you can be sure to have questions answered and resolve any unexpected problems.

  5. Use spell and grammar check tools. Proofread your application.

  6. Choose an interesting title.

  7. Write clear objectives, SMART objectives: S - Specific, M - Measurable, A – Achievable, R – Relevant, T - Time-bound.
    EXAMPLE: Each student will create a written document detailing the research project, which will be entered in a science contest by the spring semester.

  8. Prepare and attach a separate budget file.

For more information on applying for a First Choice Power Classroom Innovation Grant, visit www.FirstChoicePower.com/innovation/.

The First Choice Power Fund is a division of the PNM Resources Foundation, a nonprofit established to improve the quality of life in New Mexico and Texas. The PNM Resources Foundation is a separate nonprofit tax-exempt corporation and was originally endowed by a gift from earnings by shareholders of PNM Resources. No customer funds are part of the endowment. For more information, visit www.FirstChoicePower.com/fund/.


First Choice Power Special Purpose, L.P. | PUCT REP Certification No. 10008

First Choice Power Media Contact
Catherine K. Carlton (469) 484-8686
Media Relations
First Choice Power



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