An important function of OGDC is to support schools and offices in securing available resources for enriching educational opportunities for students in line with the mission and goals of the School District of Philadelphia. To accomplish this OGDC provides the following services and supports:

Proposal Writing/Technical Assistance

It is the function of OGDC to ensure that grant proposals submitted by the District are well-written and complete, with information that is compelling to the funding source. For larger projects and those that impact multiple District departments or school sites, OGDC works with staff to write proposals. OGDC provides technical assistance to school and departments including: helping writers find appropriate sources for applications, communicating with funding sources to improve chances of getting funded, reviewing proposals for clarity, helping to organize proposals, compiling necessary demographic information, obtaining authorized signatures, examining personnel policies, helping with budget planning and organization, and helping with the development of evaluation designs in conjunction with the offices of Research and Evaluation and Management and Budget .

Communication and Collaboration Linkages

OGDC serves as a communication link within the District and among partners working on grant proposals. Communication is also necessary in order to inform the School Reform Commission and the CEO and/or CAO about large proposals and their implications for the District and to coordinate appropriate channels of approval. In addition, OGDC facilitates partnerships with other community agencies, acting as a link within the District and among partners. Communication and collaboration increase possibilities for partnerships and guard against unnecessary duplication.

Grant Information Identification and Dissemination

OGDC conducts ongoing research on grant opportunities (competitive and entitlement; federal, state, local and foundation) that meet the needs of the District's strategic priorities. Faculty and staff are continuously informed about new grants that become available via our website and monthly newsletter. 

Professional Development

OGDC conducts workshops for educators, administrators and others with little or no experience in grant proposal development / writing. Participants will learn how to seek and respond to competitive grant opportunities.

Grants Database

A grants activities database is maintained by OGDC that lists all currently funded projects, grants recently submitted and projects that did not receive funding. This database is used for a variety of purposes, including the timely tracking of submission of grants for renewal or continuation.