Important Things to Avoid of PEP Grant Writing

• Don't think that you can write a winning application in a week; start early

• Don't use a generic PEP grant narrative (project plan) template; you will lose critical points related to considering your local needs, authenticity, and sustainability

• Don't use national data to show need, when you can use local/school data

• Don't put a lot of isolated activities and purchases into your narratie (project plan); instead, connect them

• Don't underestimate the human resources it will take to implement your project plan; budget accordingly

• Don't think that you can bend/ignore any of the rules as there will be consequences such as your application being ineligible for review or point deductions

• Don't assume that the reviewers will be physical education experts -- some may be but some won't; watch out for using acronyms and physical education "lingo"

PEP is a grant program of the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) not NASPE.  Our tips are based on careful review of the FY2013 PEP grant call for applications and the Federal Register Notice of Final Priorities, Requirements, and Definitions (February 26, 2013) and on our experience with writing and winning federal grants (over $13 million) as well as serving as a federal grant reviewer. 

NASPE has no information about the PEP grant program other than what is published in the Federal Register and call for applications, no authority over the PEP grant program, and no influence over the review/scoring/selection process.  The call for applications provides definitive information about the grant program.