Funding challenges often feel like the biggest barrier in education, but with the right strategy, leaders can avoid common pitfalls and unlock new opportunities. In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with FranklinCovey Education’s Director of Funding, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, to explore the three most common missteps districts face on the road to funding, and how to overcome them.

Jennifer draws on her experiences as a teacher, instructional coach, and grant writer to share practical ways schools can proactively plan for funding, build cross-functional teams, and align with funder priorities. From understanding the funding cycle to cultivating community partnerships and responsibly using AI in grant writing, she offers actionable steps every leader can take to secure sustainable resources.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that will help superintendents, principals, and educators reframe funding as an opportunity for growth, alignment, and long-term success.

Download the funding resource:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/csf_k12

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 – 02:32) Introduction and Jennifer’s background

(02:33 – 07:00) First Misstep: Waiting until funding is urgently needed

(07:01 – 11:00) Building proactive calendars and funding roadmaps

(11:01 – 14:30) Second Misstep: Trying to go it alone

(14:31 – 18:59) Building a cross-functional funding team

(19:00 – 23:45) Third Misstep: Misalignment with funder priorities

(23:46 – 27:00) Understanding priorities and mapping alignment

(27:01 – 31:00) Responsible use of AI in funding applications

(31:01 – 34:59) Practical steps leaders can take this week

(35:00 – 38:23) Private vs. public funding and long-term stability

(38:24 – 41:00) The importance of relationships and connections

(41:01 – 44:30) Encouragement for leaders who feel stuck

(44:31 – 47:00) Closing thoughts and next steps