The Washington Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is pleased to announce the funding for teacher, student and school mini grants in the amount of $50-$500 for this year. Additionally, professional development grants are funded in the Fall only in amounts up to $2,000. The program has been made available through generous donations of individuals, community services and corporate organizations.
- What Is The Mini Grant Award Program?
The mini grant program is intended to support individuals and projects that demonstrate innovation /effective ways to meet or enhance student learning. The grants must meet one or more of the following goals:
- Increase student achievement and motivation to learn
- Enhance school climate
- Promote instructional quality
- Promote home/school/community relationships in setting/meeting educational objectives
- Enrich the curriculum
- Demonstrate cost-effectiveness, return on investment, and sustainability
- Have the potential to share benefits
- Improve the competence of staff members working in support of students
Proposals will be accepted in all subject areas but must directly benefit students. Awards must supplement not replace federal, state or local funds.
- How Much Money Is Available?
Mini Grants may range from $50-$500 depending on the need. Requests for professional development grants, funded only in the Fall, may not exceed $2,000. The Board of Trustees will establish the amount available for awards.
- Who is Eligible To Apply For A Mini Grant Award?
Employees, students and parents are eligible. Professional development grants are only available to Washington Elementary School District employees.
- How Does Someone Apply For A Mini Grant Award?
- Refer to the Grant Guidelines found on www.wesdfoundation.com, Along with your application, complete the Grant Application Cover Page.
- Submit the completed application and grant application cover page to the Mini Grant Committee at the address noted on page 2 of this memo. The fall deadline is on or before 5 PM on Friday, October 10, 2008. The spring deadline is on or before 5 PM on Monday, February 9, 2009.
- Applications must be completed in full to be considered by the Awards Committee. In some instances, partial awards and/or additional resource assistance may be provided.
- Applications that include students, parents, and/or community members in the planning and/or action process will strengthen the proposal.
- To receive assistance in all aspects of the mini grant program, please plan to attend any one of the training dates/times listed below. Bonus points on the grant will be awarded for attendance at the training. Please call Mary Brandt at (602)347-2628 to reserve your place in the training.
Fall 2008 special mini grant trainings are scheduled for:
Friday, 9/26 3-4 PM; in the WESD Administrative Center Hopi Room
Monday, 9/29 4:30-5:30 PM; in the WESD Administrative Center Hopi Room
Spring 2009 special mini grant trainings to be announced
- Who Will Review The Applications and What Criteria Will Be Required To Receive The Award?
All applications will be reviewed by the Mini Grant Awards Committee, comprised of district personnel, teachers, parents, community members and/or donors, and will be scored on a rubric.
All grant applications must be:
- Typed and limited to the grant application cover page, a three-page narrative, and a one-page budget
- Signed by the applicant and the building principal on the grant application cover page
- Received by 5 PM on Friday, October 10, 2008 for fall and Monday, February 9, 2009 for spring
- When Will Awards Be Announced?
Within 30 days of the deadline for submittals. All applicants will receive responses. The Foundation anticipates announcing Fall winners in November and Spring winners in March. Award recipients will be recognized at Foundation-sponsored recognition events on November 12, 2008 (Fall recipients) and March 11, 2009 (Spring recipients).
- Will Mini Grant Award Recipients Encounter A Lot Of Red Tape?
No. Grantees will be required to keep an itemized financial accounting with receipts for all expenditures. If a project is underway and the Grantee leaves District employment or attendance prior to commencement of the approved project, the Foundation may allow, at its discretion, a substitute Grantee to complete the work. Any supplies or equipment purchased with grant funds remain the property of WESD. Applicants agree to follow all guidelines, including submission of a brief report.
- What Is The Deadline For the Completion Of Mini Grant Projects?
One year from receipt of funds.
We are very pleased to be of assistance. For every award we would be grateful to receive a brief summary and/or pictures so we have information to pass on to our benefactors about how they made a difference in a studentŐs life. We also may ask you to help advertise the program by talking about your project to groups and/or potential donors. Thanks for your personal and professional dedication!
If you have any questions regarding the Mini Grant Awards Program, contact:
Mary Brandt, Mini Grant Awards Committee
(602) 347-26283
mary.brandt@wesdschools.org
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