Greetings, Grant Seekers,
Welcome to the first Grant Opportunities Newsletter of 2011. In this issue, you'll find a number of grant programs with February and March deadlines. Principals, please forward this newsletter to your school's listserve, and please keep me informed about all grant seeking activities at your school so I can obtain School Board approval for any applications you submit. Remember that any MCPS employee can call on me for assistance with any educational grant project. My web site (www.mcps.org/mcpsgrant) provides information on grant seeking and links to assist you in funding source searches. If you don't see a grant program in this newsletter that meets your needs, contact me and I'll help you find one that does!
School Board Policy Regarding Competitive Grants (Policy 3-3.11)
All competitive grants sought by MCPS will support projects that are aligned with the district's mission, vision, and goals. Proposals require prior approval by the grant seeker's principal or supervisor. All competitive grant proposals will be brought to the School Board for approval prior to submission or as soon thereafter as feasible, and always before acceptance of award.
The grant seeker or the principal at the originating school should let me know about any proposals to be submitted so I can include them on the school board agenda. This requires no extra work on the part of the originating school. All I need is a copy of the proposal and I prepare the necessary documents to present it to the board.
Upcoming Grant Opportunities
Funding Source: Toshiba America Foundation
Eligible Applicants: Grades 6-12 Math and Science Teachers
Deadline: February 1, for requests of more than $5,000
Toshiba America accepts grant applications from teachers for innovative projects that enhance student achievement and make math and science more engaging for students. Application deadline is February 1 for applications requesting more than $5,000. Requests of $5,000 or less are accepted year-round. For information and the online application, visit: http://www.toshiba.com/taf/612.jsp
Funding Source: Welch’s Harvest Grants Program
Eligible Applicants: PreK-8 classroom gardens involving a minimum of 15 students
Deadline: February 11
Through this program, Welch’s supports school gardens that teach students about nutrition and sustainable agriculture. Two winning schools will be selected from each state. Winning schools will receive a customized garden package filled with a variety of tools, seeds, educational materials, and more. The top five winners will receive a package valued at $1,000; 95 winners will receive a package valued at $500. Application deadline is February 11, 2011. Awards will be distributed in April 2011. For more information and the online application, visit: http://www.scholastic.com/harvest/register.htm
Funding Source: Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grants
Eligible Applicants: Any public K-12 school or parent group associated with a school. Parent groups must have 501c(3) status to apply.
Deadline: February 18
The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation offers grants of $2,000 to $5,000 to schools and parent groups for projects that have a permanent impact such as facility enhancement (both indoor and outdoor) as well as landscaping/clean-up projects. Projects that encourage parent involvement and build stronger community spirit will be favored. Grants cannot be used to pay for memorials, stipends, salaries, artists in residence, field trips, scholarships, or third party funding. Online application deadline is February 18, 2011. For more information and the online application, visit: http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/
Funding Source: Toyota Tapestry Grant Program
Eligible Applicants: K-12 Science Teachers
Deadline: February 23
Toyota TAPESTRY recognizes outstanding educators who propose innovative projects that enhance science education. The program has awarded more than $9.2 million since 1991. This year’s program focus is on Environmental Science. Fifty grants of $10,000 each will be awarded. Application deadline is February 23, 2011. For more information and the online application, visit: http://tapestry.nsta.org/
Funding Source: AEP Teacher Vision Grants
Eligible Applicants: Pre-K-12 Teachers in the AEP Service Area
Deadline: February 25
AEP’s Teacher Vision program provides grants of $100 to $500 for classroom projects that have an academic focus and a goal to improve student achievement. AEP has a special interest in science, mathematics, technology, electrical safety and the balanced study of energy and the environment. Application deadline is February 25, 2011. For more information and a link to the online application, visit: http://www.aep.com/citizenship/community/teacherGrants/
Funding Source: 2011 Mantis Awards
Eligible Applicants: Any non-profit garden program
Deadline: March 1
The National Gardening Association and Mantis Garden Tools is making it possible for schools with gardens to apply for one of 25 Mantis tiller/cultivators, valued at $350, for their educational garden program. Winners can take their choice of a gas-powered 2-cycle engine or an electric motor. Application deadline is March 1, 2011. Applicants will be notified of their grant status by April 15 and tillers will be shipped by April 30. For more information and the application, visit:
http://www.kidsgardening.org/grants/mantis.asp
Funding Source: Community Foundation of the New River Valley
Eligible Applicants: Any MCPS Staff Member
Deadline: March 18
The CFNRV will soon begin accepting proposals for its Spring 2011 Grant Cycle. The foundation supports, "charitable work that enriches our community." Its fields of interest include education, social services, arts and culture, health, and conservation and preservation of natural, historical, and cultural resources. The typical grant award is $500, though larger grants are sometimes made. As a local foundation, the CFNRV offers MCPS staff members one of your best chances of obtaining grant funding! Application deadline is March 18, 2011 and the application is short and simple. For information and application materials, contact me or visit: http://www.cfnrv.org/grants.htm
The Spring 2011 application materials were not yet posted as of this writing, but should appear on the web site any day.