Greetings, Grant Seekers,

Though it currently feels more like winter than fall, there are still plenty of fall grant deadlines ahead. In this issue, you'll find grant programs with deadlines to take you through fall and winter. 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.

Competitions Still Open (reprinted from the previous newsletter)

Funding Source: AEP Teacher Vision Grants

Eligible Applicants: Any MCPS teachers

AEP offers annual grants of $100-$500 to teachers in its service area for projects that have an academic focus and a goal to improve student achievement. AEP has a special interest in science, math, technology, electrical safety, and the balanced study of energy and the environment. Application deadline is October 23, 2009. For more information and the online application, visit: http://www.aep.com/citizenship/community/teacherGrants/

Upcoming Grant Opportunities

Funding Source: CVS Caremark Community Grants

Eligible Applicants: MCPS staff members who work with students with disabilities

The CVS Caremark Community Grants program awards funds for public school programs promoting a greater level of inclusion of students with disabilities in student activities and extracurricular programs. Qualifying organizations are eligible for grants of up to $5,000. The next application deadline is October 31, 2009. For more information and the online application, visit: http://info.cvscaremark.com/community/our-impact/community-grants/children-disabilities

Funding Source: Target Field Trip Grants

Eligible Applicants: MCPS staff who work with K-12 students

This program provides funds for K-12 field trips that allow students the opportunity to explore the world beyond the classroom. Eligible trips include art, science, and cultural visits, community service and civic projects, and career enrichment opportunities. Target will award 5,000 grants of up to $800 each this school year. Application deadline is November 3, 2009. For more information and the online application, visit: http://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-030795

Funding Source: Nickelodeon’s The Big Green Grants

Eligible Applicants: MCPS elementary and middle school teachers

The Big Green Help is Nickelodeon’s environmental initiative created to educate, inspire, and empower youth to take care of the earth. Big Green Grants provide up to $5,000 to support environmentally-friendly projects that educate and inspire kids to (1) take care of the environment, (2) be active and live healthier, and/or (3) engage in community service. Application deadline is December 31, 2009. For more information and a printable application, visit: http://www.bghevent.com/grant/index.htm

Funding Source: Captain Planet Foundation

Eligible Applicants: MCPS teachers of students aged 6-18

The goal of the Captain Planet Foundation is to encourage programs that empower children to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their communities. Foundation grants support hands-on environmental projects for children and youth. Awards are typically in the range of $250-$2,500. This program has quarterly deadlines; the next application deadline is December 31, 2009. For information and the online application, visit: http://captainplanetfoundation.org/default.aspx?pid=3&tab=apply

Funding Source: General Mills Foundation Champions for Healthy Kids

Eligible Applicants: MCPS staff members who work with students aged 6-17

Each year, the General Mills Foundation awards 50 grants of $10,000 each to community-based groups that develop creative ways to help youth adopt a balanced diet and physically active lifestyle. Eligible programs must include at least one objective related to nutrition and at least one related to physical activity. The physical activity objective should be measurable and promote either moderate physical activity five days per week for 30 minutes or vigorous physical activity three days per week for 20 minutes. Application deadline is January 15, 2010. For more information and the online application, visit: http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/commitment/champions.aspx

Funding Source: Toyota Tapestry Grants for Science Teachers

Eligible Applicants: MCPS K-12 teachers of science

This program offers grants to K-12 teachers of science for innovative projects that enhance science education. Categories are Physical Science Application, Environmental Science Education, and Integrating Literacy and Science. Fifty grants of up to $10,000 each and 20 mini-grants of up to $2,500 each will be awarded this year. Online application deadline is January 18, 2010. For more information and the online application, visit: http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry/