Greetings, Grant Seekers,
Welcome to the 2009-10 school year!
As you ponder the metaphor of planting seeds and making them grow in your classroom, you may find you need a little extra “green” to make that happen! In this issue, you'll find grant programs with August, September, and October deadlines to help you grow those seeds. 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:
Community
Foundation of the
Eligible
Applicants: Any MCPS Staff Member
The CFNRV is currently accepting proposals for its Fall 2009 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 foundation will award up to 40 grants during this cycle. 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, so don’t let this early deadline get by you! Application deadline is August 28, 2009 and the application is short and simple. For information and application materials, contact me or visit: http://www.cfnrv.org/grants.htm
Funding Source: Pay It Forward Foundation Mini-Grants
Eligible
Applicants: Adult Sponsors of School or Community-Based Youth
Groups
Pay It Forward Mini-Grants of up to $500 are
designed to fund one-time-only service projects identified by youth to benefit
their school, neighborhood, or greater community. Projects must contains a
“pay it forward” focus – that is, they must be based on the
concept of one person doing a favor for others, who in turn do favors for
others, with the results growing exponentially. Applications received by September 15th will be notified by
October 2009. For more information and the application, contact me or visit: http://www.payitforwardfoundation.org/welcome.html
Funding Source: Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Mini-grant Program
Eligible
Applicants: Public Libraries and Public School Libraries
The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation offers $500 mini-grants to public
schools and libraries for programs that encourage creativity and a love of
literature in children. Previously funded projects have included pen pal
projects, bookmaking, and puppet shows. Programs related to the work of Ezra
Jack Keats are welcome but not required. Postmark deadline is September 15,
2009. Awards will be announced by December 2009. For more information, contact me
or visit:
http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/programs/minigrant.html
Funding Source: Kids in Need Teacher Grants
Eligible
Applicants: Any MCPS Teachers
The Kids in Need Foundation offers grants of $100 to $500 to K-12 teachers for classroom projects that make creative use of common teaching aids, approach curriculum from an imaginative angle, or tie non-traditional concepts together for the purpose of illustrating commonalities. Typically, 200-300 grants are awarded each year. A number of corporate sponsors fund the grants; local sponsors include Jo-Ann Stores and Ann Taylor LOFT. Application deadline is September 30, 2008. For more information and links to the local sponsor applications, contact me or visit: http://www.kidsinneed.net/grants/
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/