Greetings, Grant Seekers!
Welcome to the 2007-08 school year! Each new school year brings a chance for a new start, and that may have you thinking about trying some new and innovative classroom projects! In this issue, you'll find a number of grant programs with September and October deadlines. Principals, please forward this newsletter to your school's listserve, and please keep me informed about 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. I can help with locating funding sources; defining needs, activities, and budgets; writing and editing; and submitting your proposal. 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, write or call me and I'll help you try to 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
Community Foundation of the
Virginia Naturally's Classroom Grants: This program is designed to provide teachers with small grants ($500, $750, or $1,000) for the purpose of conducting meaningful environmental education experiences with students. The program is sponsored jointly by The Virginia Resource Use Education Council, the Department of Environmental Quality , the Department of Conservation and Recreation and, the Virginia Environmental Endowment. Eligible activities include restoration, enhancement, protection and monitoring projects, and investigative design activities. Application deadline is September 15, 2007. For more information and a copy of the very simple grant application, contact me or visit: http://www.vanaturally.com/classroomgrants.html
Best Buy te@ch Grants: This program rewards K-12 teachers for successful interactive programs they have launched using available technology. Winning programs focus on kids using technology to learn standards-based curriculum, rather than on teaching students to use technology or educators using technology that children aren’t able to use hands-on. Schools must be located within 50 miles of a Best Buy store to be eligible. Awards of $2,000 (1,500), $10,000 (50), and $100,000 (8) will made in the form of Best Buy Gift Cards. Applications must be completed and submitted online by September 30, 2007. Awards will be announced on February 18, 2008. If you receive an award through this program, please be sure to coordinate the acquisition of equipment with the MCPS Technology Department. For more information, contact me or visit: https://bestbuyteach.scholarshipamerica.org/
Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants: This program provides grants of up to $3,000 to schools and non-profits to help with the implementation or expansion of literacy programs for students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading. Next application deadline is October 5, 2007. For more information and an application, visit http://www.dollargeneral.com/community/communityinvestments.aspx?Category=Community&SubCategory=Grant%20Programs#YouthLiteracy
NEA Foundation: This organization has two grant programs with upcoming deadlines. Student Achievement Grants offer $5,000 awards for programs that improve the academic achievement of public school students, especially low income and minority students. The proposed work should engage students in critical thinking and problem solving related to standards-based subject matter. Learning and Leadership Grants fund individuals or groups for high-quality professional development experiences, action research, or collegial study. Funding amounts for this program are $2,000 for individuals or $5,000 for groups. Preference will be given to members of the National Education Association. The foundation accepts applications at any time; applications received by October 15, 2007 will receive notification by March 15, 2008. For more information, contact me or visit: http://www.neafoundation.org/grants.htm
AEP Teacher Vision Grants: This program offers grants of $100 to $500 to PK-12 educators who have creative ideas for projects with 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. Educators who live or teach in AEP's service area or in communities with major AEP facilities may apply. Deadline for submission of the electronic application is October 26, 2007. For more information, contact me or visit: http://www.aep.com/citizenship/community/teacherGrants/default.htm
Green Works Grants: This program offers grants to teachers affiliated with Project Learning Tree, the environmental education program of the American Forest Foundation. Two award levels ($250-$1,000 and $1,001-$5,000) are offered for projects that engage students in leadership, service learning, and community participation related to the environment. These grants are offered twice each year; the next application deadline is October 31, 2007. For more information, contact me or visit: http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/21_22_21.html
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Laura Williams, Grant Writer/Research Proposals
Montgomery County Public Schools
phone: (540) 381-6158
fax: (540) 381-6127
email: lwilliams@mcps.org
website: http://www.mcps.org/mcpsgrant/