The 2026-2027 MCEF Grant Cycle is Open! This year, the MCEF is "compressing" our grant cycle, meaning it started later and will conclude earlier than previous years. The MCEF Grant Cycle will close on August 28th at 5 pm. Grant notifications will go out in early October, and grant checks will be awarded at the October 20th School Board meeting. The MCEF wanted to allow applicants more time to develop their project ideas over the summer and into the start of the school year, while getting checks to recipients sooner. We welcome your feedback on this "compressed" grant cycle by emailing us at info@montcoef.org.
FAQs
1) What types of projects does the MCEF fund through the grant process?
The MCEF seeks to fund innovative projects that enhance student learning beyond the standard curriculum or provide unique experiences that fall outside the scope of MCPS funding. Professional Development and field trips/transportation are not funded through this process. For those types of requests, contact the MCEF at info@montcoef.org for more information.
2) Who can apply?
All MCPS employees and support organizations, such as PTAs and Head Start, are invited to apply. This program is not open to private schools.
3) How much funding might I receive?
The maximum award this year is $2,000.
4) How do I apply?
Information on how to apply is available on the MCEF website at https://montcoef.org/apply-for-funds. The MCEF uses a Google Form for the grant application.
5) Can I get help to apply for these grants?
YES! Applicants have several resources available to them when applying.
The MCPS Director of Strategic Innovation and Grants, Dr. Matt Dunleavy, is available to support MCPS grant applicants anytime they apply for a grant. MCPS applicants are required to submit ALL grant proposals to Dr. Dunleavy to facilitate School Board approval, and they are also encouraged to use his services when writing their proposal. He can be reached at mattdunleavy@mcps.org.
For MCEF grant cycle questions, applicants should contact Connie Froggatt at (540) 382-5100 X1098 or by email at info@montcoef.org