Purpose
With the school budgets dramatically reduced over the last few years, the Springfield Education Foundation (SEF) board wants our students to have access to up-to-date tools, technology, and equipment available in our schools and classrooms. The new Cutting Edge Grant addresses this need. These grants will be awarded for items like software upgrades, science supplies, books, musical instruments, art supplies, equipment or tools. Up to $500 per grant application may be requested. Grants awarded will be dependent upon available funding.
Persons Eligible to Apply for Grants
Individuals employed by Springfield Public Schools who are involved in the instruction of students or related support services benefiting students.
Eligible Proposals
Projects designed to begin during the 2011-2012 school year and which meet the selection criteria.
Award of Funds
Grants of up to $500 will be awarded to individual educators. The number of grants will depend upon the number that meet the criteria and available SEF funds.
Selection Criteria
- The inadequacy of current equipment/tools due to age or short supplies;
- The connection between learning, participation and the uses of the equipment/tool; and
- The number of students impacted.
Submitting Your Application
Please complete both parts of the online application, including the CEG Cover Page and CEG Application. Alternatively, you may email your application materials to ronnel@springfieldeducationfoundation.org or submit paper copies to the SEF office located in room 219 at the District Office,525 Mill Street.
All materials, regardless of format, must be submitted by 5 pm, Monday, October 24, 2011.
You will also need to provide written communication that your administrator approves of your project. To indicate approval he or she needs to submit the Administrator Endorsement Form in hard copy to the SEF office by 5 pm, Friday, October 27, 2011.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed and awarded by the Grant Application Review Committee made up of the following members:
- Members of Innovative Educator Grant committee of SEF.
- Parent representative appointed by the SEF Board of Directors.
- District representative selected by the SEF Innovative Educator Committee.
- Others as determined by the SEF Board of Directors.
In an effort to evaluate each application fairly and transparently, the application forms are “blind reviewed.” Reviewers will not be allowed to see the school name or educator’s name, or any identifying information. Projects, identified only by an ID number, will be scored by each committee member according to this evaluation form and chosen based on accumulated score and funds available.
Applicants will be notified of decisions by November 30, 2011.
Responsibilities of Grant Recipients
- Use of the grant for the purposes intended.
- Funds must be expended by the end of the school year immediately following grant notification.
- A final report must be provided. Use the form included in this packet. It is due June 30 of the school year the grant is awarded.
- When applying for a grant, please remember the following:
- When creating your budget, research carefully and be realistic. Small grants are just as likely to be awarded as large grants. Include supporting bids for purchases.
- Please use recommended technology/equipment prices and vendors for commonly requested items from Tech Services.
