Requirements of Project Proposals

• Prior to submission, you must receive approval of your project and application from your building principal or administrator. Include their name and email on the application in the space indicated. If selected, applicants will receive a principal/supervisor approval form that must be completed before funds are released.
• Shortly after the application period ends, you will receive a “Level 1: Site-Based Grant Internal Application” Form. You must fill out this form and return it to the SPS Grant Accountant within 10 days of receipt.

Responsibilities of Award Recipients

• Use the funds for the purposes stated in the application materials.
• Funds must be spent within the 2026-27 academic year. Any remaining funds are to be returned to the Springfield Education Foundation for reallocation. If the program continues, it should be sustainable beyond the initial project funding period.
• If requested, agree to share project results at a SEF board meeting or event.
• Submit a written evaluation at the completion of the project, no later than May 31, 2027. Project evaluation form can be found at SEFLane.org/grants/grant-evaluation.
• Projects and evaluations must be completed before applicants can receive funding for a future project.

When applying for this award, please remember the following:

• These funds are to be used for projects that are not provided for in school and district budgets.
• Objectives and outcomes need to be consistent with school and district mission, goals, or initiatives.
• When creating your budget, research carefully and be realistic. Example budgets available at SEFLane.org/example-budgets.
• Equipment purchased with SEF funds is considered the property of Springfield Public Schools. Please notify SEF if you plan to move and take your equipment to another building.
• Only one Innovative Educator Grant Award proposal per primary applicant is allowed. Primary applicants may be listed as “additional applicants” on other IE Grant Award applications.
• Repeat funding requests are allowed and will be considered annually on a case-by-case basis.

Allowable Grant Expenses

All project proposals must be approved by your building principal or administrator before submission. Applications will be reviewed by the Administrative Instructional Team after submission.

• Classroom materials, supplies and equipment (major equipment must remain on school grounds).
• Books (must be approved by SPS – please reach out to Melissa.Locke@springfield.k12.or.us)
• Technical Equipment*: Peripheral devices used to increase student engagement such as robotics, digital cameras, probeware, heart monitors, 3D printers, etc.
• Field trips and classroom travel
• School garden-related structures (must be approved by the building administrator and Facilities Team)
• Guest speaker/performer fees and travel (note that any guests must submit a District Volunteer Application Form and meet the requirements therein)
• Project related food and supplies
• Educator training
• Computer software*
• Online subscriptions
• Incentives
• If you have questions as to whether your project expense is allowable, please contact your building administrator or email Help@SEFLane.org.

*Please review the district technology equipment purchasing info site to help build your budget. If there is an item not on this list, please submit a Helpdesk ticket. Tech materials not purchased through the district will not be eligible for servicing through the SPS Technology Department.

Unallowable Grant Expenses (updated 2024)

• Building Maintenance or Construction: Funding will not cover costs except for approved school garden structures. All structures, installation, or maintainance projects need to be approved through SPS Facilities prior to application (Jeff.Michna@springfield.k12.or.us).
• Computers/Tablets: Laptops, desktops, and tablets are unallowable unless exclusively required for and used in the SEF-funded project (e.g., a computer to operate a 3D printer or a CNC machine).
• Standard Technology: Document cameras and DVD drives/players (these items are available through Technology Services for non-charter schools via a helpdesk request).
• Radios: Walkie-talkies or radios for staff communication will not be funded.
• Apps for School Tablets: Unfunded through grants.
• Basic Needs: Items like food, clothing, and hygiene should be addressed through the Family Resource Coordinator or Principal.
• Professional Development: Classes and educator travel may not be funded; project-implementation development and tools are acceptable. 
• Community-Based Projects: SEF bylaws require any foundation funds to benefit Springfield Public Schools students, not the wider community.
• SPS Staff Payroll: SEF can’t pay salaries or hourly stipends for staff time, as this is handled internally through SPS.
• Grant requests must be aligned with school district practices, policies, and guidelines.

If you have questions as to whether your project expense is allowable, please contact your building administrator and/or email Help@SEFLane.org. If you need approval from a specific administrator and you’re having trouble getting through, please contact us – we may be able to help connect you!

Please note:

Please do not include the names of any SPS staff, SPS schools, or any other school identifier in Project Details, Narrative, or Budget sections. Identifying information should ONLY be shared when requested. Applications with identifying information may not be considered.