Requirements of Grant Proposals

• Prior to submission, you must receive approval of your project and grant 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 Grant Recipients

• Use the grant for the purposes stated in the application materials.
• Funds must be spent within the 2023-24 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 grant 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 June 30, 2024. 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 grant.

When applying for this grant, please remember the following:

• Grants are to be used to fund 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 budget available at SEFLane.org/example-budgets.
• Equipment purchased with SEF grant 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 proposal per primary applicant is allowed. Primary applicants may be listed as “additional applicants” on other IE Grant applications.
• Repeat funding requests are allowed and will be considered annually on a case-by-case basis.

Allowable Grant Expenses

• Classroom materials, supplies and equipment (major equipment must remain on school grounds).
• 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  (please read the district’s procedure for considering garden projects)
• Guest speaker/performer fees and travel  (note that any guests must be able to meet the district’s volunteer criteria)
• Project related food and supplies
• Educator training
• Computer software*
• Online subscriptions
• Incentives

*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

• Building maintenance or construction costs (other than school garden structures)
• Laptop/desktop computers* (e.g., Mac, Windows, Chrome OS) and Tablet devices (exceptions will be made if required for/and only used in the grant project – for example, if requesting a 3D printer or CNC machine and a computer is needed to run the device)
• Document camera, DVD drive/player (These are available upon request through Technology Services for non-charter schools; submit a Web Helpdesk ticket stating your need.)
• Apps for school tablets
• Basic needs. Contact SEF at 541-726-3243 for other funding sources (e.g., food, clothing, hygiene).
• Grant requests must be aligned with school district practices, policies, and guidelines.

*Note: SEF grants are meant to enhance bond-funded technology to help increase student engagement. SEF grant funding is not currently available to help educators reach a 1:1 student to computer ratio. Please discuss your hardware needs with your principal/supervisor.

Please note:

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