The application period for 2023-24 SEF Grants is now closed.
Recipients will be announced in June!
SEF Innovative Educator Grants
Sponsored in party by SELCO Community Credit Union, Weyerhaueser,
and Palo Alto Software.
Purpose
Springfield Education Foundation’s Innovative Educator Grants are designed to encourage, facilitate and recognize innovative teaching programs in Springfield Public Schools to empower student success. Please read below before applying.
Competitive, one-time grant awards of $250 to $4,000 are available to any Springfield Public School (SPS) employee or SPS charter school employees engaged in efforts to further student excellence. Grants will be awarded to projects that best align with Springfield Education Foundation (SEF) efforts to:
- Empower students through the enrichment/enhancement of current programs
- Provide new learning opportunities to keep students engaged
- Encourage positive behavior
- Increase a sense of belonging at school
- Reach underserved populations
- Promote career opportunities and college connections
Click here to see examples of past Innovative Educator Awards!

Who Can Apply
Individuals or collaborative Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, Oregon, staff teams involved in the instruction of students or related support services are eligible to apply. Grant programs can benefit small or large groups of students.
Timeline
March 1 – Grant applications available
April 25 – Grant Applications Due by midnight
June – Recipients notified and grant funds available
June 30 – Grant evaluations due for grants awarded in the previous spring
Selection Process
- Only online applications will be accepted at this time. Visit our online portal between March 1 and April 25 to apply.
- Grants are scored by SEF and SPS representatives and community volunteers who may be familiar with you and your school. In an effort to reduce bias, 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. Your proposal will receive an identifying number referenced throughout the review.
- Each application will receive a cumulative numerical score and those with the highest scores will receive funding priority.
- Grant awards will be announced in early June 2023 and grant funds will be available shortly thereafter.






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.
Questions?
For more information, contact Christina San Filippo at 541-726-3243 or info@SpringfieldEducationFoundation.org.
Apply Online
Click below to apply through our online portal between March 1 and April 25 to apply online.



