Teacher Mini-Grant Application

James and Oneita Titus

Educational Foundation

Mini-Grants for Teachers

The completed application must be submitted via email to wacochran@motleyco.org  and the original signed hardcopy must be received in the Principal’s Office by 4:30 p.m. on April 1, 2010

(Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted!)

For more information, contact:  Mr. Cochran

Purpose:

Teacher Mini-Grants are designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward innovative and creative instructional approaches.  The Foundation is offering teachers the opportunity to apply for grants to support innovative programs or projects to support higher levels of student learning. The grants must enhance student academic performance and support the objectives, goals, and initiatives of the District Plans. 

Persons Eligible to Apply for Grants:

Any full-time teacher at Motley County ISD (Each teacher may submit only one request each year.) 

Eligible Proposals:

Instructional approaches or projects designed to begin during the Summer 2010 or Fall semester of the 2010-2011 school year and which meet the selection criteria are eligible. Grants may fund instructional and classroom materials, parent involvement programs, or any activity or material which supports higher levels of student academic achievement.  Appropriate requests include classroom supplies, technology supplies and programs (not hardware), student academic activities, and professional development.

Grants will NOT be awarded for:

• Salaries (including substitute teacher pay)
• Costs and items that may be available through district, state or federal funding
• Requests which exceed the stated dollar limit

To qualify for a Teacher Mini-Grant, applicants must

• Complete an Application Form
• Provide all requested information
• Demonstrate specific need(s)
• Present a creative and/or innovative approach
• Propose a project that impacts students and enhances the quality of education

Award of Funds:

Grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 will be awarded to individual teacher-initiated programs or projects.  If two or more teachers submit a joint application, the amount available is up to $1500 per teacher not per application.  The number of grants awarded will depend on funds available from the Foundation.

Due Date:  April 1, 2010

Selection Criteria:

• The degree to which the proposal supports the district goals and the District Plan and is specifically designed to address an area of need substantiated by data.
• The degree to which student academic performance is emphasized.
• The degree to which sound evaluation procedures are incorporated in the proposal.
• The degree to which the proposal represents a creative or innovative approach to the accomplishment of objectives. 
• The degree to which the proposal is clear and logical, including (a) specific objectives; (b) clarity of description of instructional procedures, methods or treatments; and (c) a clear connection between evaluative procedures, objectives and the intervention strategies.
• The degree to which the funds requested are realistic and appropriate to the proposed project.

Selection Process:

• Application forms may be obtained from the Principal’s Office.
• Applications will be reviewed and scored on by the Grant Application Review Committee made up of the principal and two others named by the principal.
• For each grant application submitted, the committee shall make one of the following recommendations: 

1. approved; (b) approved with conditions and/or modifications; (c) not approved.

• Applicants will be notified of decisions by May 1, 2010.

Responsibilities of Grant Recipients:

• The grant recipient must use the awards for the purposes intended.
• Funds must be expended by the end of the school year for which the grant was awarded. 
• Project must be fully implemented and final report submitted to the Education Foundation before recipients can submit an application for a future grant.
• NOTE! If for some reason the applicant staff member leaves the district, the Committee will determine how to best implement or disqualify the grant proposal.  This will be handled on a case-by-case basis.  If a teacher who has been awarded a mini-grant leaves before the beginning of the 2010-2011 academic year, the amount of any cash award already funded will be deducted from the teacher’s final payroll check.  Any materials or supplies purchased with Foundation funds will remain the property of Motley County ISD.

Distribution of Funds - Funds will be distributed by the Foundation and coordinated through the MCISD Business Office.

Project Title:                                                                                                                          

Name(s) and signature(s) of all applicants associated with this grant application:  

(Print Name)                                                           

Primary Contact’s Name:                                                  Signature:                                               

Other Participating Team Members:

Contact Name:                                                              Signature:                                                                    

Grade(s)                                                              (list each grade level)

Subject(s)                                                     

Number of Students ____________________

Amount of Grant     $___________________

Primary target population to be served:

___ Students (target group:                                                                              ) ___ Parents            ___ Teachers

Implementation dates:                                                                       

Principal's Signature                                                                                      Date                            

Grant Application No. ________

Teacher Mini-Grant proposals represent a request for creative and innovative approaches to meeting students’ educational needs.  Refer to the Instructions and Check List for a complete explanation of each item.  

1.  Project Title                                                                                                                       

2. Grade(s)               __________________________________                                           

3. Subject(s)             a.____________________  b. Serves primarily Special Education?____

                                                                                                            (yes/no)

4. Number of target population to be served:

1. Students                                     b. Parents                             c. Teachers                

5a. Implementation date:                                            b. Completion Date:                                      

CHECK ONE: Have you received funds for this project from the Foundation previously?          

¨ Yes                          ¨ No  This is not relevant in 2010-2011.

COMPLETE THE QUESTIONS ASKED BELOW IN NO MORE THAN TWO (2) PAGES.

Directions:      Please provide a summary for each area listed below.

Application Budget:  Project Title                                                                                         

DIRECTIONS: Note the budget distribution for each category.  Be specific.  (See “Instructions for Typing on This Form on the Computer” for help with computer entries.)  Any funds listed on this form must be explained in the narrative of your application.

Note:  All purchases must be made through current Motley County vendors when available.

Remember to add shipping, if needed.

James and Oneita Titus Educational Foundation

2010 Grant Schedule

February 2010             Post Guidelines for Fall 2010 Grants

April 1, 2010               Grant applications due by 4:30 p.m. 

May 1                          Grantees notified

January 29, 2011         Report due to Program Committee