What are we looking for?

We award grants based on projects that are substantive in content and have potential to make the greatest impact. The grant application must demonstrate instruction aligned with school and district goals, a measurable educational impact, and the ability to be duplicated for ongoing and future implementation.

Who May Apply?

Because we want to impact as many students as possible, we ask that teachers and administrators work cooperatively in the application process.  An individual teacher may take the lead on the grant request, but more than one teacher can benefit from the programming. 
All Marion County public preK-12 school teachers may apply.

When is the Application Due?

The deadline is Thursday, October 5th  by 11:59 PM

Grant requests must be submitted using this online portal. No applications are to be submitted in person or sent via email. If you are selected as a grant finalist, you will be contacted and then asked to sign a final grant acknowledgment. 

What Programs Areas Are Allowed / Maximum Grant Amount

Funds can be used in seven programmatic:

1. Increasing Graduation Rates

2. Teaching Quality

3. Literacy

4. Assisting Low-Performing Students

5. STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) Education

6. Career/Technical Education

7. Supporting Students in Need (including Mental Health & Wellness Initiatives)

The maximum grant amount is $5,000

How may the money be spent?

Because our grant program is partially funded through the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program (administered by the Consortium for Florida Education Foundations), grant money may be spent only on supplies, printing, curriculum, computer software/hardware, etc. Funding will not be approved for food, parties, recognitions, or awards. Projects need to be results-oriented with clearly defined goals.

What is the accounting procedure?

A check will be made out to the school and be placed into internal accounts. The school bookkeeper will provide an Account Activity Report during a mid -year report and at the end of the grant. we will ask for proof that funds have been spent on the grant project. Contact Meghan Magamoll at Meghan.Magamoll@marion.k12.fl.us if you need help!

How will the winning grants be chosen?

A committee composed of PEFMC Board Members and/or Community Leaders will review grant applications. Projects are evaluated on their potential benefit to students, the number of students involved, project creativity and innovation, effective use of resources, potential sponsor support and evaluation methods. The review committee will receive blind applications (teacher and school names or references will be removed). This ensures that grant applications are judged on their merit and we avoid potential conflicts of interest.

What is the scoring rubric?

Project Overview (25 Total Points)	Is the overview clear and concise (free of jargon and extraneous information) (Max 5 pts) Do you get a clear understanding of what the grant is going to do in the classroom for the school or in the district (Max 5 pts) Does the project come to life (can you create a mental picture in your mind) (Max 5 pts) Does the overview identify high points of the proposal (i.e. why there is a need, what students will be doing, how this project will impact students). Do you get a strong sense of why this project is great (Max 5 pts) Does the grant writer provide data that supports the need for the project and discuss the desired outcomes (i.e., this school year, only 35% of the students who are "at-risk" demonstrated learning gains in math. With the supplemental supports that this project will provide, we hope to exceed that number by 10% in the following school year)? (Max 5 pts)
Project Impact (25 Total Points)	Targets more than one group/class of students (Max 5 pts) The needs of students are clearly expressed (Max 5 pts) Incorporates more than one curricular area (math, science, tech, art, etc) (Max 5 pts) Integrates into the total curriculum rather than a single stand-alone project (Max 5 pts) Addresses multiple Florida Standards (Max 5 points)
Project Description (20 Total Points)	Activities are innovative and likely to engage students (Max 5 pts) Timeline outlines specific activities and data (Max 5 points) The project can/will expand beyond 1 class to other students/teachers (Max 5 pts) The project and/or learning experience will expand beyond a single year (i.e. It can be replicated next year with limited funding, the skill set learned/practiced will assist students next year, etc.) (Max 5 pts)
Project Assessment (20 Total Points)	The evaluation tools are clearly defined and measure learning gains (Max 10 pts) The grant proposal should include how learning gains will be determined (Max 10 pts)
Budget (10 Total Points)	All items purchased are realistic and align with the goals of the project (Max 10 pts)

Items of Interest

This is a blind application form. On the first three tabs of the application form, please list the school, teacher names and other identifying information. Please do not identify applicants, schools, or communities unless specifically asked. 

If our grant is awarded, is there any other responsibilty other than implementation and evaluation?

Yes, we ask that awardees document their projects with pictures and/or videos. We also may request selected grantees to deliver a short presentation at one of our Foundation Board of Directors meetings. If your grant is selected for a Board presentation you will be notified a minimum of 30 days in advance of the meeting date.

• Awards are granted on a competitive basis. Please make sure to note the following tips and directions and completely answer all questions during the online submission process.
• Pay particular attention to not request funds for a non-allowable expenditures.
• If you are requesting technology (iPads, computers, etc.) you must obtain a quote from the school district. Your school secretary/bookkeeper should be able to help you with this.
• Check with your school secretary/bookkeeper for a list of approved vendors.
• Do not use educational jargon or acronyms in your application as not all grant readers are educators. Follow all directions and submit the online application on time.
• Please make sure you have discussed your grant with your Principal BEFORE submitting the online application to our office. By completing the application, you are acknowledging that you Principal is aware of the grant and they approve.  You will be asked to share your Principals email address to send then a verification email. 
• If awarded a Grants for Great Idea, you will be required to submit evaluation reports, documenting results based on the goals and objectives set forth in the proposal.
• Recipients who do not fill out a final grant report in May 2024, will no longer be eligible for Public Education Foundation grant support for future years.