2008-2009 Major Grant Application Information
The School Foundation seeks grant requests that enhance student achievement through academic project proposals to include dropout prevention, parental involvement, and/or EEDA-related projects.
Thank you for your interest in a 2008-2009 major grant from The School Foundation. The information that you submit in the Major Grants application will provide The School Foundation Grants Committee with the data it requires to make a judgment regarding the funding of your project.
Applications will be reviewed on a competitive basis and a limited number of grants will be awarded. The minimum amount awarded for a Major Grant is $10,000. The deadline for the receipt of grant application is April 11, 2008. Major Grants should seek to have broad impact across the entire school district and propose projects which enhance student achievement through academic project proposals to include dropout prevention, parental involvement, and/or EEDA-related projects. Monies may be used to purchase materials needed to accomplish the project and/or to hire consultants to assist with the project. Funds are to be used to supplement existing school programs, not to supplant them. Funds may not be used to: a) pay the salaries of employees of the Florence County School District 1 or b) pay for major equipment purchases, unless they are absolutely critical to the project proposal and cannot be financed in any other manner. Once the grant materials have been received, they remain the property of the school that was the recipient of the grant unless otherwise approved by The School Foundation.
The grant period may begin no earlier than August 2008, and the project funds must be spent within the school year. An Interim Project Report and Final Report will be required, and a site visit may be conducted by The School Foundation staff and/or board during the grant period. The Grants Committee will review each application. In general, high value criteria include innovation, creativity, educational value, student involvement and project director commitment. Additionally, those applications that clearly and
concisely describe the project and anticipate positive benefits for students in the form of achievement, motivation and character development will be favored during the evaluation process.
Please keep specific questions in mind when developing grant proposals:
§ Is the project proposed an innovative solution to the stated problem or issue?
§ Does the project have promise of improving your school by addressing a specific school-wide issue?
§ Does the project team have the capacity to implement the proposed program?
§ Are the statement of purpose and procedures for carrying out the proposed project clear?
§ Are the plans for evaluating the project suited to the nature of the project?
§ Is the budget request reasonable and sufficiently detailed?
The original with seven copies of the application must be received in the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction’s Office at 319 S. Dargan Street in Florence, SC on or before 4:30 p.m. on April 11, 2008. The School Foundation will acknowledge receipt of each application. NOTE: The Grants Committee will not review any application that is not complete.
Each topic/criteria listed below should be explained to a level that will allow the Grants Committee members to understand the scope of the request. The relative evaluation weight for each proposal section appears to the left of the corresponding topic/criteria (100 total point scale).
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WEIGHT
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TOPIC/CRITERIA
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(Required)
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A.
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Complete the GRANT REQUEST COVER SHEET.
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5
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B.
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Executive Summary Description of Grant Proposal
The summary provides the evaluation committee with an introductory overview of the grant proposal in one page or less, highlighting its purpose, procedures, and the expected benefits or results.
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10
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C.
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Statement of Need and Background Information (Should we call this Project Description instead)
E.g., to supplement the curriculum and/or to address a specific problem and/or to enhance the learning experience. Explain supporting theories, hypotheses, buzzwords and acronyms.
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10
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D.
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Project Goal(s) and Objectives
Goals and objectives should be clearly and succinctly stated.
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10
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E.
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Methods, techniques, procedures to be used on project
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5
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F.
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Timetable for completion
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5
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G.
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Material needed for Project
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15
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H.
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Anticipated impact on students, teachers, programs, curriculum, teaching methods or the entire district.
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15
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I.
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How project improves student character achievement and motivation.
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5
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J.
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Plans for project sustainability after project completion.
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10
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K.
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Plan for Evaluation and Follow-up
The standards of measurement to be used to determine if goal(s) have been achieved and timeline for assessment of results.
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5
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L.
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Itemized Budget for the Project
Expense projections over time; funding from other sources, if applicable. If the Foundation is being asked to fund a portion of the project, please provide written assurances from the district that the remainder of the funds is already committed. List in-kind contributions by the school, district, and volunteers, if applicable.
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5
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M.
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Closing Summary
A few sentences summarizing your commitment to the project and to evaluating its level of success.
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(Required if funded)
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UPON COMPLETION OF PROJECT OR GRANT-News Release/Evaluation Form
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Click here for Major Grants Application Forms
