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, be tied to School Improvement Plans and/or the District's Strategic Plan, have 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 work cooperatively in the application process. In other words, two or more teachers can develop a grant request. All Marion County public K-12 school teachers may apply.  Based on the number of applications, funding requests and availability, award amounts may be limited by school location. 
More details about the application process can also be found in our information packet. 

When is the Application Due?

The deadline is October 14th, 2024.

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 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 and Technical Education (CTE)

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 at the end of the grant and file a short accounting form at the end of the project and provide proof that funds have been spent on the grant project.  All funds must be spent during the school year.  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 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 committee conflicts of interest are avoided.
Based on the number of G4GI applications received and total funds requested, the number of awards granted to each school site may be limited to one per school. We encourage teachers and Principals to work collaboratively in preparation and planning for grant submissions.
All grant awards are contingent upon availability of funding through the Foundation.

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) (Demonstrate ties to School Improvement Plan/District Strategic Plan) 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 on the last three tabs on the form.

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.
• 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 grant reports by the requested end of year dates will no longer be eligible for Public Education Foundation grant support.