Educational Foundation Grants

The U-46 Educational Foundation is excited to have $25,000 in funding for U-46 teacher and staff grants, and applications will be made available after the start of the 2024-25 school year. Grants from the U-46 Educational Foundation fund initiatives that enhance U-46 student learning or well-being. This could include classroom or academic needs, projects related to the fine arts, ideas that reinforce students' social/emotional learning, extra-curricular clubs or teams, and more.

Since these are awarded using several criteria, try to be as descriptive as possible and include any and all information you think would be helpful. Below you will find general information about the application and a list of FAQs.

Grant Application

The application will ask you for a project title, an objective, a short description of your project/program/item, the timeline you are proposing, and possible outcomes or benefits.

Think about how many people might be impacted by your grant idea, and include this information if possible.

Think about the make-up of students or others involved in your grant idea, and include this if possible ( grade level of the students, whether they are minority students, students with special challenges, or students with free/reduced lunch, etc.).

You will need to tell us how much money you are specifically asking for, and provide an itemized budget for items you are hoping to purchase. There is a box you can check to indicate that you would accept partial funding through the U-46 Foundation. Grant awards can range from $200 to $1,000. If your grant project exceeds $1,000, you should still apply - the Grants committee can consider choosing projects that exceed the limit.

Here are just a few more things to keep in mind:

All grant applications are reviewed by the Administration during the screening process, but it's strongly suggested that you have the approval of your principal/department head before applying.

Salaries, professional development, and food items are among things NOT ELIGIBLE for grant funding.

Technology-related purchases must be approved by the District Information Services Department.

Application Deadline: Grant applications will open again during the 2025-26 school year

Grants from the U-46 Educational Foundation fund our teachers' and staff's bright ideas, creating opportunities that expand student learning and well-being. Grants also help our community partners who are doing important work in our area to benefit U-46 students.

In the past four years, the Foundation has proudly funded nearly 100 grants to teachers, staff, and community partners.

Click here to read more about the grants awarded in 2023-24.

Click here to read more about the grants awarded in 2022-23.

Grant FAQs

What kinds of projects have received grant funding in the past?
What is the deadline for my application?
Who can apply, and can I apply for more than one grant?
How are grant receipients selected?

Grants are evaluated by the U-46 Educational Foundation’s Allocations Committee using a rubric. Among other criteria, they look for how the project/program impacts the academic, social/emotional, or safety needs of students, and whether grants would impact/benefit marginalized student groups.

Grants selected by the Allocations Committee then move on to review by the District leadership to ensure that the project can be completed as described.

Projects cannot violate FERPA or the IDEA Act or any standing District policies. It is in the best interest of the grant applicant to check with his or her supervisor before submitting a grant proposal in order to ensure that the grant idea can be completed as described.
When will I know if I received a grant?
How will I receive my grant funds?

Grant recipients may submit a receipt for items purchased, and receive reimbursement for these expenses. If this is not the most feasible method for purchasing grant items, other arrangements can be made on a case by case basis. For example, the Foundation can prepare a check to be sent to a vendor that provides an invoice. Items can also be purchased using the Foundation’s Amazon.com account. We understand that grant purchasing isn’t a one-size-fits-all arrangement, and we will work with you. Final receipts or invoices must be submitted by the end of the school year in order to be paid/reimbursed.
Do grant funds have to be used this school year?

Yes, grant funds apply only to the school year for which they are awarded. Unused grant funding does not roll over to subsequent school years. This includes funds that have not been requested with an invoice or receipt by the end of the school year and checks that have not been cashed within 90 days of being issued. Uncashed checks older than 90 days may be voided.
Anything else I should expect when applying for/receiving a grant?

Prior to filling out an application, be sure to check with your building administrator to ensure that your project can be completed as described.

If you are awarded a grant, you will be expected to complete an evaluation of your grant project, due at the end of the school year. Evaluations should include photos from your project/program. So don't forget to take pictures that reflect the purpose of your project! ALSO, if you include students in your photos, please indicate that they have a media release consent form on file at your school. The U-46 Foundation needs to know upfront if select photos can be used to promote the Foundation when fundraising, updating the website, and posting on social media.
How does the Foundation get the money used to fund teacher and staff grants?

The Foundation's funding comes from your generous support! When U-46 employees, families, and community members donate to the Foundation, we use that money to fund these grants for our teachers and staff. Your support of Employee Campaigns, Annual Appeals, #GivingTuesday, and more, makes these grants possible. Thank you! We couldn't do it without you.
What if I have a question not answered above?

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U-46 Educational Foundation

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Educational Foundation Grants

Grant Application

Grant FAQs

What kinds of projects have received grant funding in the past?

What is the deadline for my application?

Who can apply, and can I apply for more than one grant?

How are grant receipients selected?

When will I know if I received a grant?

How will I receive my grant funds?

Do grant funds have to be used this school year?

Anything else I should expect when applying for/receiving a grant?

How does the Foundation get the money used to fund teacher and staff grants?

What if I have a question not answered above?