HEF Classroom Grants Program

As part of its mission to support classroom instruction, HEF sponsors a Classroom Grants Program to provide financial support for worthwhile projects that encourage creative thinking, utilize hands-on learning methods and have a specific academic goal but do not have sufficient funding. Eligible projects will have a clearly stated and measurable academic goal, planned activities to reach the goal and a budget detailing the cost of materials and supplies and any available funds already committed to the project.

Who is eligible to apply?

Teachers and other instructional or support services personnel, either as individuals or as part of a team, who are employed by Harmony Public Schools are eligible to apply for an HEF Classroom grant. HEF will only accept online applications that have been submitted via the online application form. The application deadline is November 30, 2019. Funding decisions will be announced in early January 2020.
 

What kinds of projects are eligible?

HEF is looking for innovative projects that have measurable academic goals, encourage creativity and critical thinking, employ hands-on learning experiences for students and make efficient use of requested resources. The project must be approved by the school administration, and applications must have a statement of approval from the principal or another appropriate administrator. Projects for all grade levels and subject matters are eligible for consideration.
 

What activities will the HEF Classroom Grants Program Fund?

Funds for materials, equipment, supplies or other direct instructional costs will be eligible for funding for projects that receive HEF Classroom Grants Program funds. Salaries, construction costs, maintenance costs or contract labor costs are not eligible for funding.
 

What criteria will be used for awarding grants?

Application submittals should clearly state the problem or issue the project will address and give clear succinct descriptions of the project’s goals, the materials and/or supplies needed, and how the success of the project will be measured.  

The ideal project will have these elements:

  • Instructional Relevance: The project will improve or enhance students’ academic knowledge and achievement.
  • Institutional Relevance: The project reflects and supports the goals of the school.
  • Creativity: The project presents a learning opportunity in a creative and innovative manner.
  • Measurable Outcomes: The goals of the project have educational value and can be objectively evaluated.
  • Replicability: The project can be reproduced or shared by other teachers, groups or schools.
  • Accountability: The project budget will detail each cost item.

Grant Recipient Requirements

  • The successful grant applicant agrees to adhere to these grant requirements:
  • The grant funds will be utilized as outlined in the application.
  • The person identified on the application as the project manager will be responsible for collecting and safeguarding all receipts, invoices, bills, and records of fund expenditures.
  • Projects must be completed before school ends for the summer following the awarding of the grant.
  • Any materials, equipment or supplies remaining at the end of the project will be retained by the school at which the project was executed.
  • Any unused funds from the project are to be returned to HEF.
  • A final report on the project must be delivered to HEF before August 15. The final report shall include:
    • Measurable outcomes of the project as they relate to the stated goal.
    • Photographs and/or videos of the project in action.
    • An accounting of funds utilized for the project.
    • Commentary on the potential for the project to be replicated.
    • Observations, suggestions, unforeseen issues and any other relevant comments that would be of benefit for future grant applicants.

Tips for applicants

  • Be creative: The HEF Classroom Grants Program is looking for creative and innovative projects. Creative projects also help to capture the imagination of students, so don’t be afraid to look at tried-and-true methods in a different light.
  • Keep the goals simple, achievable and measurable, and keep the activities tied closely to the goals.
  • Have a realistic budget. Small-budget project applications that have the potential for positive academic outcomes are just as likely to be funded as large-budget projects.
  • Have a plan to share the project with others.
 
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