A number of grant opportunities were approved by the Board of Education at their meeting yesterday. Here's a summary:
Publix Super Market Charitiesoffers grants that support youth, education, reducing hunger (May 1 - June 30), and alleviating homelessness (July 1 - August 31). Their funding level varies, please check their website for more details.
North Carolina Aquariumsoffers up to $1,000 for Title 1 schools to visit aquariums, or engage in their outreach and/or distance learning activities, deadline September 15.
National Art Education Associationprovides grants that support professional development for arts educators, classroom supplies, and curriculum development, deadline October 1.
Herb Society of Americasupports indoor or outdoor herb gardens for grades 3 through 6 with grants of $200, deadline October 1.
Whole Kids Foundationoffers grants of up to $2,000 for edible school gardens, deadline October 15.
AgCarolina Farm Creditsupports agriculture education with grants of up to $5,000, deadline October 15.
The National Dairy Council, Fuel Up to Play 60, which supports healthy eating and physical activity with grants of up to $4,000, deadline November 7
Vernier Software and Technologyoffers support for science classrooms, deadline December 17.
NC Foundation for Public School Childrenoffers grants of up to $1,000 for literacy, PD, or parental involvement at economically disadvantaged schools, deadline October 31.
American Association of School Librariansoffers a variety of awards and grants to increase access to books and infuse innovative technologies into library settings. Funding levels and deadlines varies by program, but several are due February 1
National Science Teachers Associationoffers a variety of grants and awards.
US Lacrosse Foundationsupports Lacrosse programs with grants of equipment, requests are due the 1st of each month.
In addition to these newly approved opportunities, there are several other grant opportunities with upcoming deadlines. These include the Target Field Trip grant($700), Bright Ideas(up to $3,000), Wake Electric's Classroom Technology grant(up to $3,000), and the Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant(up to $5,000).
Details about these and other opportunities can be found in our listing of Board Approved grants, found in three places: Learning Central Office of Grants Resource (see Grant Alerts in the lefthand navigation bar), on Wake Connect, or in our Office of Grants Google site. As always, please work with your principal or school grant contact to complete an Intent to Apply form prior to submitting any grants.
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DONORSCHOOSE AND TECHNOLOGY: Over the past few months, Technology Services and the Office of Grants have been working closely with DonorsChoose to establish a process whereby teachers can request technology, including Chromebooks, ipads, laptops, printers, and more, using WCPSS purchase orders. This means that technology received through DonorsChoose will be fully supported, with extended warranties, upgraded specifications, and configuration/setup services completed. While these services may add to the cost of a base model, it results in added longevity and support of the device while ensuring compatibility with WCPSS infrastructure and core application requirements.
Teachers who want to include technology items in a DonorsChoose proposal will be prompted to submit a Special Request Project to DonorsChoose, which will allow them to select WCPSS approved technology offerings. Please note that teachers who are new to DonorsChoose will not be able to include technology in their first project, as they will first need to earn 6 points to create a Special Request Project. Learn more about the DonorsChoose Point System here.
Technology Services has posted information about how to request technology through DonorsChoose, and we encourage you to visit their site to learn more about how this process will work. In addition to providing step-by-step directions, the Technology Services page also has information about the technology items included, links to WCPSS Purchase Orders, more detail about WCPSS technology guidelines, and responses to frequently asked questions.
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions or suggestions.
Best wishes as you begin the new school year!
