Grant Alerts -- November 3, 2016

The WCPSS Board of Education met November 1 and approved the following grant opportunity:

North Carolina Technology in Education

Application: http://ncties.org/conference/recognitions/grants/index.php

Subject: STEM

Funding Level: $3,000

Deadline: Check website for available grants and deadline dates

There are a few grants with upcoming deadlines for you to consider:

·         The NC Farm Bureau's Ag in the Classroom grant provides $500 for classroom projects related to agriculture. The deadline is November 15, and more information can be found at http://www.ncagintheclassroom.com/Grants.

·         The CenturyLink Foundation is offering their Teachers and Technology grant of up to $5,000 to schools in their residential service areas. More information can be found at http://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/community/foundation/teachers.html. Applications will be accepted from October 1 through January 12.

·         The Biogen Foundation: Ignite the Power of STEM grant program is now accepting applications through January 15, 2017. The grant supports innovative methods of providing STEM education. Preference will be given to 2016 Bridging the Gap STEM education conference registrants and attendees.

Details about these and more grant opportunities can be found in our current Grant Alerts, located in three places: 

·         On the Intranet at http://www2.wcpss.net/departments/grants/alerts.htm 

·         In the Office of Grants Canvas course, click on “Grant Alerts" in the left hand navigation bar 

·         At the Office of Grants Google site which can be accessed from anywhere with no sign in required. https://sites.google.com/a/wcpss.net/wcpss-grants-office/calendar

Should you decide to apply for a grant, please work with your Principal or School Grants Contact to complete the Intent to Apply form (click here to access the form, please note that the Grants Process has been redesigned and only Principals or School Grant Contacts may submit the form). Don't hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions.

Changes to the WCPSS Grants Process

Effective October 3, the WCPSS Grants Process has been redesigned. Intent to Apply (ITA) forms will only be submitted by a Principal or their designated School Grants Contact (SGC). Teachers who are considering applying for a grant should work with their Principal or School Grant Contact to complete and submit Intent to Apply forms. For a preview of the information requested in the form, click here.

Changes to Donors Choose

When using a site like Donors Choose, remember the public nature of electronic postings and the likelihood that students, parents, and other members of the community can, and hopefully will access what’s posted. Donors Choose requests are public, so be sure to protect student privacy and speak of students, families and the community with great respect. Here are some questions to consider as you develop Donors Choose grant requests.

•  Does the proposed grant seek to secure funding or supplies/materials that the district has not been given an opportunity to address?

•  Does the proposed grant seek to secure funding or supplies/materials which the district is obligated to provide (e.g., IEP or 504 plans)?

•  Does the proposed grant seek to secure technology or software? If so, are the materials sought district approved?

•  Knowing that proposals are public information, are you comfortable with how your school is represented?

Photos should not include images of students, even if a teacher believes all the students pictured have parental permission. Instead, teachers may use general photos of their classroom so long as the image does not include any materials which might personally identify or include students.

Donors Choose requires a “Thank You” package when an award is made, including photos. They are aware of the challenges of including student photos and provide alternative that are acceptable. Please note those alternatives don’t have to include children. Photos could show the completed project or materials displayed.

Keep in mind that grant requests need to align to district guidelines and standards.

•  Consult the sample POs [http://www2.wcpss.net/departments/purchasing/samplepos.htm] for technology equipment, and work with your Principal to direct any questions to Technology Services.

•  Any software requested should be district approved.Click here to review district software standards.

•  Work with your Principal to consult with Facility Services for any proposed modification to school buildings and grounds.