Grant Guidelines

The Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation is a non-profit organization of community members
committed to fostering innovation and excellencein the Cape Elizabeth public schools by:

  •  funding initiatives that augment the school budget;
  •  partnering with the school system to help achieve its vision; and
  •  building community-wide support for the benefit of our schools.

The Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation is committed to the belief that excellent public
education is essential to the economic and socialwell being of our community.

The Grant Program

Dates for Fall Grants 2010

Presentations:  October  4 and 5th,

Application Deadline Sept 24,

Clinics for feedback  prior to presentations:  Sept 15th   and  Sept 20th , please check times with Susan Dana or Ingrid Stressenger

I. Grants Purposes

To award grants twice annually in the spring and in the fall

  1. To encourage innovative and creative ideas that promise to enrich the curriculum
  2. To encourage and support collaborative efforts or partnerships among teachers,
    students, and community members either initially or in the future
  3. To support major grants that impact, or have the potential to impact,
    a significant number of students, or have a profound impact on a
    smaller number of students
  4. To support grants that benefit future students
  5. To support grants that explore new teaching practices
  6. To encourage grants that can be replicated in other Cape Elizabeth schools or classrooms

II. Application Guidelines

 Please note:

  • Educators who are the recipients of a professional development grant are not eligible for another professional development grant during the following year. 
  • CEEF does not look to fund transport and accommodation costs associated with Prof. Development. However, the committee will consider funding these costs if unique circumstances apply. 
  • It should be the intent of the teacher that they will be working at the C.E school system for at least one year following a professional development grant.

Grants Criteria

Classroom Teacher Professional Development Grants: To support innovation and excellence in teaching by facilitating:

Professional Growth – tied to a curricular or practice related goal and /or

Professional renewal - allows you to refresh your enthusiasm and creativity for teaching that may not be as closely tied to the curricular area of your practice. We look for projects that transform your thinking and teaching and offer you the opportunity for renewal as a learner.

Writing Your Proposal

Keep it Simple. Convey your passion

Be sure you address every question in the application

Complete the Budget and Finances Section. Your calculations should be specific and correct as an error here can disqualify an application.

Grant applicants are advised to seek funding from sources in addition to CEEF when their project budgets demand. -  Such as booster groups, ticket sales, sponsorships, other outside grants

All costs should be clearly and accurately stated to enable the committee to understand exactly what is required, failure to do so will automatically disqualify an application for that cycle. Again, please ask for help if needed before the deadline date

Be Specific  We deliberate after presentations and therefore we shouldn't be wondering what it is you are looking for.  If it's not there -we'll be left guessing.

Think the “big” picture

Talk about your grants anticipated outcomes. Be thoughtful about the ways which your activities will result in lasting impact on your teaching, your students and/or your colleagues and the Cape Schools.

Ask for help- with completing your grant application if you feel this may be of benefit to you- as stated, feedback sessions will be offered  before the application / presentation deadlines

The Grant committee evaluates all proposals using these Guidelines:

  • The grant will have a significant impact for Cape students
  • The proposed project supports excellence in teaching
  • The proposal is an innovative project or idea
  • It explores an interest or passion that will in turn benefit student experience

Description:

  • The ideas informing the project are sufficiently developed
  • The project activities are well defined
  • The applicant has provided all helpful documents to support the application eg , Will visual evidence( photos, a video) help describe your project? Will a student speaking on behalf of the proposal be beneficial? Have you consulted with the relevant school bodies? 
  • The proposed budget seems realistic given the scope of the applicant’s plans.

Outcomes

  • The applicants will experience professional growth and /or renewal
  • The project will enhance the applicant’s professional practice (ie. by new skills, strategies, academic enrichment or rejuvenation)
  • The applicant’s students and /or colleagues will benefit from the project either directly or indirectly
  • There are clear plans to share knowledge and perspective gained in the course of the project.
  • The applicant will acquire new knowledge or impact student learning

Deadlines and Notification

  • Applications must be completed by the stated deadline. Exceptions will not be granted. Emails will be sent to applicants acknowledging receipt of the proposal.
  • Grant should be implemented during the current school year unless otherwise clearly stated and explained.
  • Grant recipients must submit the grant evaluation form upon completion of a project.

III. Application and Review Procedures (See left for downloadable grants documents)

  1. Applications may be for either classroom grants or professional development grants,
    and may be submitted during either grant cycle.
  2. Applications must be received by the deadline given on the application.
  3. An original of the completed application form (electronic or paper version)
    must be submitted.
  4. A brief meeting for an overview and Q&A with the Grants Committee will take
    place approximately two weeks following the application deadline.
  5. Applicants will be notified by mail of decisions following Grants Committee
    recommendations and full Board approval.
  6. CEEF may fund projects partially or in full.
  7. Teachers are asked to complete a feedback survey within one year of receiving their grants money.