Ever wonder what a Walk to Freedom would be like?
Do you want to develop a District Wide Cookbook?
Does teaching about Immigrants at Work sound like fun?
How about participating in a Survivor Challenge?
Or establishing an Art Gallery?
If any of these ideas sound exciting, then the Salem Education Foundation grant application is just right for you! Our grants support Enrichment projects up to $1000 and Collaborative projects up to $5000. Funded projects must go beyond the scope of those funded by the Salem Public School Department and should be both creative and innovative. They should make creative use of common teaching aids or approach the curriculum from an imaginative angle with the goal of keeping students energized and excited about learning. Application are accepted between January 8th and March 8th, 2010. Click here to apply online or take the time to look at our featured grants or our idea book to get started.
The Foundation has an interest in funding projects that help students develop their talents according to their needs and interests, foster lifelong learning and effective citizenship, and create an environment in which to pursue and achieve excellence. Begin now to think of exciting and rewarding grant proposals for which you might want to apply. We are available for consultation should you require assistance. Working with parents, students and other community members is welcomed.
We now offer two categories for grant applicants: Enrichment and Collaborative.
Enrichment Grants are the traditional grants awarded by SEF for the past 15 years. They are designed to provide funds for classroom teachers who have innovative, meritorious ideas. Your project may qualify for funding if it makes creative use common of teaching aids, approaches the curriculum from an imaginative angle, ties non traditional concepts together or promotes learning in innovative ways.
Collaborative Grants are designed to promote cooperative efforts across disciplines, across grade levels, and among schools. The Collaborative Grants category enables the Foundation to promote professional teamwork, cooperative learning and share innovation across Salem schools.
Why emphasize collaboration?
SEF aims to influence the learning community in broad-reaching ways. Collaboration allows for cross-pollination of innovation and creativity, increased citizenship for students participating in these grants and potentially increase partnerships with the broader community.
As we add new events to our fundraising schedule, we are making more demands on our community to support Foundation initiatives. Collaborative Grants allow us to give something back to the schools that would have an immediate, positive impact.
Additionally, some grants have proven to be beneficial and deserving of ongoing funds if they can be grown beyond a single location. These funds should not be taken from the “seed money” funds intended for traditional grants.
What is the difference between an Enrichment Grant and a SEF Collaborative Grant?
Enrichment grants are for:
- Individuals/teams applying for grants of up to $1000 for projects that directly enhance the educational opportunities for students.
Collaborative grants are for:
- projects which are collaborative in nature, involving teachers across buildings or grade levels (not in the same building), with a budget up to $5000
- sharing expertise among participants within a distinct discipline
- projects that may lead to innovations or changes in practice for a wide cross-section of students and educators in Salem.
Both grants should:
- Advance students’ educational experiences in science, math, arts and humanities.
- Go beyond the scope of those funded through the school system.
- Seek to advance the partnership with the community
- Help students develop their talents, foster lifelong learning and citizenship and create an environment in which to pursue excellence.
How will awards be made?
Awards will be made based on merit and funds available. All involved parties must “sign off” on the application and as with traditional grants, the application MUST be sponsored by a school employee (vs. a parent or contractor).