Purpose:

Grants for Great Ideas are designed to encourage and reward innovative and creative instructional approaches to student achievement.  The grants must enhance student academic performance and support the objectives, goals, and initiatives of the Campus Action Plan.  

Persons Eligible to Apply for Grants:

Individuals or teams of individuals employed by the Hays CISD involved in the instruction of students or related support services benefiting students.

Eligible Proposals:

Instructional approaches or projects designed to begin during the current school year and which meet the selection criteria. Grants may fund instructional and classroom materials, parent involvement programs, or any activity or material which supports higher levels of student academic achievement.  

*Applicants with existing grants that have not been completed are not eligible to apply for a new grant until they have completed and submitted their final report.

Award of Funds:

Grants ranging from $500 up to $5,000 will be awarded to campus teachers, teams and district initiated programs or projects.  The number of awards will depend on funds available from the Hays CISD Education Foundation.

Selection Criteria:

• The grant supports District goals and Campus Action Plan and is specifically designed to address an area of need substantiated by data.
• Emphasis on student academic performance.
• Sound evaluation procedures are incorporated in the proposal. 
• The proposal represents a creative or innovative approach to learning.
• The proposal should be clear and logical, including (a) specific objectives; (b) clear  descriptions of instructional procedures.

Application Submission Process:

1. Teacher initiated applications will be automatically sent to the campus principal for  review and they must approve or deny the request before the application will be moved forward for scoring. 
2. If technology equipment or software is being requested, a copy of the application will be automatically sent to Emily Herrin, Director of Digital Learning for approval. 
3. Any project requiring the movement or placement of a fixed fixture, will require approval from Max Cleaver, Chief Operations Officer. 
4. We recommend that you consult with these individuals before submitting your application to ensure compliance of your project.
5. Grant Applications must be submitted to the Education Foundation via the application link.

Responsibilities of Grant Recipients:

• Once the Grant has been awarded, the recipient will receive a Student Performance Grant Agreement that must be signed and returned to the Education Foundation office.
• Use the awards for the purposes intended.
• Funds must be expended within a 12-month period immediately following the award notification.
• Project must be fully implemented and the final Grant Evaluation form must be submitted to the Education Foundation before recipients can submit an application for another grant. 
• Agree to share successful procedures in staff development sessions.

• Equipment purchased with the grant dollars are to remain in the school to which the grant is awarded.  If more than one school is awarded, equipment is to remain in the lead grant applicant school. 

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION

Statement of Need:

• Describe the area of student achievement you wish to address and give any data that supports the need. Please include how this grant addresses district and campus goals.
• Keep the statement simple and straightforward.
• Show how project relates to the District/Campus Action Plan(s).

Objectives:

• Limit the number of objectives.
• How will it be measured?

Description of Proposed Project/Activity:

• Describe the problem or issue addressed
• Show how the project supports the purpose
• Relate project to need and objectives
• Provide timeline – list steps to be followed in project implementation

Evaluation:

• Relate to stated objectives
• Indicate how you will know whether the project was successful
• What process will you be using to evaluate the grant? (logs, observation, test scores, attendance records)

Partners:

• Are there others who will participate in this project? (CIS, City of Kyle, Lion’s Club, PTA, Parents, University, etc)
• What will their roles be?
• Do you have a signed commitment from partner organizations?

Sustainability:

• Even though this is a one-time grant, how can you continue the program?
• Sources such as PTA’s, fundraising, sponsors, etc.

Budget:

• Grants are to be used to fund projects that cannot be provided for in the school and district budgets.
• Grants cannot be used to fund teacher training or travel.
• When creating your budget, research carefully and be realistic.  Small grants are just as likely to be awarded as large grants.  Partial funding will be considered.  
• Funds will not be awarded for budgeted items available from district resources.