The primary purpose of the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation is to promote the quality of academic life by enhancing or initiating those exceptional programs which are not or will not normally be underwritten by the East Grand Rapids Public Schools System.

• Mini Grants
  • Mini-Grant – The Foundation will appropriate an annual sum (currently $3,000) to be awarded to teachers in the form of a Mini-Grant ($50 - $500) for distinctive programs which directly affect children, not for teacher course work or conferences.  Examples of Foundation Mini-Grant: unusual materials or equipment for special project or program or payment for real-life experiences brought to the classroom.

  The applicant must prepare a written description of the proposed mini-grant and the amount requested.  The application must be approved by the building administrator before being submitted to the Superintendent’s office.  The application must include a description of the program with time lines, student learning outcomes desired and funds needed.  The application will be rated on the following criteria: (1) Is it student oriented? (2) How does it relate to the existing curriculum (3) Is it in line with the Strategic Plan? (4) Is it an original and unique project?  Thirty days after the conclusion of a grant, the teacher must submit to the Superintendent’s Office a brief evaluation of how the mini-grant enhanced student learning. The Board of Education will be asked to receive the annual grant of funds and disburse the annual grant of funds for the Foundation Mini-Grant.

  • Superintendent’s Mini-Grant – The Foundation will grant an annual sum (currently $2,000).  The Superintendent will receive mini-grant requests for the purpose of paying tuition and fees for course work ($100-$500) which will enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom.  The Superintendent shall evaluate and approve the requests.  Tuition and fees will be paid after the receipt of grades and transcripts showing that the teacher received a grade of “B” or better in the course.  A summary evaluation of all academic mini-grants shall be submitted to the Foundation by the Superintendent not later than June 30.  The Board of Education will receive and disburse the annual grant of funds for the Superintendent’s Mini-Grant.
• Grants
  • Foundation Grants  (Over $500) – This Foundation Grant is for the enhancement of instruction on a larger scale.  For instance, these Grants may provide seed money for a new program or funds for equipment or other instructional projects.  Some examples of possible projects are:
    • Visiting professor or speaker
    • Artist-In-Residence Program
    • Study leave – summer or school year
    • Co-curricular projects
    • Staff Development
    • Writing Lab
    • Gifted and Talented Program
    • Research projects or pilot programs

Applications for Foundation Grants may be submitted by teachers, administrators, students, parents or community members.  If you are applying for a technology item you must also complete the supplemental application and attach it to your grant application.  Applications supported by the Building Administrator and the Superintendent shall be forwarded to the Foundation Grant Committee.  The Grant Committee shall review all requests and present the requests to the Foundation Board for action, which may entail an interview of the applicant.  If approved, the Board of Education will be requested to authorize disbursement of funds for the Grant.

Foundation Grant applications are due by November 1 and March 1 of each school year.

GRANT FUNDS MUST BE SPENT WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF GRANT APPROVAL UNLESS GOOD CAUSE IS SHOWN TO THE FOUNDATION BOARD.  ANY GRANT MONIES NOT EXPENDED BY THE DEADLINE SHALL REVERT TO THE FOUNDATION.

The Foundation may request periodic reports on Grant implementation.  Within 30 days after completion of the Grant activity, a written evaluation shall be submitted to the Foundation.  An oral report may also be requested.