INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS, GRANTS ADMINISTRATION, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

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1 Funding Newsletter Grant Opportunities and Resources for M-DCPS Educators, Students and Families INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS, GRANTS ADMINISTRATION, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT VOLUME 10 Issue No. 7 JANUARY 2013 EDITION CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES JANUARY 2013 Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) BTF is a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to support programs for youth baseball and softball. The mission of BTF is to promote and enhance the growth of youth participation in baseball and softball throughout the world by funding programs, fields, coaches' training, and the purchase of uniforms and equipment to encourage and maintain youth participation in the game. Grants are designed to be sufficiently flexible to enable applicants to address needs unique to their communities. The funds are intended to finance a new program, expand or improve an existing program, undertake a new collaborative effort, or obtain facilities or equipment. These grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. All applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry. BTF provides grants to nonprofit 501(c)(3) and tax-exempt organizations (i.e. municipalities, school districts) in both rural and urban communities. Award: $40,000 Application Deadline: January 1, C-SPAN's StudentCam This annual national video documentary competition encourages students to think seriously about issues that affect communities and the nation. This year, students are invited to create a 5-8 minute video documentary on the topic: "What s the most important issue the president should consider in 2013?" Students may compete individually, or in teams of 2-3 members. All documentaries must contain a small amount of supporting C-SPAN footage that relates to the chosen topic. Students in grades six through twelve may apply. Award: $5,000 for student(s) and up to $1,000 for their school to spend on digital video equipment Application Deadline: January 1, Florida Humanities Council Mini Grants for Community Organizations These mini grants provide financial support for the planning and implementation of public humanities projects. Mini grant proposals typically support small projects, i.e. single events, lectures or panel discussions, reading and discussion groups, film series, and/or online resources which may include interpretive brochures, reading lists, audio/video recordings of scholar presentations, and classroom resources. Annual deadlines: Jan. 1, March 1, May 1, July 1, Sept. 1, Nov. 1. Any Florida nonprofit organization without an open FHC grant is eligible to apply. Award: $2,000 Application Deadline: January 1, 2013 and every other month Ms. Iraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Funding Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 7 JANUARY

2 Case Foundation #GoodSpotting Prizes To celebrate the holiday season, the Case Foundation is giving away $25,000 in grants and prizes until to encourage you and your community to spot good, share good, and do good! First, snap a photo, share a link to an article, or record a video of your friend, neighbor, coworker (or you!) doing something good to help others! Next, upload your photo or link through the Case Foundation's Facebook app or GoodSpotting.org, or share it using the hashtag #GoodSpotting on social media. As a reward for spotting and sharing acts of good, enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win $500 in holiday spending cash and $5,000 for your favorite charity! Award: $500, and $5,000 for charity of choice Application Deadline: January 2, Yum! Brands Foundation Muhammad Ali Center Peace Garden Grant This grant program provides both grant funding and educational tools and materials to build gardens in underprivileged schools around the world over the next four years. The program is designed to help schools teach lessons of peace and hunger awareness through garden activities. To be eligible, your school or organization must plan to garden in 2013 with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18. Schools within the United States must have a student body eligible for 50% or more reduced or free lunches. As a global initiative, the United States and all international locations are eligible for participation. Award: Package includes $400 in gardening supplies, and $100 for soil amendments and plants. Application Deadline: January 2, BJ's Charitable Foundation BJ's Charitable Foundation supports organizations that provide services to those in need in the areas of interest: Hunger Prevention, Self-sufficiency, Healthcare, and Education. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering programs aligned with BJ's Charitable Foundation's mission that are positively impacting communities where BJ's Clubs are located. Award: Ceiling not specified. Application Deadline: January 4, Support for Social Justice Organizations Peace Development Fund: Community Organizing Grant Program supports groups engaged in community organizing work for social justice. Priority is given to new or emerging organizations, efforts that have difficulty securing funds from other sources, and groups that receive little other foundation support. These technical assistance grants of $500 to $2,500 may be used for trainings, consulting services, travel to conferences or meetings, purchase of equipment, and other short-term needs that will provide long term benefits to the organization. Applying organizations must have an annual budget of $250,000 or less. Award: $500 to $2,500 Application Deadline: January 4, for guidelines and forms. U.S. Department of State Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad Program Scholarships are offered for one academic semester or one year in countries that may include Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia and Turkey during the academic year. Students serve as "youth ambassadors" of the United States, promoting mutual understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities. Participants live with a host family, attend a local high school, acquire leadership skills, and engage in activities to learn about the host country's society and values while helping to educate others about American society and values. American high school students and recent graduates are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens aged at the start of the program (born between September 15, 1994 and June 15, 1998). Award ceiling not specified; full scholarship for up to a year will be provided. Award: Full year scholarship amount not specified Application Deadline: January 10, Ms. Iraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Funding Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 7 JANUARY

3 Education and Equality for Women and Girls The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Educational Foundation works to advance educational and professional opportunities for women in the United States. The AAUW Community Action Grants program provides funds to individuals, AAUW organizations, and local community-based nonprofit organizations throughout the country for innovative programs or non-degree research projects that promote education and equity for women and girls. One-year grants of $2,000 to $7,000 provide funds for community-based projects. Two-year grants of $5,000 to $10,000 provide start-up funds. The application deadline for both types of grants is Jan. 15, Award: $2,000 to $7,000 Application Deadline: January 15, National Dairy Council Fuel Up to Play Fuel Up to Play 60 offers funding to help schools increase awareness of and access to nutrient-rich foods and physical activity opportunities for students. The grants can be used for a variety of activities and tools, such as food-service materials and equipment, nutrition and physical education materials, student and staff incentives, staff development, and overall Fuel Up to Play 60 program implementation. K-12 schools enrolled in the Fuel Up to Play 60 wellness program are eligible to apply. Award: $4,000 Application Deadline: January 15, Diller 2013 Teen Tikkun Olam Awards Based on the Jewish concept of tikkun olam ("repairing the world"), this award seeks to recognize teenagers in the United States who have demonstrated remarkable leadership and are actively engaged in projects that embody the values of tikkun olam. Projects may benefit the Jewish community or the general community. To be eligible for nomination, teens must be U.S. residents who self-identify as Jewish and be 13 to 19 years of age at the time of their nomination. Teens wishing to self-nominate do not need to submit a nomination form; instead, they will be asked for additional information on the application form as well as one additional reference. Nominations may not be submitted by a teen's family members. Teens cannot be nominated on the basis of work for which they receive compensation. Each nominated teen must submit the online application and two references (or three if the teen is selfnominated) by January 20, Family members and nominators are not eligible as references. Award: $36,000 Application Deadline: January 20, Sodexo Foundation Youth Grants More than 16 million children live in food insecure homes, not always sure where their next meal will come from. That's why YSA and Sodexo Foundation are calling on young people to "take hunger personally" and join the fight to end childhood hunger. Sodexo Foundation Youth Grants of $500 grants are available for youth-led service projects that bring together young people, families, Sodexo employees and other community members to address childhood hunger. U.S. young people, ages 5-25, are eligible to apply. Projects will take place on or around Global Youth Service Day, April 26-28, Award: $500 Application Deadline: January 31, TD Bank Green Streets Grant Program to Support Urban Forestry Initiatives in Underserved Communities This is a new grant program that will offer grants in support of innovative urban forestry initiatives in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. Funding will support the purchase of trees, tree planting and maintenance, and educational activities. Up to 50 percent of the proposed funding can be used to purchase new trees which must be planted in neighborhoods identified as low- to moderate-income. To be eligible for a TD Green Streets grant, qualified municipalities must be a current (2011 approved) Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA-designated community within TD Bank's United States footprint. Municipalities are encouraged to apply in partnership with community partners such as nonprofit organizations, schools, and businesses. Award: $20,000 Application Deadline: January 31, Ms. Iraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Funding Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 7 JANUARY

4 Next Basics of Grant Writing Workshop Training Teacher Planning Day - Friday, January 18 th, 2013 Please check with the Professional Development Website - Course #: Teachers/Paraprofessionals may earn up to 10MPPs upon completion of class project. WILLIAM H. TURNER TECHNICAL ARTS HIGH SCHOOL N.W. 19 TH Avenue, Miami, FL Media Center / Rm. 215 FEBRUARY The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Educational Grants The Educational Grants Program provides support to assist aspiring filmmakers gain the skills and knowledge they need to make theatrical motion pictures. Only nonprofit organizations and institutions focused on filmmaker education (including universities, museums and career development programs) are eligible. There is no award ceiling; most awards have been in the $5,000 to $15,000 range. Award: $5,000 to $15,000 Application Deadline: February 1, American Honda Foundation Grants This foundation is supporting broad, innovative and forward-thinking projects that meet the needs of youth, especially minority students. The Foundation is awarding grants for projects that emphasize youth education, specifically in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), the environment, job training, and literacy. Eligible Organizations are nonprofit charitable organizations with 501(c) (3) status or a public school district, and private/public elementary and secondary schools as listed by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Quarterly review, February1, May1, August 1 and November 1. Award: $75,000 over a one-year period Application Deadline: February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries and Museums These small grants support the deployment, testing, and evaluation of promising and groundbreaking new tools, products, services, or organizational practices. Successful proposals will address problems, challenges, or needs of broad relevance to libraries, museums, and/or archives. Libraries, museums, institutions of higher education, and public or private nonprofit agencies, organizations, or associations that engage in activities designed to advance museums and the museum profession may apply. Award: $ 25,000 Application Deadline: February 1, Ws! ?oppId=208554&mode=VIEW Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) 6-12th grade Science and Math Programs This foundation provides grants for Science and Math Education in grades 6 through 12 to promote quality science and mathematics education. Both small and large (over $5,000) grants are awarded to teachers who are passionate about making science and mathematics more engaging for their students. TAF funding is usually directed to K -12 schools applicants. Educational nonprofits and universities working with K- 12 teachers are occasionally considered, but please call the foundation first. Award Ceiling: up to $5,000 for the small grant category and over $5,000 for the big grant category. Grant requests under $5,000 for grades 6 to 12 are evaluated on a rolling basis. Grant requests of more than $5,000 are due February 1 and August 1. Deadline: February 1, Ms. Iraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Funding Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 7 JANUARY

5 National Education Association (NEA) Learning and Leadership Grants Funding is available in two categories: (1) individual grants to fund participation in high-quality professional development experiences such as summer institutes or action research, and (2) group grants to fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson study, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff new to an assignment. All professional development must improve practice, curriculum, and student achievement. Applications are reviewed three times per year, every year. Applicants must be practicing U.S public school teachers in grades PreK through 12, or public school education support professionals, or faculty and staff at public higher education institutions. Preference will be given to members of the National Education Association. Award Ceiling: $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups. Grant funds may be used for fees, travel expenses, books, or other materials that enable applicants to learn subject matter, instructional approaches, and skills. Recipients are required to exercise professional leadership by sharing their new learning with their colleagues. Administrators may not apply for Learning and Leadership Grants, nor may they act as the partner applicant. Grant funds may not be used to: pursue degrees; pay indirect costs; grant administration fees, or salaries; support travel costs or conference fees for more than one person; With the exception of study groups, applicants may not use grant funds to pay themselves stipends. Funds may not be used for lobbying or religious purposes. Identical applications will not be considered. The NEA Foundation especially encourages grant applications from: teachers with less than seven years of experience in the profession and education support professionals (para-educators, school bus drivers, maintenance and custodial staff, food services staff, school nurses and student services workers, clerical and office assistants, school security officers, and technicians). Award: $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups Application Deadline: February 1, National Education Association (NEA) Student Achievement Grants Funding will be awarded to improve the academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools and public higher education institutions in any subject area. The proposed work should engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen their knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve student habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection. Proposals for work resulting in low-income and minority student success with honors, advanced placement, or other challenging curricula are particularly encouraged. Applications are reviewed three times per year, every year. Applicants must be practicing U.S public school teachers in grades Pre-K through 12, or public school education support professionals, or faculty and staff at public higher education institutions. Preference will be given to members of the National Education Association. Award Ceiling: $5,000. Grant funds may be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, technology, or scholars-in-residence. Although some funds may be used to support the professional development necessary to implement the project, the majority of grant funds must be spent on materials or educational experiences for students. Administrators may not apply for Student Achievement Grants, nor may they act as the partner applicant. The NEA Foundation especially encourages grant applications from: teachers with less than seven years of experience in the profession and education support professionals (para-educators, school bus drivers, maintenance and custodial staff, food services staff, school nurses and student services workers, clerical and office assistants, school security officers, and technicians). Award: $5,000 Application Deadline: February 1, Graduates - Heinz Endowments Summer Youth Philanthropy Internship Program Recognizing the need to examine how social, educational, health, cultural, and economic issues affect local teens, this foundation is sponsoring a paid full-time summer internship program for graduating high school students to work in Pittsburgh with foundation staff. The internship program will provide youth with an opportunity to improve their communities by developing and implementing a youth philanthropy project. In addition, students will work with partner organizations to develop media projects related to their grant making, including radio, animation, video, and photography. Applicants must be high school seniors from the class of Award ceiling not specified. Applications are accepted and will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but are due by February 4, Award: $25,000 per team Application Deadline: February 4, Ms. Iraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Funding Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 7 JANUARY

6 President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities National Arts and Humanities Youth Program These awards recognize outstanding after-school and out-of-school programs that are transforming the lives of underserved children and youth through a wide variety of arts and humanities programs that teach new skills, nurture creativity, and build self-confidence. These programs offer high-quality and intensive instruction on weekends, afternoons, and summer vacations, providing a safe and productive space for young people in the hours when they are often the most vulnerable. An online application is required. Afterschool and out-of-school time arts and humanities programs sponsored by museums, libraries, performing arts organizations; educational institutions (e.g., preschools; elementary, middle, and high schools; universities; and colleges), arts centers, community service organizations, businesses, and eligible government entities are encouraged to consider submitting an application. Eligible programs must have been in operation for a minimum of five years. Award: $10,000 award and an invitation to accept award at a White House ceremony. Application Deadline: February 4, National Endowment for the Arts - The Big Read The Big Read provides competitive grants to support innovative reading programs in selected communities. Awardees will develop and produce reading programs that encourage reading and participation by diverse local audiences. These programs include activities such as author readings, book discussions, art exhibits, lectures, film series, music or dance events, theatrical performances, panel discussions, and other events and activities related to the community's chosen book or poet. Activities must focus on a book or poet from the Big Read Library. Grants must be matched on a 1:1 basis with non-federal funds. Applicant organizations must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; or a division of state, local, or tribal government; or a tax-exempt public library. Eligible applicants include such organizations as literary centers, libraries, museums, colleges and universities, art centers, historical societies, arts councils, tribal governments, humanities councils, literary festivals, and arts organizations. Award: $20,000 Application Deadline: February 5, Scholarships for Military Children The Scholarships for Military Children Program is primarily funded through the generosity of manufacturers and suppliers whose products are sold worldwide at military commissaries. It is the intent of the program that a scholarship be awarded annually for each commissary operated by the Defense Commissary Agency. More than one scholarship per commissary may be available based on response and funding. Note that the deadline listed is for receipt of application materials, and is not the postmark date. Only dependent unmarried children under age 23 of active duty personnel, reserve/guard and retired military members, or survivors of service members who died while on active duty or survivors of individuals who died while receiving retired pay from the military, may apply for a scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled, or planning to enroll, in a full-time undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university. All applicants must also have a minimum un-weighted GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 basis) to be eligible to apply. Award: $1,500 for tuition, books, lab fees and other related expenses Application Deadline: February 22, Youth Environmental Education Programs The Captain Planet Foundation supports educational programs that enable youth to understand and appreciate our world through hands-on projects to improve the environment. The Foundation supports programs that inspire youth to participate in community service through environmental stewardship activities. An additional priority is to fund programs that encourage environment-based education in schools. Nonprofit organizations and public schools may apply for grants of up to $2,500; however, preference is given to requests seeking seed funding of $500 or less. Award: $500 to $2,500 Application Deadline: February 28, MARCH 2013 Fifth Annual Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge Opens The annual Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge invites teams of students and their adult advisors to tackle local (K-5), regional (6-8), and global (9-12) environmental problems or issues and find replicable green solutions. Now entering its fifth year, the challenge is a collaborative effort of the Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education, the National Science Teachers Association, and the College Board. The program invites entries from students and team advisors (who must be full- or part-time school employees) in the United States. A panel of environmental experts and science educators will judge teams based on their research, analysis, and the potential of their solution to be replicated on a larger scale. High school students are specifically challenged to address energy, biodiversity, land Ms. Iraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Funding Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 7 JANUARY

7 management, water conservation and cleanup, or air and climate. Student and teacher/mentor prizes, which vary according to grade level, include scholarships, savings bonds, school grants, adventure trips, school assemblies, and more. This year's challenge will award prizes totaling more than $300,000. Complete program information and resources to help teams begin their projects are available at the We Can Change Web site. Award: Various to include scholarships, savings bonds, school grants, etc. Application Deadline: March 5, Mantis 2013 Awards for Community and Youth Gardens Each year, Mantis presents the Mantis Awards to charitable and educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life in their host communities. Twenty-five outstanding programs will each receive a Mantis Tiller/Cultivator with border/edger and kickstand, and their choice of a gas-powered 2-cycle engine or electric motor. Applicants must operate a nonprofit charitable or educational program in the United States. Award: A Mantis tiller worth $349 Application Deadline: March 7, Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Accepting Mini-grant Applications Established by children's book author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats, the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation is accepting applications from public schools and public libraries anywhere in the United States and its territories for program or event mini-grants of up to $500. The mini-grants program is intended to support projects that foster creative expression, collaboration, and interaction with a diverse community. The funding program provides an opportunity for educators, whose efforts are often inadequately funded or recognized, to create special activities outside the standard curriculum and make time to encourage their students. Projects funded in the past include murals, pen pal groups, quilts, theater productions, newspapers and other publications, intergenerational activities, and programs that bring disparate communities together. Public schools and public libraries are eligible to apply. Preschool head start programs also are eligible. Only public organizations are eligible; private and parochial schools should not apply. Charter schools also are ineligible. Applicants must be located in the U.S. or its commonwealths or territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam. Only one application from each library or school will be considered. Complete program guidelines, a video tutorial for applicants, and the application form are available at the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Web site. Award: $500 Application Deadline: March 15, WEBSITES YOU CAN USE TO RESEARCH POSSIBLE GRANT OPPORTUNITIES NEA Foundation Grants eschool News Foundation Center News Digest Grant Wrangler GrantsAlert.com Education Week Fund for Teachers APRIL 2013 National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Educational Scholarships The NTOA Scholarship Program is designed to provide college funding for tuition and other eligible expenses. Scholarships may be awarded one of two ways: (1) direct payment to an educational institution, or (2) the creation and funding of an IRS 529 College Savings Plan. Dependent children of members with active NTOA "Individual" memberships, who are at least 16 years old and a United States citizen, are eligible to apply. Any active member consistent with the above requirements may sponsor a child of a deceased NTOA member for a scholarship. Award: $2,500 Application Deadline: April 1, Ms. Iraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Funding Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 7 JANUARY

8 Marcel and Clare Gloriot Memorial Foundation, Inc. Scholarships The primary mission of this Foundation is to provide scholarships to needy students, primarily post secondary students. The opportunity is open to all, including people residing outside the United States, and the amount of each award may vary. Should an applicant living outside the United States be selected as a scholarship award winner, the funds will be made available to that applicant in his/her country. Recipients are required to have secured an admission to an accredited college by August 31, Award: Not specified, see website for additional instructions Application Deadline: April 30, U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Computers for Learning (CFL) The CFL program places computers in classrooms, prepares children to contribute and compete in the 21st century, and allows government agencies and the private sector to transfer surplus computers and related equipment to schools and educational nonprofit organizations. Schools and nonprofit organizations do not pay for excess computer equipment they receive through the CFL program, however, the recipient is responsible for the shipping and handling costs, as well as refurbishing costs. All CFL participants must be located in the United States and its territories. A school is eligible to receive donations through the CFL program if is a public, private, parochial, or home school serving prek-12 students. Day care centers must provide a state-approved preschool curriculum. An educational nonprofit is eligible if it is classified as a 501(c) tax-exempt U.S. organization and if it serves pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students. Special consideration will be given to institutions located in federal empowerment zones and enterprise zones. Award: Used computers Application Deadline: On-going until December 15, ROLLING OPPORTUNITIES Surdna Foundation Thriving Cultures Program: Artistic Communities This program honors and celebrates the artistic impulse as part of community behavior and as a way to strengthen community identity and cohesion. Grants are provided to nonprofit organizations that address the following three lines of work: (1) Teens Artistic Advancement, (2) Artists Engaging in Social Change, and (3) Community Driven Design. Online letters of inquiry that focus on these areas are accepted throughout the year. Applications are accepted from nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that are based in the United States with U.S. based projects. Award: $35,000 to $80,000 annually Application Deadline: Various deadlines see website Ongoing to December 5, Do Something Seed Grants Are you working to start a community action project or program with your friends? Do you need money to put your ideas into action? A $500 Do Something Seed Grant is given out every week to help young people just like YOU! These grants can be used towards project ideas and programs that are just getting started, or to jump-start your program and realize your ideas for the first time. These grants can also be used towards projects that are already developed and sustainable, towards the next steps of your project and organization to help you as you look to expand your project and grow your impact. Award: $500 Application Deadline: Rolling Ms. Iraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Funding Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 7 JANUARY

9 Community Improvement and Public Education The Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation Community Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are provided for community improvement initiatives and K-12 public education projects. Funding priorities for community improvement initiatives include park, neighborhood, and community facility enhancements; outdoor learning programs; and community clean-ups. Requests may be submitted at any time. Visit to take the eligibility test and submit an online application. Award: $5,000 to $25,000 Application Deadline: Rolling The Able Trust The mission of the Able Trust is to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities successful employment opportunities. The goal of the Trust s Agency Grants Program is to support nonprofit organizations in the state that assist individuals with disabilities to gain competitive employment of their choice in their communities. Grants are provided in the areas of placement services, supported employment, vocational training, school-to-work transition, employment research, pre-vocational training, disability awareness, and other programs that directly employ persons with disabilities. Requests may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the Trust s website to download the Agency Grant Booklet. Award: Various Application Deadline: Rolling JP Morgan Chase Community Giving Program The JPMorgan Chase Foundation directs the majority of its time, attention and investment toward specific neighborhoods in cities where they have major operations. These neighborhoods are typically among the most challenged areas of major urban centers, defined by unacceptably high rates of poverty and historic disinvestment. The firm's philanthropic investments are directed toward three primary focus areas: Community Development, Education, and Arts and Culture. To be considered for support, a potential grantee must first submit an online Letter of Inquiry. Grant applications may be submitted throughout the year. Eligibility and award ceiling not specified. Application Deadline: Rolling Ms. Iraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Funding Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 7 JANUARY

10 By - Alexandra Reyes, Sr. Grant Writer Grants aren t really about the money you re going to receive, they re about student achievement and the positive impact that a grant will have on your students. With the economy the way it is, you have to get creative at getting additional monies to buy supplies, or start projects that will help you reach your students and influence them to go on learning. You need to motivate yourself to write grants that can supplement the money in your budget, or you otherwise end up paying out of pocket. Sometimes though, we need a little extra motivation to actually start and successfully complete those applications. M-DCPS Grants Administration offers a Basics of Grant Writing Workshop that will help you tackle the job, and as an instructor, and you can actually get 10 Master Plan Points when you complete the assignment given at the end of the course. Of course, what s even better is when you actually get your first grant - What a RUSH! So here we give you eight reasons get motivated to write those grants! Write a grant for a very special project that you have personally always wanted to do, but could not get the district to fund it. This is very motivational because it s all about you and something you want personally. Write down new skills that your students will be able to develop by using grant money to enhance your budget. You may need to buy special materials or get help in your classroom to make sure students develop these new skills. Think about how these new skills could change your student s lives. Apply for a grant with another teacher/partner. It s always easier to do a chore when you have some help. You should share the burden of writing the grant and the joy of what you both will accomplish with the grant money. Besides you know the old saying Misery loves company, commiserate together! Write a grant that will allow you and your students to have a very special experience. You might go on a very unusual field trip, bring in a motivational celebrity to your school, or build something together that your students will never forget. Write a grant to keep from spending money out of your pocket. Then, buy yourself that special item you ve been wanting for a long time, but didn t have the money before, because you were subsidizing needed school supplies. Write a grant centered around the bottom few students you ve had the most trouble reaching. This might be a program to get help from parent volunteers, an after-school tutoring program, or a program to buy computers and software that might help your reach these difficult students. Let others know you intend to apply for a grant. Just like a New Year s resolution, you re more likely to complete your grant application if others know you ve made a commitment to apply for a grant. Tell other teachers in your school what you are planning on doing, and motivate each other to work collaboratively on each other s projects. If you TEAM up, you ll be able to apply for more grant funding opportunities, and have a better chance of getting funding. If you want to write a grant, but don t know how to get started, Grants Administration is offering its Friday, January 18 th Teacher s Planning Day Location: William H. Turner Technical Arts High School Media Center N.W. 19 th Avenue, Miami, FL Time: 8:00 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. Course No Sign-up through the Professional Development website Talk to your fellow teachers, and let your principal know you would like to take on grant projects for your school. Sign-up on the PD system, and you will be able to earn 10 Master Planning Points upon completion of the workshop and submission of the assignment given, which is due 30 days after the workshop training. START the New Year off write by writing a winning grant for your students and school! Ms. Iraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Funding Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 7 JANUARY