Grant Opportunities: Digital Wish Technology Grants and Teaching Resources
By Jen Adams
Who is offering this grant? Digital Wish is a nonprofit organization that believes that every child deserves a technology-rich education that will provide them with the skills necessary to excel in the global economy.
What is the purpose? Digital Wish is a non-profit on a mission to help teachers solve technology shortfalls in their classrooms. Apply for grants, create a wish list of technology your classroom needs, and share lesson plans and fundraising ideas with fellow educators across the country. Digital Wish also provides a searchable library of grants and a myriad of ideas for fundraising. The entire site is designed to empower teachers to find funding for technology for their classrooms.
What types of activities might be supported? Digital Wish supports specific technology initiatives each month. By submitting a lesson plan that responds to the targeted material, educators have an opportunity to receive curricula and associated materials free of cost. After registering at the Digital Wish site, you can login and submit a technology-based lesson plan for a chance to win over 50 different technology grants. In addition to serving as your grant application, every lesson plan you enter will be automatically added to your classroom’s profile, allowing you to share technology integration ideas with colleagues and fellow educators across the country! Examples of current grant opportunities are listed below.
| · Digital Citizenship and Cyber Safety – April – Digital Citizenship IT Curriculum Unit Package ($199.00 value) Deadline: Thu 04/30/2015 | |
| Submit a lesson plan on cyber safety or digital citizenship and qualify for a Digital Citizenship IT Curriculum Unit Package awards. Students will be well-prepared to use technology every day in a safe, respectful, and responsible way. Digital Citizenship Unit contains an instructor preparation checklist and four important lessons: Digital Citizens and the Internet; Cyber Safety; Safety Skits for Reinforcement; Copyright in the Classroom. | |
| · Autism Awareness Month – Tool Factory’s Autism Software Bundle for Interactive Devices ($249.00 value) Deadline: Thu 04/30/2015 | |
| Create and submit a unique lesson plan on inclusive teaching techniques with autistic elementary students. Lesson plans utilizing tablets and interactive devices are encouraged. Award: Tool Factory’s Autism Bundle that offers tools to: Encourage collaboration; Develop concentration and attention; Inspire imaginative play; Promote reading / early literacy; Teach emotional literacy. | |
| · Mobile Devices in the Classroom – April – 1 Dell Venue Pro Smartphone ($399.00 value) Deadline: Thu 04/30/2015 | |
| · Let’s Get Podcasting – Simple Guide to Podcasting Book/Cd Set and the Adventures in Podcasting! Incredible Lesson Plans for Your Classroom Book/CD Set! Plus Tool Factory Podcasting w/Video Software ($100.00 value) Deadline: Thu 04/30/2015 11:59:59 PM | |
| · Collaborative Writing and Debating – April – Classroom Collaboration and Debate Curriculum Unit Package ($199.00 value) Deadline: Thu 04/30/2015 | |
| Write and submit a lesson plan on collaborative writing or debating and you may be awarded a Classroom Collaboration and Debate Curriculum Unit Package. Using the Classroom Collaboration and Debate Curriculum Unit Package students will become editors of their own classroom wiki or other collaborative website. The right wiki program will allow students to post questions, pictures for analysis, or documents for group editing. They will also be able to see their classmates’ work and give feedback digitally, creating a classroom environment that gives all students a voice and nourishes and fosters fresh ideas. Moreover, it is an excellent opportunity to practice good digital citizenship. | |
Who can apply? Teachers and educators from private and public schools across the nation. Find your school and register here: http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/grant_awards.
When is the application due? There are specific deadlines associated with technology initiatives which change on a monthly basis (see sample grants and deadlines above).
How much can I request? Grants are awarded in the form of technology and/or associated curricula and materials. See examples above.
When will the awards be made? Grants will be awarded on the 15th of every calendar month after the grant application deadline
Is there anything else I should know? Lesson plans may cover any subject area. For monthly recurring grants, you don’t have to reapply to be considered. Relevant lesson plans will be stored and reevaluated each month.
Judging Criteria
- Guideline adherence. Lesson plans must follow the directions outlined in each grant’s description.
- Coherency. Lesson plans must be well-organized and well-written.
- Proper Grammar Usage, Punctuation, and Spelling. Lessons should contain no grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors.
- Curriculum Relevance. Lesson plans must be curriculum-oriented.
- Creativity and Fun. Lesson plans must be unique and exciting to implement.
- Student Involvement. Lesson plans must encourage student participation.
- Technology Integration. Lesson plans must incorporate technology.
How can I find out more? Visit the Digital Wish site at: http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/grants and view the full grants calendar.
US Department of Education Higher Education Grants Focus on Improving Accessibility for Minority Groups and Low-Income Individuals
By Jen Adams
The 2015 grant forecast for the US Department of Education’s (ED) Grant Programs in Higher Education reflects a focus on reducing educational disparities for several key subpopulations. The Department continues to support programs for Hispanic and African American populations and has released new opportunities that assist Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders. In addition to boosting the educational progress of these minority groups, ED has announced funding for institutions serving individuals with intellectual disabilities and veteran students, and grants to support innovations that make college more affordable for low-income families. Brief descriptions of these and other recently forecasted grant programs are included below:
The Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program was released in March with a deadline of May 15, 2015. HSI provides grants to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students, aiming to help large numbers of Hispanic and other low-income students complete postsecondary degrees. Eligible applicants include: Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) that qualify as HISs by having: 1) An enrollment of needy students, as defined by the Higher Education Association; and 2) Average educational and general expenditures that are low, per full-time equivalent undergraduate student, in comparison to similar institutions. Estimated total program funding for 2015 is $52,287,473 and 87 awards of $500,000-$650,000 are expected. Learn more here: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-03-20/pdf/2015-06501.pdf.
The First in the World Program is available only to Minority-Serving Institutions or consortia and will provide grants to spur the development of innovations that make college more affordable for students and families. $20,000,000 has been slated for seven awards in 2015, but limited information is available until its official announcement, expected later this Spring.
The Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Non-Tribal Institutions Program has been offered previously by the Department of Education, but appears not to have distributed a competitive award since 2011. The program provides grants to eligible IHEs that have an undergraduate enrollment of at least 10 percent Asian American or Native American Pacific Islander students, to assist such institutions to plan, develop, undertake, and carry out activities to improve and their capacity to serve this population. Applications are due May 19, 2015 and the Department anticipates funding ten awards of $300-$400,000. Find more information at this link: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/aanapi/applicant.html.
Funding will be offered this Spring to support Predominately Black Institutions. Applicants that applied for Designation as an Eligible institution for FY 2015 are eligible to apply as well as accredited IHEs that meet guidelines for enrollment of needy students and minorities as well as parameters for tuition expenses. Institutions may use Federal funds to establish or strengthen programs in the following areas: 1. Science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM); 2. Health education; 3. Internationalization or globalization; 4.Teacher preparation; or 5. Improving educational outcomes of African American males. The grant is targeted for release in early May with a June deadline. $13,000,000 is expected to fund 25 awards. Find out more here: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/pbi/index.html.
$5,000,000 for approximately 15 awards has been set aside for Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success. The program was previously offered in 2010, but awards do not appear to have not been made since that time. Competitive and discretionary funding is due for announcement this month with an anticipated deadline on or around June 12, 2015. This program is open to IHEs and encourages model programs to support veteran student success in postsecondary education by coordinating services to address their academic, financial, physical, and social needs. Find out more here: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/cevss/index.html.
The Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities will be extended to IHEs or consortia who propose to create or expand high quality, inclusive model comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities. A single round of funding for this program was offered in 2010 and archived application materials as well as additional information are available here: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/tpsid/applicant.html. A competition is expected to be announced this Spring with a deadline in early May. $9,972,879.00 is available for an estimated 27 awards.
Grant Opportunity: Comprehensive School Safety Initiative (CSSI)
By Jen Adams
Who is offering this grant? US National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
What is the purpose? The goal of NIJ’s Comprehensive School Safety Initiative (CSSI) is to improve school safety by providing communities with best practices for programs and policies based on rigorous scientific research, testing and evaluation. The initiative is carried out through partnerships between researchers, educators and other stakeholders, including law enforcement and mental health professionals. Projects funded under the CSSI are designed to produce knowledge that can be applied to schools and school districts across the nation for years to come.
What types of activities might be supported? The Initiative has three broad components, each designed to produce evidence about what works and to identify best practices: 1) Understand school safety issues, existing models and data; 2) Sponsor independent and innovative research; 3) Test the effects of interventions via pilot projects. Within the program parameters and in furtherance of the goals above, applicants have considerable discretion in determining the kinds of school safety initiatives they propose to address. There are four funding categories:
Category 1: Developing Knowledge About What Works to Make Schools Safe
Category 2: Causes and Consequences of School Violence
Category 3: Shorter Term Studies on School Safety
Category 4: Developing and Evaluating a Comprehensive School Safety Framework
Applicants are encouraged to review previously funded projects at http://nij.gov/topics/crime/school-crime/documents/comprehensive-school-safety-initiative-awards-fy-2014.pdf. A sample of funded activities include: School resource officer training. • Mental health and trauma-informed response. • Improved disciplinary policies. • Restorative justice. • Threat assessment using social media. • Positive behavioral interventions and supports. • Bullying prevention. • Wraparound services/comprehensive approaches. • Protecting students as they walk to and from school.
Who can apply? States, units of local government (including federally recognized Indian tribal governments), nonprofit and for-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and certain qualified individuals. Local education agencies (LEAs), public charter schools that are recognized as an LEA, and State education agencies (SEAs) also are eligible to apply.
When is the application due? June 12, 2015.
How much can I request? For Category 1: NIJ estimates that a total of up to $40 million will become available. NIJ anticipates awards will be made in amounts ranging from $1 million to $5 million. For Category 2: NIJ estimates that a total of up to $6 million will become available and awards will be made in amounts up to $2 million. For Category 3: NIJ estimates that a total of up to $4 million will become available. NIJ anticipates awards will be made in amounts ranging from $200,000 to $1 million. For Category 4: NIJ estimates that a total of up to $15 million will become available. NIJ anticipates that it will make two to three awards in amounts up to $7.5 million.
Do I have to offer a match of any kind? This solicitation does not require a match. However, if a successful application proposes a voluntary match amount, and OJP approves the budget, the total match amount incorporated into the approved budget becomes mandatory.
How long is the project period? Project periods range according to category. Category 1 anticipates project periods from 24-48 months; Category 2 ranges from 12-24 months; Category 3 ranges from 12-24 months; and Category 4 ranges from 48-60 months.
Is there anything else I should know? Every award made under CSSI must include a carefully developed research strategy with clear potential for producing findings that have practical benefits for schools, students and communities at large. NIJ expects applications for CSSI to prominently feature close collaboration and partnerships involving schools, researchers, and others as necessary (e.g., law enforcement behavioral and mental health professionals, courts, criminal and juvenile justice professionals, parents, students) to implement and study the proposed issues and activities related to school and student safety.
NIJ expects that it will make any awards from funding Categories 1, 2, and 3 in the form of a grant. However, NIJ reserves the authority to make selected awards from Categories 1, 2, or 3 as cooperative agreements on a case-by-case basis, where NIJ determines that a cooperative agreement relationship is more appropriate for the implementation of the funded project. NIJ expects that it will make any award from Category 4 in the form of a cooperative agreement, which is a particular type of grant used if NIJ expects to have ongoing substantial involvement in award activities.
How can I find out more? Visit NIJ at: http://nij.gov/topics/crime/school-crime/Pages/school-safety-initiative.aspx. The RFP is available here: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl001161.pdf. An informational webinar about this grant initiative was held on April 16 from 3-4pm. The webinar and frequently asked questions will be available on the website as a resource for applicants.
Grant Opportunity: Aetna GoLocal Cultivating Healthy Communities Grant Program Presents: Local Roots: Supporting Community Gardens, Urban Farms, and Farmers Markets
By Jen Adams
Who is offering this grant? The Aetna Foundation–their mission is to promote wellness, health, and access to high-quality healthcare for everyone, while supporting the communities they serve.
What is the purpose? Through this RFP, the foundation will fund the creation and expansion of community gardens, urban farms, and farmers markets in underserved neighborhoods so that fresh fruits and vegetables are locally available, accessible, and affordable.
What types of activities might be supported? Programs that aim to make fresh fruits and vegetables locally available, accessible, and affordable will be considered. Beyond the garden, farm or farmers market itself, projects must also include one or more of the following:
- Nutrition education or cooking classes focused on the health benefits of fresh produce
- Growth or distribution of produce that reflects the food traditions of the target area
- Opportunities to learn job skills or entrepreneurship within the context of gardens, farms or farmers markets
- Opportunities for community service or volunteer work with the project
Who can apply? To apply, you must be a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or a state or local government agency. State government agencies, such as public universities, are eligible. Local government agencies eligible to apply include towns/cities or public schools. However, federal government agencies, such as national parks, are not eligible to apply.
How much is available? In 2015, the GoLocal Cultivating Healthy Communities Grants Program is expected to award a total of $1 million through this RFP.
When is the application due? Proposals will be accepted until May 6, 2015 (5 p.m. ET).
How much can I request? Grant awards will be a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $50,000 over two years. Projects will receive a maximum of $25,000 per year.
Do I have to offer a match of any kind? No.
How long is the project period? Projects must be 12 – 24 months long and start after October 15, 2015.
When will the awards be made? By September 15, 2015.
Is there anything else I should know? Programs for matching funds for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits doubling programs and programs that focus only on food distribution will not be funded. We will consider programs that focus on food distribution only as part of a larger program.
In previous years, organizations had to serve specific geographic areas to be eligible to apply. That is NO LONGER the case. In 2015, the program was opened to organizations in all 50 states.
You can submit your application and supporting documents through the Aetna Foundation’s online grant application portal.
How can I find out more? Visit the Aetna Foundation’s website at: http://www.aetna-foundation.org/foundation/index.html. The Local Roots RFP and program details are available here: http://www.aetna-foundation.org/foundation/apply-for-a-grant/regional-grants/index.html. You can ask questions about the RFP by e-mail at aetnafoundation@aetna.com, with the subject line “Aetna Foundation Local Roots grant program inquiry.”
2015 i3 Development Pre-Application Deadline Extended
If you are working on an Investing in Innovation (i3) Development pre-application or considering doing so, you may be glad to learn the pre-application (required) deadline was officially changed to 5/5/2015 this morning. Make good use of the extra week! We’ve noted the change in our previous post on the program.
Grant Opportunity: HEROES Grant Program (IN, IL, KY)
Who is offering this grant? Welborn Baptist Foundation, Inc.
What is the purpose? The HEROES (Healthy Energetic, Ready, Outstanding, Enthusiastic Schools) initiative supports schools in select counties in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky in making healthy changes to eating and physical activity habits by implementing the CDC’s research-based and proven Coordinated School Health (CSH) model. The aim of this program is comprehensive school wellness improvement.
What types of activities might be supported? HEROES funding supports implementation of the Coordinated School Health (CSH) components pertinent to healthy weight. Five of the eight of the CSH components pertain to healthy weight, and activities that support these areas will be eligible for funding. The components are: Health Education, Physical Education, Nutrition Education, Health Promotion for Staff, and Family and Community Involvement.
Who can apply? In 2015, the competition is open to elementary and middle schools with food services located in the following states and counties (only):
- Indiana: Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick Counties
- Kentucky: Henderson County
- Illinois: Gallatin, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties
Applications for high schools may be accepted in 2016—watch for more information at a later date.
Individual schools rather than districts are encouraged to apply. Past experience with this program has revealed to the funder that bottom-up efforts are more successful than top-down efforts.
When is the application due? The deadline is April 30, 2015 at 12 pm.
How much can I request? Schools are eligible to receive up to $17,750 in Year 1, up to $17,450 in Year 2, and up to $25,200 in Year 3. Please note that funder provides limits for each budget category and several line items that must be included in the budget to ensure a high-quality project aligned with its mission and priorities that is likely to succeed based on past experience.
Do I have to offer a match of any kind? No.
How long is the project period? Three years. *The expectation of WBF, Inc. is that the school will permanently continue its commitment by sustaining the wellness coordinator position, maintaining an active wellness council, and preserving the aims of the HEROES initiative.
Is there anything else I should know? Completion of School Health Index is required but can occur prior to application or after an award has been made. If the school has already completed the School Health Index, the results of that assessment (score card) should be attached to your application.
All applicants must also attach letters of support from the following entities stating how their positions will assist in the implementation of healthy school policy and environmental change: Superintendent, School Principal, School Food Service Manager, School PTO/PTA/Booster Organization President, Physical Education Department Head, School Athletic Director (if applicable).
The funder is looking for schools truly committed to and ready for comprehensive positive changes and improvement related to school, student, and staff wellness, and the program’s rules, requirements, and budget stipulations reflect this. This grant is ideal for schools with strong support from the administration and commitment from staff for school wellness changes. It is probably not the best fit for a school just looking to address one area of school wellness or only to obtain equipment.
How can I find out more? Visit the official program site and read the RFP. If you have questions regarding the application, you may contact: Rhonda Meade rmeade@welbornfdn.org Welborn Baptist Foundation, Inc. 812-437-7803 (cell: 812-881-7523). Please note Ms. Meade encourages interested schools to set up a meeting in person or via phone to discuss their current and planned programs and resources prior to applying to help the school ensure they are in a strong position to apply for this program at this time.
Grant Opportunity: Shape the State Grants for SPARK in Tennessee Due THIS Week!
Leticia Gonzalez at SPARK wanted to be sure our readers were aware of a terrific opportunity due this week for schools in Tennessee. Please see below. Good luck! 🙂
Shape the State Grant Application Due THIS Week!
Tennessee Middle Schools: Apply now to transform your physical education program with SPARK through the Shape the State Middle School PE Grant!
Funder: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee Health Foundation
In an effort to promote better health for Tennessee students, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation will award up to 20 grants valued at $10,000 each to Tennessee middle schools as part of its Shape the State program. The grants will be used to purchase SPARK physical education curriculum, training, and materials.
Grant Deadline: April 17, 2015
Award Amount: SPARK Middle School PE curriculum, training, and materials valued at $10,000
Click Here to visit the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation website to learn more and apply for this grant.
Highmark Foundation Creating a Healthy School Environment Grants are Now Open! (PA and WV)
The Highmark Foundation is currently offering Creating a Healthy School Environment grants to schools in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Applicants may be public or private schools located within the Highmark service area, which includes 49 Pennsylvania Counties and all 55 West Virginia Counties.*
Applicants must select 1 of the 4 priority areas on which to focus their projects: (1) Bullying Prevention, (2) Child Injury Prevention, (3) Healthy Eating and Physical Activity, and (4) Physical and Environmental Health. Projects must be based on and inclusive of evidence-based programs. The RFP provides a list of suggested evidence-based programs and resources for each priority area, as well as checklists to support baseline and progress data collection and project evaluation. The specifically suggested evidenced-based programs and resources are not required for the Child Injury Prevention, Healthy Eating and Physical Activity, and Physical and Environmental Health priority areas–other evidenced-based options may be proposed. Applicants applying for funds through Bullying Prevention, however, MUST select from the list of programs and resources provided.
Eligible applicants and allowable award sizes for 2015 are described in the RFP as follows:
PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOLS
1. PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS (Individual school buildings are not eligible to apply.)
a. Grants up to $10,000 will be awarded to 15 school districts implementing programs that improve access to quality school-based health and wellness programs. We are interested in public schools applying as districts for implementing programs.
b. If awarded, school districts should identify and select schools within their district to receive funding.
2. PRIVATE, CHARTER, VOCATIONAL AND PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS (Grades K-12)
c. Mini-grants up to $5,000 will be awarded to 20 non-public school buildings.
d. Private, parochial and charter schools may only apply for the $5,000 mini-grants.
WEST VIRGINIA SCHOOLS 1. PUBLIC, PRIVATE, CHARTER VOCATIONAL AND PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS (Grades K-12)
a. $5,000 mini-grants will be awarded to 15 schools.
b. West Virginia schools may only apply for the $5,000 mini-grants.
Potential applicants should note the funder indicates, “Grants will not be awarded exclusively for equipment such as treadmills, bikes, etc. Equipment will only be considered if necessary for the implementation of an evidence-based physical activity program such as SPARK.”
All applicants must apply online by the May 8, 2015.
*Highmark service area:
Western Pennsylvania Counties served: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Erie, Elk, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Westmoreland and Washington
Central Pennsylvania Counties served: Adams, Berks, Centre, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Mifflin, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, Union and York
West Virginia: All counties in West Virginia are eligible to apply.
Good Luck! :o)
Investing in Innovation Fund Development Grants (i3) are Now Open!
By Jen Adams
Who is offering this grant? US Department of Education (ED)
What is the purpose? The i3 grants are designed to improve the academic achievement of high-need students by promoting promising solutions to pressing challenges in K-12 education, supporting the evaluation of these solutions, and developing new approaches to scaling effective practices to serve more students. The application period is now open for i3 Development Grants, novel projects that are nationally significant, not projects that simply implement existing common practices in additional locations. The i3 grant program includes two additional types of grants, in addition to Development Grants–Validation Grants and Scale-up Grants—which each broaden use of practices with increased amounts of evidence of effectiveness. The application period(s) for Validation and Scale-up Grants are anticipated later in the spring of 2015.
What types of activities might be supported? All grantees must implement practices that are designed to improve student achievement or student growth, close achievement gaps, decrease dropout rates, increase high school graduation rates, or increase college enrollment. Applicants must address one of the following Absolute Priorities with projects that implement practices that serve students in grades K-12.
Priority 1: Improving the Effectiveness of Principals- Under this priority, funding is provided to projects that are designed to increase the number and percentage of highly effective principals by implementing practices or strategies that support districts in hiring, evaluating, supporting, and retaining effective principals.
Priority 2: Improving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education – This priority seeks projects that reach students beyond the boundaries of the traditional school day (i.e. during out-of-school time or extended-day programs) and provide meaningful, real-world STEM learning experiences that will inspire students’ interest in STEM and give them the tools they need to meet the demands of dynamic labor markets.
Priority 3: Leveraging Technology to Support Instructional Practice and Professional Development – Under this priority, funding is provided to projects that are designed to leverage technology use in the classroom to support student learning and inform teacher professional development. This notice seeks projects that use technological tools that enable the development, visualization, and rapid analysis of data to inform instructional practices and improve learning outcomes.
Priority 4: Influencing the Development of Non-Cognitive Factors – Under this priority, funding is provided to projects that are designed to improve students’ mastery of non-cognitive skills and behaviors (such as academic behaviors, academic mindset, perseverance, self-regulation, social and emotional skills, and approaches toward learning strategies), as well as enhance student motivation and engagement in learning.
Priority 5: Serving Rural Communities – Focus on serving rural communities. *Applicants applying under this priority must also address one of the other four absolute priorities established.
A competitive preference priority is also extended to novice applicants to the i3 program (additional 3 points scored).
Who can apply? Eligible applicants include either of the following: a) a local education agency (LEA—school districts, educational service agencies, some charter schools) OR b) A partnership between a nonprofit organization and—1) One or more LEAs; or 2) A consortium of schools. Evidence of a record of improving academic achievement must also be demonstrated. See full RFP for details.
How much is available? Estimated Available Funds for 2015 are $112,400,000. This is the total available for all three types of grants under the i3 program (Development, Validation, and Scale-up Grants).
When is the application due? Deadline for the non-mandatory Notice of Intent to Submit for Development Grants: April 20, 2015; Deadline for Pre-applications for Development grants: April 29, 2015–changed to May 5, 2015 on April 15, 2015. In order to be eligible to submit a full application, organizations MUST submit pre-applications. Organizations with high-scoring pre-applications will be invited to submit full applications. Organizations that submitted pre-applications that were not considered “high-scoring” can still choose to submit full applications if they would like to.
How much can I request? Development Grant applicants can request up to $3,000,000 per grant application for the full project period. ED anticipates 9-11 i3 Development grant awards will be made in 2015. NOTE that applicants may submit more than one i3 application, but each applicant can win no more than 2 i3 awards of any kind in a single year. In a single two-year period, no applicant may win more than one Validation or Scale-up grant. In 2015, no grantee may be awarded more than $23 Million total in i3 funds.
Do I have to offer a match of any kind? Yes. An applicant must obtain matching funds or in-kind donations from the private sector equal to at least 15% of the grant award. Each applicant, following peer review of the applications, must submit evidence of at least 50% of the required private-sector match prior to award. Evidence of the remaining 50% match must be provided no later than three months after the project start date (or the grant will be terminated).
How long is the project period? 3, 4, or 5 years
Is there anything else I should know? The design of i3 links the amount of funding that an applicant may receive to the quality of the evidence supporting the proposed project. In other words, applicants proposing practices that are supported by limited evidence can receive relatively small grants to further develop the practice. Applicants proposing practices supported by evidence from rigorous evaluations can receive sizable grants to support expansion across the country. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the proposed process, product, strategy, or practice included in their applications is supported by either evidence of promise or a strong theory.
How can I find out more? Visit the official i3 program site: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/innovation/index.html. View the Notice Inviting Applications at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-03-30/pdf/2015-07213.pdf. View the FAQs at http://www2.ed.gov/programs/innovation/faq.html. Go to http://www2.ed.gov/programs/innovation/2015competition.html to sign up for ED’s question and answer webinar to be held April 9, 2015 at 2pm Eastern or to view the 2015 competition PowerPoint.
If you are looking for assistance with your application, Insight would be pleased to help you! For information on pricing for grant writing or editing for this program, please contact Rosalie Mangino-Crandall at 716-474-0981 or rmangino@insightgrants.com.
