Purpose: The evidence is overwhelming and quite compelling: Participation in student activities increases students’ standardized test scores, GPAs, graduation rates, college acceptance rates and college success rates. Additionally, it practically eliminates the likelihood that a student will choose to drop out of high school.

The Elkhart Education Foundation is committed to filling in the budgetary gaps in order to keep these engaging extra-curricular activities available for ALL students.

Persons Eligible to Apply for Grants: Coaches, Club Moderators, Directors, Teachers, and Administrators that are directly responsible for a school sanctioned extracurricular activity (athletics, arts, clubs).

Eligible Proposals: Teams, Clubs or Programs that take place during the Spring Season (March-June) or beyond. (If you are a Fall Sport or Program, please apply in the next grant cycle due July 1st) Grants may fund any activity or materials that support higher levels of student achievement and character education.

Requirement: The primary grant applicant must attend an EEF Grantwriting Workshop within 12 months of the application date. A certificate of completion from EEF confirms this requirement is met. Co-applicants are encouraged to attend. Contact the Executive Director with any questions.

Award of Funds: Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded for an individual team or club. Grants up to $5000 will be awarded for a department or program. The number of awards will depend on funds available from EEF.

Selection Criteria:

• The degree to which the grant supports the District/Department goals and the Elkhart Education Foundation Action Plan and is specifically designed to address an area of need substantiated by data.
• The number of students impacted.
• The degree to which the proposal is clear and logical, including (a) specificity of objectives; (b) clarity of description of procedures, and (c) specificity of budget.

Selection Process:

1. Application forms may be obtained online through the web page.
2. It is no longer necessary to obtain school board approval in advance of submitting your application to EEF (this is only true of EEF grants). Simply submit your application through our online system and email your signature page to us. We will take care of the rest. Any questions with the procedure should be directed to your building administrator.
3. Applications will be reviewed and commented on by the Grant Application Review Committee.
4. If recommended for approval, the application is presented to the Board of Directors of EEF in summary form for review and formal approval.
5. Applicants will be notified of decisions by the date specified by the committee.

Responsibilities of Grant Recipients:

• Use the awards for the purposes intended.
• Funds must be expended by the end of the season immediately following award notification.
• Project must be fully implemented and final report submitted to EEF before recipients can submit an application for another grant or within 6 months, whichever comes first.
• Agree to share successful procedures & successes in staff development sessions.
• Any purchases that can be made through Amazon, must be made through smile.amazon.com benefiting the Elkhart Education Foundation
• You must provide EEF with pictures and/or video of your project in action
• Organizations that are granted funds will PAY IT FORWARD by completing 3 hours of community service as a group. The organization is required to seek out these opportunities and provide evidence to EEF that the hours have been completed. The Community Service Hours must be complete within 3 months of the distribution of funds.

When applying for a grant, please remember the following:

• Grants are to be used to fund projects that cannot be provided for in the school and district budgets.
• Objectives and outcomes should be consistent with the goals of your school and the district.
• 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.
• Provide a detailed budget and only ask for what you need!
• Grant Applications should be submitted via the electronic online application found at the bottom of this page with supporting materials emailed to info@elkhartedfoundation.org by the deadline.

Grant Writing 101 (Download PDF)

Statement of Need

• Keep the statement simple and straightforward.
• Show how project relates to the Elkhart Education Foundation Goals and Action Plan. (see OneCityOneMission.org)

Objectives:

• Limit the number of objectives.
• Imply or state evaluation in the statement of objectives.
• Be specific.

Description of Proposed Project/Activity:

• Describe the problem or issue addressed.
• Show how the project supports the purpose.
• List steps to be followed in project implementation.
• Relate project to need and objectives.
• Be specific.

Evaluation:

• Relate to stated objectives.
• Indicate how you will know whether the project was successful.
• What data will be collected and used in the evaluation process
• Be specific

Partners:

• Are there others who will participate in this project? (CIS, Rotary, Lion’s Club)
• What will their roles be?

Budget

• Only ask for exactly the amount you need for the project to be successful
• Provide a detailed budget! For instance, don’t just list “supplies = $5000” please itemize your request carefully.
• Be sure to do your research before submitting your proposal to find the best prices for the items you are requesting.

Download Signature Page

Print, Sign & Return

The report linked below must be completed and submitted by the due date designated on your grant contract.  Email Ashley@elkhartedfoundation.org with questions.

Grant Report Template