2022-2023 CASD Foundation Teacher Grant Application

Description

Introduction

Founded in 1991, the Chambersburg Area School District Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the educational enrichment of students in the Chambersburg School District. Governed by a fifteen-member Board of Directors, the Foundation represents various local communities, professions and private entities. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided the students and the teachers of the district with nearly $2M in grant funding to provide innovative academic programs and equipment to a project/curriculum that cannot be funded by the CASD budget. By following the guidelines, procedures and deadlines, you will ensure that your application receives proper consideration.

What do CASD Foundation grants support?

Faculty, staff, and administrators may apply for funding in support of enrichment projects that benefit students. We fund a broad range of projects, from those that focus on traditional academic subjects, to others in the visual and performing arts, and still others that promote multi-cultural and community learning experiences.

CASD Foundation-funded programs should enhance, but not duplicate, the standard curriculum. We look for innovative, creative ideas that fall outside the ordinary school budget yet promise to augment the curricula in a meaningful way. The Foundation encourages projects that demonstrate a partnership between teachers, schools and across disciplines. Our grants generally do not underwrite basic school needs.

The grant committee desires to fund applications with a focus on innovative, collaborative, project-based experiences which engage students in learning. Grant applications for all curricular areas will be accepted.

(Projects that include technology items must include a CASD Technology Department Pre-Approval Form in order to be considered at this time.)

If you have questions about whether your project would merit consideration by the CASD Foundation Board, feel free to contact Angela Lynch, Foundation Executive Director, via (717)-709-4091 or email angela.lynch@casdonline.org for clarification.

Who decides whether a project gets funded?

Applications will be approved by district administration before being reviewed by the CASD Foundation Board of Directors. Once approved by the district, applications will be distributed to the Foundation Board grant committee for consideration. A Board member may contact the applicant prior to the review to learn more about the request. The Board may choose to offer partial funding at its discretion. The Foundation encourages collaborative funding and invites applicants to seek partial or additional funding from other sources. The applications will be rated using the following evaluation rubric:

1. Curriculum Relevance – to be determined and numerically rated by director of curriculum and instruction
2. Clarity of Proposal – the degree of ease and simplicity in understanding and interpreting the proposal and its objectives
3. Number of Students Served – Self-explanatory
4. Cost per Student – Total cost of project divided by the number of students served (exceptions to be considered for elementary and special education single class projects resulting in low numbers and higher costs; may also apply to certain secondary projects)
5. Replication/Sustainability – the degree to which the project can be repeated in future years at little or no cost and/or the desire to utilize the project in other similar classes or schools
6. Clearly Defined and Articulated Evaluative Process – a clearly stated methodology for determining the effectiveness of the project
7. Innovation or Uniqueness of Project – a new or unusual approach to teaching

What makes a grant application successful?
• The application must be complete and comply with deadlines. The application should be clearly written and understood by non-educators. It must include all appropriate administrative approval.
• The proposal should demonstrate creativity and innovation in rigorous educational programming and target a significant number of children.
• The proposal may be a collaborative effort between educators, schools, or others to reach children in multiple classrooms, grade levels or buildings, provided the project is related to literacy.
• The proposal should provide a plan for additional non-CASD Foundation funding, if necessary.
• The applicants agree to account for and report on the project once funded using district reporting methods.
• The proposal should not seek repeat funding for a previously approved project or retroactive funding for an existing project.
• The proposal should not seek funds for food, transportation, or field trips.
• The proposal, if including equipment, should include shipping costs.

Requirements

The Chambersburg Area School District Foundation will award grants in the amount of $30,000 this year. Requests must reasonably fall within the Foundation's current mission. Funds can be used in a number of significant ways with first priority going to enhancing student engagement as well as supporting innovative approaches to teaching. Principals/Supervisors must approve projects before submission.

Total Amount Awarded