Classroom Grant Process & Application

Innovative & Essential Needs

Due May 1, 2015

TheClassroom Granting process is intended to support classroom teachers in funding innovative programs for students in their classroom that is outside of the current budget. Due to the decrease in funding available for public education, the Foundation has extended this granting process to also fund programs that teachers see as essential for their students, when there is no budget available.

Classroom Grants is one of the three ways that the Foundation provides funds to the district. Applications can be accepted all year long; however applications are due by May 1st of every year. The Selection process will take place during the Month of May and grant recipients will be notified by June 14th every year. Funds will be available by Jun 20th for use during the next school year. This application process will also be used in instances where the Schools Foundation is pursuing private or public party grant funds or sponsorship of particular programs or activities. Applications are available online at http

Granting Process:

  1. Schedule an information meeting with your schools ambassador to discuss the idea and scope of request.
  2. Complete application and submit to the Northshore Schools Foundation.
  3. Grants will be reviewed quarterly in months outside of May.
  4. Upon review, the Foundation will respond to applications in one of the following ways
  • Eligible for Funding : Meets grant guidelines and falls within the mission of the Foundation
  • Not Eligible for Funding: Does not meet grant guidelines and falls within the mission of the Foundation
  1. All Grants must be received by May 1st
  2. Grant recipients are notified by June 14th of the intention to fully fund now, partially fund now, fund contingent on external funding being available or not to fund.
  3. Funds are released after June 20th and Grant Acceptance forms have been received.
  4. Thank you acknowledgements from students and teachers requested by November 1 or February 1
  5. Luncheon Displays are requested by April 1
  6. Grant evaluations are due by June 15th

Grant Timeline:

September 1Classroom Grant Applications are available on the website

May 1st, 5:00 pmAll Grants Applications are due

June 14thGrant recipients are notified.

June 20thFunds are released O

Nov. 1 / Feb 1 Thank you acknowledgements from students and teachers requested

June 15thGrant Evaluations are due

Thank you for your participation in this granting process. Please contact the Foundation if you have any questions at 425-408-7680

Grant Requirements and Guidelines

(Keep this page for your records)

Who may apply?Northshore School District teachers, students and/or staff/community members sponsored by certificated NSD staff.

What is the grant size?Up to $1000

What is the selection criterion?Each grant will be judged against the following specific criteria:

  • Demonstrates Innovation or an Essential Classroom need
  • Aligns with the goals of the Northshore Schools Foundation and the Northshore School District
  • Maximizes impact on students
  • Demonstrates collaboration between teaching teams, grade levels, funding sources
  • Meets grant guidelines (does not exceed $1000, submitted on time, in correct format, with signatures etc.)
  • Sustainability of products funded

Lower funding priority will be given to requests for:

  • Books, software and transportation requests without strong ties to a project
  • Projects & technology that are able to be supported by District or capital project funds
  • Passive student involvement
  • Previously funded grants

When will the funds be available?After June 29

When must the funds be used?During the Academic Year following the grant award 2014-2015

When is the deadline?May 1st by 5:00 PM. Incomplete, unsigned orlate submissions will not be accepted.

What to submit?Completed Grant Application not to exceed 6 total pages, including cover sheet. Completed Grants must be submitted via email in PDF format with all signatures to

The form can be found on our website at,

Will I have any assistance?Attached you will find a separate document that will talk you through strategies for writing a successful grant. We will also offer a free grant writing workshop, the details of which can be found on our webpage at You can also feel free to contact prior to April, for assistance.

Where can I get questions answered?Contact the Foundation office at 425-408-7680 or , at any time.

The Northshore Schools Foundation raises funds and builds partnerships that support District priorities academic success and excellence for all Northshore students.

Northshore Schools Foundation Funding Priorities:

Literacy & ArtsBasic reading proficiency is the foundation to future student success in all subjects. Strong literacy skills are closely linked to academic success and the probability of having a good job, decent earnings and access to training opportunities. The Foundation is supporting classrooms by providing literacy enhancement materials for students of all ages.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) The workforce is changing and a student’s proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math is required for a successful career in the 21st century. NSD has adopted a variety of curriculum and expanded program options for students to develop these skills. The Foundation is committed to ensuring students have the programs and equipment necessary to successfully embark on a comprehensive S.T.E.M. learning experience.

Advanced and Struggling Learners: Meeting the Needs of ALL Students Northshore School District strives to provide a world-class education to each of its more than 19,000 students. The District provides rigorous curriculum, programs, and opportunities to meet the varied needs of students and challenge them to excel academically. The Foundation is committed to ensuring that our brightest and best, as well as our most challenged learners have the opportunity to meet their potential.

Health & Enrichment Since our inception, the Northshore Schools Foundation has focused on supporting opportunities that enhance the learning experience for students. The Foundation continues to prioritize programs that extend and enrich the learning environment and experience for our students. Fitness, health, service and other activities not only ensure that students are ready to learn, and provides support for beyond classroom essentials.

Teacher Excellence The Foundation provides funding to support teachers pursuing National Board Certification. Teacher Excellence is not an applicable category for classroom grants as funds for this funding priority are accessed through a different process.

Northshore School District Goals

Goal 1: Student Achievement and Success at Grades Pre-Kindergarten - 12 and Beyond /
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1.1 Build a comprehensive district assessment plan
1.2 Increase the percentage of students ready for kindergarten
1.3 Increase the percentage of students exceeding the state reading standard by the end of the 3rd grade
1.4 Increase the percentage of students exceeding state learning standards by gender, ethnicity, income level and special needs
1.5 Increase the percentage of students exceeding the state math standard by the end of 5th grade
1.6 Increase the percentage of students successfully completing algebra by the end of the 8th grade
1.7 Increase the percentage of students on track by the end of 9th grade to graduate
1.8 Increase the percentage of students proficient on all state assessments required for graduation
1.9 Increase the percentage of students completing two or more Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College in the High School and/or Tech Prep courses
1.10 Increase the percentage of students taking higher level math courses beyond Algebra 2 (Core 3)
1.11 Increase the percentage of students taking three lab science courses including at least one algebra-based lab science course
1.12 Increase the percentage of students scoring college ready on entrance and placement assessments
1.13 Increase the percentage of students meeting the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) 4-year college entrance requirements
1.14 Increase the percentage of students who feel connected to school
1.15 Increase the on-time graduation rate
1.16 Increase the extended graduation rate
1.17 Decrease the drop-out rate
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/ Goal 2: High Standards of Performance /
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2.1 Increase the capacity and utilization of effective instructional practice
2.2 Increase the number of National Board Certified teachers
2.3 Align school, department and individual goals to district goals and performance measures
/ /
/ Goal 3: Fiscal Stability to Support Student Learning /
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3.1 Prioritize resources to support student achievement
3.2 Implement capital bond and capital levy projects on-time, within budget and as approved by voters
3.3 Meet applicable state and federal audit standards
3.4 Maintain a committed fund balance in accordance with School Board Policy
/ /
/ Goal 4: Effective Communications and Community Involvement /
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4.1 Increase community partnerships that support student learning
4.2 Increase opportunities for community engagement and involvement
4.3 Increase the efficiency, timeliness and accessibility of district communications
4.4 Increase favorable coverage of district students, staff, programs and events in local media

Northshore Schools Foundation Classroom Grant Application Definition Reference:

Sustainable: Supplies are able to be used for more than one year or the program will continue on after funding, thereby affecting more than one year of students.

Innovative:Advanced, original, new, pioneering, state-of-the-art, groundbreaking, yet in alignment with District policies.

Essential:Equipment and supplies that is required to fully implement existing programs or curriculum in the environment.

Project Title  Innovative or  Essentials

School: Grade Level(s):

Project Leader:Amount Requested:

($1000 maximum)

Project Leader Contact: / District Mail Address
Primary Phone: / Email:

Other individuals involved in writing and/or implementing this grant:

Name: / Phone: / ( ) Staff ( ) Student
( ) Parent ( ) Community
Name: / Phone: / ( ) Staff ( ) Student
( ) Parent ( ) Community

Check applicable area(s) of focus:

 Literacy& Arts Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Education

Struggling / Advanced Learners  Health & Enhancement Programs

Teacher Excellence Career & College Readiness

 Other ______

Total # of Students Impacted in Year One:
Total # of years project and/or product(s) purchased are estimated to provide impact:
Total # of students projected to be impacted by the life of this grant:

Project Leader Statement of Understanding: I have read the terms of the Grant Acceptance Form and commit to following those guidelines should my grant be funded.

Signature

Principal's Support: I have read this proposal and will support its implementation. It is compatible with Northshore School District curriculum but cannot be funded through our building or District budget.

Signature

Packet including cover sheet should not exceed 6 pages.Please submit one copy of application by PDF by5:00 PM, May 1stto

For Foundation Use Only:

Date received:Meeting date:Pursue external partnership?Recommend?

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Please specifically address the following in your proposal:

You may expand the application and /or use additional pieces of paper. You may also include catalogue pictures or brochures to demonstrate equipment, supplies or other item(s) requested, if any. Please limit your answers to 5 total pages.

  1. Describe the proposed project. Include information about where and when this project will take place and how teachers, students, parents, community reps., etc.will be involved.
  1. Why is this project innovative or essential?
  1. How will students benefit from this project?
  1. What do you hope to achieve as a result of this project? How will you know if this project is successful? What strategies will you use to measure success and evaluate the impact on student learning?
  1. What research was done to insure that this proposal is the best one and/or the equipment you would like to purchase is the best value?
  1. How will this grant address the Northshore School Foundation’s Funding Priorities?
  1. Does this project support the NSD School Board Goals? If so, please cite the appropriate School Board Goal number(s).

BUDGET

Please list anticipated categories of expenditures and amounts for the complete project. Indicate the expected sources for financial support and/or donations of goods or services.

Description / Quantity / Amount / Source
Materials & Supplies
Space:
Personnel/ Consultants:
Transportation:

(The Foundation rarely supports personnel costs)