Columbia Public Schools Foundation Grant Program
2010-2011 Grant Guidelines

Grant Program Description

The Grant Program allows applicants (Columbia Public Schools District Curriculum/Program Coordinators or Cohort Principals) to apply for funding of projects costing up to $25,000.

Applicants must demonstrate how their proposals support the Columbia Schools Foundation goals:
• Enhance academic excellence in public schools by providing funding not available through public sources.
• Expand learning opportunities for our children.
• Stimulate creativity and innovation.
• Enrich the school district’s curriculum.
• Encourage community and business involvement in the public schools.

Grant proposals must align with Columbia Public Schools Board of Education 2010-2015 Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) goals and objectives.
Grant proposals must also align with the district curriculum, support improved academic achievement, and enhance learning opportunities for the participating students. Significant consideration will be given to the number of students (current and future) who will benefit directly or indirectly, the potential to enhance academic excellence, and the cost-effectiveness of the project. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit grant proposals that can be sustained over time and have a classroom focus. Grant proposals must demonstrate alignment to one or more of the following: Board of Education goals, CSIP objectives, cohort goals, and/or school improvement goals. It is not the intention of this grant program to fund projects that are the school district’s responsibility.

All grant proposals are evaluated by an Allocation Committee appointed by the Foundation Board of Directors. The Allocation Committee, composed of community members, operates independently of the Columbia Board of Education. Members and family members of the Foundation Board of Directors are not eligible to participate in the School Grant Program Application process. Final approval of grant awards rests with the Foundation Board of Directors.

Making a Grant Application

Columbia Public Schools District Curriculum/Program Coordinators or Cohort Principals must complete a brief application. Read the guidelines below in their entirety and make sure you follow all of the instructions. Complete your application on the form provided entitled 2010-11 Columbia Public Schools Foundation Grant Proposal.

Section I: Grant Coordinator and Contact Information

Identify the grant coordinator for the project. The grant coordinator is responsible for overseeing planning, development, implementation, fiscal accountability, and evaluation of the grant. Please include the following contact information:

• Name of Grant Coordinator
• Building and street address
• Phone
• Email address

Section II: Grant Title and Summary

Write a summary of grant activities and how the proposal aligns with the district curriculum, encourages academic achievement and enhances the learning opportunities for the participating students.

Section III: Grant Description

Write a description of the grant that includes:
1. needs assessment – identify major need addressed by the grant based on student achievement data
2. students (current and future) who will benefit
3. identification of a project goal and one or more specific, measurable objectives – State your grant goal and objectives. Align your goal and objectives to the 2010-2015 CSIP goals and objectives in at least one of several areas: Student Performance, Highly Qualified Staff, Parent and Community Involvement, Governance, and Facilities, Instructional Resources, and Support. Access the CSIP on the Internet at http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/csip/resources.php. Show alignment to cohort goals and/or school improvement goals.
4. plan of action
5. material and equipment needed – identify and describe the purpose of materials and equipment
6. implementation timeline – identify a timeline and steps taken to implement
7. coordination with existing district curriculum, programs, and initiatives
8. sustainability – A description of how the activities funded under this proposal will continue after the original grant period has expired.

Section IV: Budget Proposal

List the items that require the expenditure of grant money such as purchased services, materials and equipment. For each item provide sources of supply and projected costs. Note: salaries for school district personnel and substitutes will not be funded. Expenditures that generate long-term benefits are encouraged over expenditures for consumables. Check with the District’s Business Office, if your proposal is funded, to understand what information will be required to support your purchase requests.

Section V: Grant Evaluation

Describe how you will monitor and evaluate the grant to determine if the goal and objectives have been met, what has gone well, and what has caused problems. Funded proposals will be required to complete an End of Year Report by April 15, 2011.

Grant Due Date and Submittal Process

Two complete copies of the grant application are due no later than Thursday, March 25, 2010. Return application to:

Leslie Trogdon, Director
Columbia Public Schools
Office of School Improvement
Vandiver Building
555 Vandiver Dr.
Columbia, MO 65203

The district’s Office of School Improvement and Office of Business Services will review each grant for budget adequacy and determine if CPS Board of Education approval is necessary according to the district’s Financial Procedures Manual. Click on the link below to access the district’s procedural policy for grant approval.

http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/bcs/bcsbus/PDF%20Files/Finance%20Procedures%20Manual/730.pdf

Grant applications needing CPS Board of Education approval according to the district’s Financial Procedures Manual will be presented to the CPS Board of Education on Monday, April 12. It is not the role of the Columbia Public Schools Board of Education to approve or recommend which grants should be approved by the Columbia Public Schools Foundation. The Office of School Improvement will mail grant applications approved by the CPS Board of Education to the Columbia Public Schools Foundation after April 12.

The Office of School Improvement will mail grant applications not needing CPS Board of Education approval to the Columbia Public Schools Foundation after March 25.

If you have specific questions regarding the development of a grant proposal or are concerned if your grant meets CPS curriculum goals, Leslie Trogdon, Office of School Improvement, has graciously agreed to answer those questions.

Contact Leslie by email at ltrogdon@columbia.k12.mo.us or by calling 214-3970.

The Columbia Public Schools Foundation will announce the grant awards in early summer.

If you have questions: Call Sally Silvers (442-4697).