About our District-wide Grants
The Columbia Public Schools Foundation provides district-wide grants to the Columbia Public Schools. The Foundation’s goal is to impact as many students and teachers as possible by supporting all schools in the district.
Applicants for district-wide grants must demonstrate how their proposals support the Columbia Schools Foundation goals:
- Enhance academic excellence in the 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.
Who can apply?
Grants are submitted by the District Curriculum/Program Coordinators or building principals. If you’re a teacher with an idea for a grant proposal, the next step is to contact your principal.
Grant proposals must be approved by CPS administration and the Columbia Board of Education in order to be considered by CPSF. The district will review each application and follow the district’s grant application process. This process includes a review by Business Services of each grant for budget adequacy and to determine if CPS Board of Education approval is necessary according to the district’s Financial Procedures Manual.
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. It is not the role of the Columbia Public Schools Board of Education to recommend which grants should be approved by the Columbia Public Schools Foundation. Final approval is given by the Foundation’s board of directors. The CPS Foundation Board of Directors may request grant applicant(s)’s attendance at a CPSF Board meeting.
What is the deadline?
Grant deadlines are rolling. Grants are approved by the Columbia Public Schools Foundation board at their monthly meetings.
Questions?
For more information or to receive an application, contact the Foundation.
For information on our Students First Fund grant program for schools, please visit here.