Each year JLD offers K - 8 teachers in DeKalb County the opportunity to obtain funds to promote classroom innovation and engage students in critical thinking, inquiry and self-directed learning. Individual grants are awarded in amounts up to $400. JLD selects and funds up to $7,500 in Mini Grants each year. This program is one of JLD's primary means of promoting and supporting excellence in education. To date, JLD has donated approximately $180,000 to fund creative and innovative teaching projects in DeKalb County classrooms.
All projects must be intended for students in grades K-8.
Grant proposals should be written for creative and innovative teaching projects. Hardware equipment, including but not limited to printers, camcorders and digital cameras, will not be considered.
A proposal must have a primary applicant, and may or may not have a secondary applicant. The primary applicant must be a classroom teacher or other faculty member who is in daily contact with all students participating in the project. Assistant principals and principals cannot submit an application, but may assist a classroom teacher in the preparation or administration of a project. A 2009-2010 grant recipient must have provided a completed evaluation to The Junior League of DeKalb County, Inc. at the conclusion of the project in order to be eligible as a 2010-2011 primary applicant.
All grant money must be used for schools in DeKalb County. In the event a grant recipient relocates during the academic year, the teacher should inform her/his principal of any remaining award money. Secondary applicants may utilize the unspent award money to proceed with the project. If there is not a secondary applicant, unspent money should be returned to The Junior League of DeKalb County, Inc. All grant checks must be cashed or deposited within 90 days of issue. If for some reason the project will not be implemented in the 2010-2011 school year, you must notify JLD.
Each primary applicant may submit one proposal. A teacher may be a secondary applicant on as many proposals as he or she wishes.
Each grant proposal must be original. If identical proposals are received with different primary applicants, only the first proposal received will be considered for funding.
Proposals will be reviewed anonymously by a committee of Junior League members, educators and other community representatives. Proposals will be judged on creativity and innovation, quality and clarity of presentation, and budget validity. Special consideration may be given to projects that will benefit more than one classroom and that utilize durable, rather than disposable, materials. Applicants may be funded (fully or partially) in amounts up to $400. Each award recipient must complete his or her project and submit a financial report and project evaluation by May 13, 2011.
Grant proposals must be received by October 1, 2010.
Tips for Writing a Better Grant
· Be creative. Experiment with ideas that you believe will improve student achievement.
· Identify clear, specific learning objectives and activities.
· Ask your principal or another teacher to read your proposal, and clarify any confusing, conflicting or vague language.
· Avoid acronyms and jargon.
· If possible, cite research that supports the program for which you are requesting funding.
· Proofread! Spelling and grammar errors do not convey a positive image.
· Relate budget line items to learning objectives.
· Develop a strong evaluation plan and connect it to the learning objectives outlined in the proposal.
· Read and carefully follow grant proposal guidelines.
Click here to access an application packet to apply.
