What is the Jefferson School District #251 Education Foundation?
The mission of the Jefferson County School District #251 Education Foundation Inc. is to provide support for School District #251, faculty, students while promoting and carrying out the educational objectives of Jefferson County School District.
Who is Eligible to Receive a Grant
Grants are made directly to teachers, schools and students within the Jefferson County School District and are consistent with the priorities of the Jefferson County School District.
How Do I Submit a Grant Application?
The Education Foundation reviews and makes grant selections monthly. Grant applications must be submitted directly to the Education Foundation office located in the Central Services Office (District Office) a minimum of six (6) weeks prior to the date funds are needed, but may be submitted earlier. Grant information can be obtained by contacting the Education Foundation Office at (208) 745- 6693 extension 1136. Grant applications must meet the submission deadline to be considered. Grant requests should be consistent with the following guidelines:
Writing Your Grant
The Education Foundation Board requests that all grant requests contain a completed application. Narratives may be included to further address the required information. However, the grant application may not exceed three (3) total pages (this does not include the cover sheet or additional documentation).
Description of the project will include:
- A complete description of the project including goals and objectives.
- Identification of specific outcomes the project is expected to achieve.
- Explanation of the need for the project.
- Specific activities or methods that will be used to reach the project goals.
- A timeline for implementation, including starting date and expected completion date.
- Comments on past or present attempts by the applicant and others to address the designated need.
Itemized Project Budget
- Itemized project budget, showing all expenses and how Foundation funds are to be spent (Include bids/additional information if available/applicable).
- Summary of matching and existing funds for the project and their sources, include other grants awarded and those pending.
- Explanation of why the organization cannot assume the cost of the project from its own resources.
- Explanation of other funding sources that have been received or attempted (if applicable).
Organization Finances
- Include information about the organizations financial support for this individual project. Has money already been donated and/or earmarked for your project? Please include information regarding the status of the organizations budget (have you exhausted your current budget?).
- Name, address, phone number of the person authorized to receive funds if granted.
An Education Foundation Grant Application must be included in all grant requests.
Supplemental information of importance concerning the grant proposal not available before the grant application deadline should be submitted to the Foundation office soon after the application deadline. The Foundation may request additional information or clarification from the applicant if needed.
The Foundation desires and appreciates complete, concise applications and welcomes inquiries from prospective applicants. Please assure that all pages of your submitted application are numbered, include the name of your project and the date.
How is my Grant Application Evaluated?
The Education Foundation considers the following factors when reviewing grant applications:
- Eligibility
- The need addressed in the proposal
- The potential benefits of the project
- The capability of the proposing organization to achieve the desired results.
- The adequacy of the total project budget and timetable to achieve the desired results.
- Evidence of appropriate fundraising and cooperation with other organizations in the same field or organizations assisting and/or materially supporting the project.
- The extent and sources of other matching funds being raised for the proposed project.
- The likelihood and extent of ongoing support from the requesting organizations and other sources.
- Assurance of the continued, long-term operational viability of the requesting organization.
After the monthly deadline has passed for receiving grant application, Education Foundation Board Directors will receive a copy of the grant requests. The Executive Director will research each grant request, and all grant requests will be discussed by the Board of Directors. If approved by the Board of Directors, all grants will be submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval. All grant applications will receive verbal or written notification of the Boards funding decision, typically within six weeks after the application deadline.
What Are My Responsibilities If I am the Recipient of a Grant?
All the recipients of grants are required to strictly comply with the laws of the United States, including the Internal Revenue Code, and the laws of the states and political subdivisions relating to use of the funds. In addition, the recipients must comply with the following Education Foundation requirements:
- Use funds only for the approved project. If excess funds remain, seek authorization for expenditure.
- Wait for official notification from the Education Foundation prior to expending funds.
- Furnish the Foundation with financial accounting of expenditures (including copies of invoices) as the project is completed or as funds are requested. If possible, pictures would be appreciated, as well.
- Request funds for project completion within the timeline stated in the grant.
- Supply additional information requested by the Foundation.
- Include the Education Foundation logo on all programs, written public statements about the grant and verbally recognize the Education Foundations during concerts, events or programs.
- Send a written letter of appreciation to the donor, if that information is available. If the donor is not known, submit a written letter of appreciation to the Education Foundation to forward to the donor. Also, please include letters of appreciation to the Education Foundation and to the School Board of Trustees.
- Send a press release to local media.
Remember, all grants must be submitted directly to the Education Foundation office 6 weeks prior to funding. For additional information or assistance with your grant, please contact the Foundation office by phone: 208-745-6693 ext. 1136 or email: Foundation@sd251.org
Grants must be submitted at least six (6) weeks prior to funding, be complete and not exceed 3 pages total pages. Grants that need funded in less than six (6) weeks will be considered on a case by case emergency basis.