Innovative Education, Music, and Literacy Grant Guidelines
Deadline Updates~
- We will be implementing one Innovative Education and Mary Ellen Thompson Music Fund grant round. Deadline for applications will be January 13, 2025.
The Eleanor Laing Law Literacy Grant application deadline will remain March 31st.
- Applicants must be a Fargo Public School District employee. This may be a single teacher, a group of teachers/staff, or administrators.
- Principals or building leaders need to be consulted about the grant application to avoid duplication and to assure that the project cost cannot be funded from the regular school budget.
- Grants are public information and are available for all donors to read.
- There is no limit to the number of grants awarded to a program or building in a year.
- Equipment purchased with Foundation grant monies is owned by the District and stays at the school where the grant originated.
- Grant applications requesting technology equipment must be compatible with the district technology plan and must be approved by the technology department prior to submitting the application. Contact the Help Desk at 446-1090 to consult on software and electronic equipment.
- The Foundation may request additional information in evaluating grants.
- Transportation costs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- A designated Grant Committee will review all applications and make final approval decisions.
- Grantees must submit a final evaluation report. The Foundation will send an email reminder when reports are due.
Priority consideration will be given to proposals:
- Providing students with an enriched or enhanced learning experience.
- Showing creativity and innovation in their approach to education and educational goals.
- Piloting a project/program that provides innovative educational opportunities and has potential to become integrated into the District’s curriculum.
- Having the potential for both short-term and long-term educational impact.
- Collaborative in nature and funding. The Foundation may match funds from other organizations. School wide or district wide collaboration and sharing are encouraged.
- Focus on Fargo Public Schools educational goals and/or the Fargo Public Schools Strategic Plan.
Considerations for grants WILL NOT normally be given to projects:
- Funded by district, state, or federal funds, or should be funded by the District.
- Viewed as ineffective or not efficient use of Foundation funds.
- Lack an educational content or purpose.
- Funded continuously for three years.
- The Foundation will not fund furniture, ball chairs, carpet, lunches, or T-shirts.
- The Foundation cannot fund salaries or the purchase of gift cards for reimbursement.
Grant funds are paid to the district. The business office has set up Foundation Fund accounts for your building or program. Funds will be deposited into this account for your use. Reminder, funds in your building or program account may include other funds you have received from the Foundation. Make sure to use your budgeted funds when purchasing materials for your grant.
The Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation should be acknowledged in your school newsletter, the Journey/Schooltalk, any media, or other outlets for any funding that is provided.
