The Mary Ellen Thompson Music Fund was established by her daughters Jackie, Liz and Daphne to honor their mothers love for music.
“Our Mother had a deep understanding of the stresses experienced by elementary music educators and believed strongly in music education at that level, knowing what that could mean for children’s futures. She believed music made children better listeners, better learners, and allowed them to express themselves creatively through their personal expression and joy of music.”
The Mary Ellen Thompson Music Fund grant round deadline for applications is the 2nd Monday of January.
If you have any questions contact the Foundation office at fpsfound@fargo.k12.nd.us or call 701.446.1041.
Mary Ellen Thompson Funds Music proposals based on the following:
- Applicants must be Fargo Public School District Employees.
- 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.
Priority consideration will be given to:
- Grants will be allocated for the purpose of supporting elementary level music programs.
- Grants may be awarded to any elementary music teacher or classroom teacher or administrator who teaches or incorporates music into their curriculum, including working with visiting musicians.
- 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 music 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.
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.
- Applicants must be Fargo Public School District Employees.
- 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.
- 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.
Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation should be acknowledged in media or other outlets for any funding that is provided.
