The Spaulding Education Fund Grant Application-Guidelines

Who can apply for a Spaulding Education Fund Grant?

Any person affiliated with Manchester-Essex Regional Public Schools is welcome to apply for a Spaulding Education Fund Grant.  This includes teachers, administrators, counselors, coaches, parents and students.  The applicant must demonstrate that he/she is qualified to meet the proposed project’s objectives and able to fully implement the grant once funded.

What kind of project will be considered for funding by The Spaulding Education Fund?

The Spaulding Education Fund’s mission is to fund excellence in the Manchester-Essex Regional Schools.  The intent is to fund innovative programs within the Manchester-Essex Regional Schools, in support of teachers in their pursuit of academic excellence.  Grants will fund projects that impact a wide population of students as well as programs that target smaller groups.  Projects that reach or affect the broad student population are imperative, while programs that demonstrate the ability to make a significant difference in the lives of smaller groups of students with unique interests or talents are also of importance.  Typically, the value of individual grants awarded by The Spaulding Education Fund has ranged from $250 to $35,000.

How are technology oriented grants considered?

The Spaulding Education Fund supports and encourages the use of technology among teachers to further district goals, enhance the educational experience for students, and better prepare them for life in the 21st century. 

Expenditures for this program must be made for items of significant lasting value. These items include: 

• Computers 
• Software/Software Licenses
• Printers 
• Projectors 
• Peripheral Devices 
• Minor infrastructure improvements 

If your grant falls within these parameters, SEF's grants committee will forward your request to the district technology committee to be reviewed.  SEF relies upon the expertise of this group as a factor in the funding approval process.

All technology grants are submitted and reviewed once a year - during SEF's fall grant cycle.  Please speak with your department chair or principal before submitting any technology oriented grants, to ensure your request fits within the district's technology plans and parameters.

What kind of project will not be considered for funding?

The Spaulding Education Fund will not approve projects that are funded by the school budget such as basic supplies, or the development and continuation of programs that are within the current curriculum. Grant requests to fund sports-related initiatives that are not directly tied to the school’s curriculum will also not be considered. If the proposed project has other potential sources of funding, such as outside grants, state funding or the PTO, that information should be disclosed and will be considered. Grants involving technology will be forwarded to the district technology committee for review.

How to apply for a Spaulding Education Fund Grant?  

Please include as much information as possible to help us to better understand your request.  It is important that the proposed project is consistent with curriculum guidelines.  Please discuss your idea with your department chair and colleagues as a first step.  

A Letter of Support from your supervisor is required and should include the following:

• Project/Grant Title
• Confirmation that your request cannot be covered by the school’s budget
• Confirmation that your proposed project is consistent with curriculum guidelines, will not conflict with current curriculum, and is not already part of the current curriculum
• Confirmation that the applicant is able to fully implement the grant in a timely manner.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm that the Letter of Support has been submitted to The Spaulding Education Fund.  Applications are available on-line at www.spauldingeducationfund.org.  

Grant application and letter of support are due:

October 28, 2011 OR April 27, 2012

Submit by email to: grants@spauldingeducationfund.org