MINI-GRANT PROGRAM FOR INNOVATIVE PROJECTS
Purpose: The purpose of the Mini-Grant Program for Innovative Projects is the prepare today's students for tomorrow's challenges through innovative programs. We encourage creativity and collaboration in the development of your grant request. Please note: Equipment requests (computers, TVs, VCRs, calculators, telescopes, etc.) must be fundamental to carrying out the project, and may not exceed 50% of the total requested amount. ESD 101 staff will initially screen proposals for compliance with grant requirements.

The primary focus will be on innovative ideas with practical applications that promote student learning and engagement. Grant funds are not intended to replace programs currently funded by District monies, basic education requirements or core curriculums mandated by the State. Your proposal should support district of building goals.

Funding: The program is sponsored by ESD 101's In-Service Committee and is designed to augment the existing in-service training grant award program. In order to provide an opportunity for individuals, teams, buildings, or districts to accomplish their educational goals, funds will be distributed on the following competitive basis:

Requirements: Recipients will be given one year from approval notification to complete a project. Upon completion, and prior to payment of claims, grant recipients will be required to share the results of their projects in a written report.

Review Committee: Proposals will be reviewed by the In-service Committee which consists of educators and professionals from the ESD 101 region. Some funding requests may be only partially funded.

To Apply: Completely fill out the Mini-Grant for Innovative Projects proposal and send it to ESD 101 on or before the designated deadline. If typing or printing the proposal form from your computer, adhere to the space requirements on the original proposal form. No font size smaller than 12 will be accepted.

Download forms here:   Innovative Projects   In-service Proposal  
                                               Innovative Grant Sample

Original proposal forms - faxed copies will not be accepted - are due in the ESD 101 office on or before 5:00 PM, May 2, 2008. Please mail or deliver completed original to Kandace Watkins, ESD 101, 4202 S. Regal St., Spokane, WA 99223-7738.

Note: The purpose of this grant is to fund innovative programs. If your need is for in-service, please use the In-service Proposal Form.

IN-SERVICE PROPOSAL POLICIES
Through State Certification Fees, ESD 101 provides grant funding for in-service workshops for teachers and administrators planned and sponsored by local school districts and area professional organizations. ESD 101 staff will initially screen proposals for compliance with the criteria below. Only those proposals that meet these criteria will be considered for funding. Please carefully adhere to the following guidelines:

• Cover Letter. The superintendent of other central office administrator must sign the cover letter. It should generally address the intent of the proposal. If the proposal is a reapplication, please indicate so in this letter. The original signed cover letter must be sent in with the proposal form.
• Needs Assessment (10 points). Provide evidence of a school, district, or ESD 101 needs assessment(s). Staff involvement could be through committee meetings, self-study committees, etc. Justification must be made for offering the proposed in-service.
• Goals and Objectives (10 points). Objectives should be outcome and/or quantifiable specific. What do you expect of participants upon completion of the in-service? Avoid general terms such as "gain better understanding" or "to increase level of awareness".
• General Program Description (10 points). Complete all sections:
  • A vita or resume may be attached. The committee encourages use of regional consultants whenever possible; experience regional consultants are the most cost-efficient and are usually available for follow-up consultation.
  • Retroactive proposals will not be funded. The beginning date for activities should be no sooner than one month after proposal deadline.
  • Provide specific location for in-service.
  • Mark appropriate answer.
  • State answer per individual teacher.
  • Provide detailed yet concise description of your planned activities.
  • Provide a comprehensive timeline for accomplishing the in-service within the allotted timeline of the grant.
• Assessment and Long-Range Planning (10 points). Address how the in-service fits into the district's and/or building's long-range planning for meeting the established school improvement plan goals. What are your anticipated outcomes for both participants and students? How will accomplishment of objectives be assessed? What activities will precede or follow the in-service?
• Target Audience. In-service activities for classified staff, students, and/or parents will not be considered. Indicate who the target audience is: teachers, administrators, ESA's or other categories and combinations. Indicate an approximate number that will participate in the in-service.
• Budget. Budget pages must be specific. Please itemize fully. Consultant fees and travel expenses will have first priority for funding. Funding is limited to $2,500. Only materials for participants' use during the in-service will be considered. Items that do not qualify for funding include: substitute fees and reimbursement, per diem fees, registration and tuition for college credit, stipends (salaries), lunches or dinners for workshop participants, capital expenditures (i.e. computer equipment, etc.). The budget proposal must be submitted with both in-service funds needed and 25% match/in-kind contribution. A personal services contract will be issued if the district is funded.

Workshop Evaluation. If the grant is awarded, a written report, an evaluation of the in-service, and sign-in sheets must be submitted following the event. In addition, the business manager must submit a Personal Services Claim Form and Transaction Recap. The award will remain unpaid until all items are completed and received. Payment will not be made for claims reflecting items not approved through the original proposal or which were to be paid by district contributions.

Contact:
Christine Tuckerman, Director
(509) 789-3606, ctuckerman@esd101.net

Nancy Comstock, Coordinator
(509) 789-3756, ncomstock@esd101.net

Kandace Watkins, Secretary
(509) 789-3547, kwatkins@esd101.net