what do ideal grant proposals look like?

Grant proposals will be evaluated according to how well they meet Friends criteria and metrics. Friends looks for proposals that target specific student groups, as well as those that support comprehensive programs for entire school communities. Innovative and creative proposals that directly impact the curriculum are a priority. Grants are awarded in all curriculum categories including fine arts, guidance, health/wellness, language arts, math, science, technology, and world cultures. Staff professional development and community/school collaborations will also be considered. Please refer to “Current & Past Grants” for listings of previously funded programs and projects. The Board will consider both larger, more ambitious grants as well as small requests that target simpler needs.

grant proposals: dos and dont’s

It is not the aim of Friends to provide funds that support current school operational costs. Funding may not be used for routine supplies and texts, utilities, a building’s operating costs, existing building and equipment maintenance, or staff salaries and wages. Proposals may, however, include a request for funds for project-related supplies and equipment, workshop fees, and/or educational resource materials. Any reusable materials and equipment made available through a grant will become the property of the Marblehead Public Schools. Friends will not issue grants to compensate people on an hourly basis, but in certain cases a fixed stipend may be awarded. Eligible applicants may include, but are not limited to: school personnel, parents, community members and professionals, businesses, and community or school organizations.

how much can we grant?

The Board will consider grants in tiers (based on the amount of money being requested) and apply a stricter standard for grants of a higher dollar amount: a request for a $10,000 program must clearly meet a higher standard of expectations than a request for a $200 project.

Friends Grant Applications Criteria & Metrics for a Successful Grant

Friends evaluate grant applications on a variety of factors. When reviewing grant applications, we consider how well the grant aligns with established criteria including:

• Quality of the Application

  • Fits with Friends mission

  • Clearly stated goals and objectives

  • Detailed description of the grant including a timeline of major milestones

  • Complete and comprehensive budget

  • Well documented research/rationale to support the grant

• Impact & Return on Investment

  • Dollars to student ratio – a grant can be targeted to a small group, we’re looking for the impact and “long tail” of the investment

  • High value for the dollars

  • Identify whether, if applicable, the grant reaches across grades, schools, and/or the district Viability & Sustainability

  • Support for the grant from appropriate stakeholders (e.g., building principal, other faculty, SPED team, guidance)

  • Plans to maintain and sustain the project beyond the initial grant funding (e.g., school budget, maintenance/facilities support, outside funding sources)

  • Resources and knowledge shared to continue the grant beyond the initial grant funding (e.g., grant can be implemented or maintained by colleagues in future years) Alignment with Curriculum

  • Grant enriches or extends the curriculum, student, and/or teacher experience in some capacity

  • Enhances the quality of education

  • Documented connection to MA educational frameworks

• Innovation & Creativity

  • New resource to be tested or piloted

  • New application of an existing resource

  • Opportunity to transform education or educational experience for teachers and/or students

Friends reviews each grant application in detail to determine how well it meets some or all of the criteria in a spectrum ranging from strongly and clearly
meets to does not meet the criteria.