Mt Vernon Education Foundation Grant Handbook 2023-24

Vision &Mission Vision

Creativity, ingenuity, and opportunity will flourish in ourcommunity.

• MVEF will operate at the forefront of education foundations.

• MVEF will invest in practices, programs, and initiatives thatpreparestudentsofallagestobesuccessful.

• MVEF will collaborate with educators to create challenging, meaningful, and relevant learning experiences.

• Students will have a passion for lifelong learning. They will be critical thinkers, innovators, respectful and compassionate individuals, and socially responsible globalcitizens.

• Education will be a shared responsibility among parents, students, school personnel, higher education partners,andcommunitymembersatlarge.

Mission

courageandsupportcreativity,innovation,and excellencethatconnectandenhanceeducational opportunites.

Weextendawarmwelcometoeachandeveryoneofyou!YourenthusiasmforMVEFGrantshasthrilledus, andweareconfidentthatthisGrantSuccessGuidewillserveasaninvaluableresourceasyouconsider applyingforagrant.Ouraimistoaddressallyourqueriesandprovideyouwiththenecessaryinformation. ForthosewhohavepreviouslyappliedforagrantfromtheFoundation,weareexcitedtoannouncethatwe havemadesignificantimprovementstoourprogram.Theseenhancementsaredesignedtobenefitboth youandtheexceptionalstudentsinourdistrict.

Applicationsarenowopenfromthebeginningoftheschoolyearandwillbereviewedonabi-monthlybasis. Thefundingamountsaredeterminedonaslidingscale,takingintoconsiderationthenumberofstudents whowillbenefitfromthegrantfunds(seedetailsbelow) Inordertoensurethatyourprojectalignswithour fundingobjectivesandtoprovideguidanceifyouhaveanyuncertaintiesaboutyouridea,pleasecontact mesowecandiscuss

WeareconfidentthatthesechangeswillprovebeneficialtoyouandourMVEFlearners!Weencourageyou tothoroughlyreadthisguide,whichprovidescomprehensiveinformationaboutourgrants,factorsto considerbeforeapplying,andguidanceoncraftinganoutstandingapplication Ifyouhaveanyquestions, pleasedon'thesitatetocallusatextensionx8110oremailmeatRenee@MtVernonFoundation.org Bestregards,

ReneeOldham ExecutiveDirector

WhoCanApply

Teachers,counselors,librarians,nurses,andsocialworkerscanapplyforMt.VernonEducation FoundationGrants.

Pleasenotethatteachingteamscanonlyreceivefundingforonegrantperschoolyear

HowMuchCanYouRequest?

Theamountyoucanrequestisdeterminedbythenumberofstudentswhowillbenefitfromthe grant Aclassroomprojectcanrequestupto$500,andaschool-wideinitiativecanrequestupto $3,000 Seethegraphictothebelow!

WhatCanYouApplyFor?

WeareexcitedtofundimpactfullearningexperiencesforMVEFstudents!Projectproposalsshould incorporateoneormoreofthefollowingMVEFandMVCSCpriorities:

ExperientialLearningOpportunities,includingoutsidetheclassroom

Experiential Learning is the process of learning by doing. By engaging students in hands-on experiences and reflection, they are better able to connect theories and knowledge learned intheclassroomtoreal-worldsituations.

RealWorldLearningexperiences

Real World Learning is an approach to learning that involves schools working with community partners and industry experts to engage students in authentic, relevant problems,projects,andexperiencesthatdevelopcareerawarenessandreadiness.

ProjectBasedLearning

It emphasizes real-world problem-solving, allowing students to work on projects that are directlyrelevanttotheirlivesandtheworldaroundthem.

Projects or experiences that help students gain skills and career readiness identified in the GraduationPathway

While we appreciate the need to replenish classroom materials such as books and STEM supplies, we will not fund the purchase of these types of supplies unless they are a component of a larger project.

PROJECTIDEAS

ACTIVElearning

ImmersiveopportunitieswithFIELDEXPERTS. ENTRYEVENT

ratherthanpassive. DOINGorCREATINGratherthanconsuming. EXPERIENCESratherthansupplies.

ApplicationProcess 05

STEPS STEPS

WelcometotheapplicationprocessfortheSchool andClassroomEnrichmentGrantforthe2023-24 academicyear.TheMt.VernonEducationFoundation isdelightedtoofferdirectfundingtostaffintheMt. VernonCommunitySchoolCorporation,supporting theirinnovativeprojects. Asthephilanthropicpartnerofthedistrict,we collaboratewithprivatefoundations,individuals,and corporatesponsorstostrategicallyinvestin programsthatensureallMt.Vernonstudentshave theopportunitytosucceed.Werecognizethe significanceoftheseclassroomgrantsinfunding projects

thatarecreative,engaging,andtransformative, ultimatelymakingadifferenceforyourstudents. Weappreciateyourdedicationtothesuccessof ourstudentsandthankyouforapplyingforthis grant.TheMt.VernonEducationFoundationhas beenservingasaresourcepartnerfor educationalexcellenceforourMt.Vernon studentsfor17years.

Beforesubmittingyourapplication,please carefullyreadthefollowinginformation. Incompleteapplicationsorthosethatdonot meetourcriteriawillnotbeconsidered.

IntroducingaConceptApprovalStepintheGrantApplicationProcess

We are thrilled to introduce a new and improved grant application process that has been carefully crafted to align your project idea with the goals and requirements of the Foundation By implementing thisprocess,weseektomaximizetheimpactofthegrantsweaward Intheeventthatyourprojectidea doesnotalignwiththespecificgoalsoftheMVEFGrants,wewillpromptlynotifyyou,ensuringthatyou donotinvestvaluabletimeincompletinganapplicationthathaslimitedpotentialforfunding

September28,2023

November30,2023

January25,2024

March26,2024

Applications*willbereviewedonabi-monthlybasisandgrants willbeawardeduponapprovaloftheMVEFBoardofDirectors

ApplicationsDue ApplicationsAwarded

Ifyourapplicationisselectedforfunding,youwillbeemailed thehappynewsorsurprisedinyourclassroombyAMVEF representative!MVEFwillplaceyourorderforyourproject. Expecttoreceiveby30daysfollowingboardapproval.

ReportingRequirements

p p l i c a t i o n A p p l i c a t i o n

Inreturnforfundingyourproject,wewanttoseeyourimpact! completing a brief final report by the end of the school year or as soon as your project is complete. We need to know if the awarded project's outcomesmet(orexceeded)expectations!

We also require photos or videos of students engaged in grant-funded learningtosharewithoursupporters

We occasionally invite community stakeholders to observe the impact of their investment in MVEF classrooms. Of course, we'd arrange any visitswithyoufirst!

Win-WinSharing

Wewillshareyourgrantprojectonsocialmediaandinnewsletters tooursupporters

Likewise, we encourage you to share your project made possible through Foundation grant funds in classroom newsletters and your socialmedia

I N F O I N F O

BePrepared

ToAnswerTheseQuestions!

Whythisproject?

Whatinspiredit?

Howwillyourprojectdirectlyimpactstudents?

Whatisyourlearninggoal?

HowdoesyourprojectincorporatetheMVEF/MVCSCprioritiesofexperientiallearning,realworldlearning,orproject-basedlearning?

Wouldasmallpilotbeappropriate?

Have you checked that the resources you need aren't already available in your building or atthedistrictlevel?

Haveyoutalkedaboutyourprojectideawithyourschoolprincipalorsupervisor?

Whendoyouplantoimplementtheproject?

Howwillyouknowifyourprojecthasbeensuccessful?

How do you plan to share your project's impact and outcomes with colleagues and the community?

Ifyourprojectproposalisapproved,youwillbeemailedtheapplicationformandbudget!

APPLICATIONFORM&BUDGET

Theapplicationformasksforthisinformation:

Amountofrequest

Thestudentpopulationthatwillbenefitfromthegrant

Estimatednumberofstudentswhowillbenefitfromthegrant

Topic/subjectyourstudentswillbelearningaboutMVEFpriority(s)bestaligns

WithaProjectsummaryandadetaileddescription

Projectevaluationplan

Planforassessingstudentlearning/growth

ThebudgetformshouldbecompletedinExcel/Sheets,andyouwillneedtolistalltheitemsyou wouldpurchase,wheretheywouldbepurchasedfrom,shippingandhandlingcosts,andifthey arenecessaryorsimplyhelpfulfortheproject'ssuccess

***PLEASE NOTE You don't need your principal's or supervisor's grant signaturetoapplybutyoumustdiscussandinformthemofyourproject

GrantReportandMedia Agreement2023-2024

Iagreetopromotethisgrantonsocialmediaplatforms(ie Twitter,Facebook,Instagram),totag #MTVernonEdFoundation),MVCSC,yourschool,andschoolPTO.Mediapostsandphotosmaybe usedinMVEFpublicity.

Iagreetomakesurethatanystudentrepresentedinphotosormediaisallowedtobe photographedandhavetheirphotographsharedonpublicplatforms.

Iagreetoprovidephotoand/orvideodocumentationofthisproject,inthemannerrequestedby MVEF(ie Googleupload)inthehighestqualitypossible,ofmyprojectinactiontoMVEF Media postsandphotosmaybeusedinCEFpublicity.

Iagreetosharethereceiptofthisgrant,alongwithoutcomes,withparentsofparticipating studentsorotherpertinentparties.

Iagreetoprovideatestimonialstatementasrequested TestimonialsmaybeusedinMVEF materials

Iagreetoprovideafinalreport(templatewillbeprovided)ontheoutcomesofthisprojecttoMVEF within30daysofprojectcompletion

Signature: Date:

Student Grants

DOYOURSTUDENTSHAVEABIGIDEA?

TheMt VernonEducationFoundationwantstogivestudentsreal-worldlearningopportunitiesto applyforagrantto:

Herearesomepossibleideas

StudentGrantswehavefundedorwouldconsiderfunding:

OutdoorClassroom

Campusbeautification/ecosysteminitiative:installbirdfeeders,plantshrubsandtrees,and install-trashcanstokeeptheplaygroundandcampusfreeoflitter

MusicLaborWriter'sDeninalibrary(HighSchool)

"Belonging"initiativetowelcomenewstudents(suggestedMiddleSchoolinitiative)

MVEFrecognizesthesignificanceofsupportingstudentpassionprojectsduetothefollowing reasons:

EncouragingLearnerAgencyandEnthusiasm:Byfosteringlearneragency,MVEFaimstoignite enthusiasmforschoolandlifelonglearningamongstudents Whenstudentsaregiventhe opportunitytopursuetheirpassions,itenhancestheirsenseofownershipovertheireducation. Supportingstudentpassionprojectscultivatescuriosity,self-motivation,andadrivetoactively participateintheireducationaljourney

EmpoweringStudentstoMakeaDifference:MVEFbelievesinempoweringstudentsbyhelping themrealizetheirpotentialtocreatepositivechangeintheirschoolsandcommunities.Through passionprojects,studentsdiscovertheircapacitytomakeameaningfulimpact MVEFsupports theseprojectstoinspirestudentstotakeonleadershiproles,embracetheirabilities,and contributetothebettermentoftheirsurroundings

PromotingCollaboration,Teamwork,andSharedVision:Groupprojectsareinstrumentalin teachingstudentsthevalueofcollaboration,teamwork,andworkingtowardsasharedvision MVEFrecognizestheimportanceoftheseskillsinstudents'personalandprofessionalgrowth By supportingstudentpassionprojects,MVEFfostersanenvironmentthatencouragescollaborative learningexperiences.StudentslearntocommunicateEffectively,respectdiverseperspectives, andworktogethertowardsacommongoal

MVEF'ssupportforstudentpassionprojectsstemsfromthebeliefinlearneragencyandits abilitytocultivateenthusiasmforschoolandlifelonglearning.Theempowermentstudents experiencewhenrealizingtheirpotentialforimpactdrivesMVEF'scommitment Additionally,MVEF acknowledgestheimportanceofcollaboration,teamwork,andsharedvisioninpreparing studentsforsuccessinvariousaspectsoflife.

WELOVESUPPORTINGSTUDENTPASSIONPROJECTS!

StudentGrants

MVEFAPPLICATIONPROCESS

TobegintheMVEFapplicationprocess,pleasefillouttheformbelowtoscheduleadiscussionwithMVEF ExecutiveDirector Thisconversationwillprovideanopportunitytoexplorethestudentprojectideaindetail

Iftheprojectreceivesapproval,yourassistancewillbecrucialinhelpingthestudentsorganizethemselves intogroups,assigningrolesforresearch,budgeting,andpreparingapresentationforsubmissiontothe Foundationforfundingconsideration

Oncethestudentsareready,wewillarrangeadesignatedtimeforthemtopresenttheirBIGIDEAtothe Foundation Inordertoensureaseamlessexperience,pleaseshareapreviewofthepresentationwithMVEFso thatwecanhaveaclearunderstandingofwhattoexpect Ouraimistosurprisethestudentswithacheck followingtheirpresentation Wewillcollaboratecloselywithyoutoexpeditetheprocessandmaintainthe enthusiasmofthestudents

Pleasebearinmindthatfundingisnotguaranteed,andwereservetherighttomakenecessaryadjustments totheStudentGrantapplicationprocesses OnceourallocatedStudentGrantfundsforthe2023-24period havebeenfullyawarded,wewillnolongerbeabletoacceptnewapplications

NOTE:Ifyouhaveamotivatedstudentinterestedinacommunity-enhancing/serviceprojectoran individualresearchproject,weencourageyoutocompletetheformandscheduleacallwithourExecutive Director.Wearecommittedtosupportingpassionprojectsforbothindividualsandgroups!

*Disclaimer:Thesurprisepresentationofacheckissubjecttosuccessfulfundingandmaynotbeguaranteed forallprojects.

HOWARESTUDENTGRANTSDIFFERENTFROMMVEFGRANTS?

FUNDINGREQUEST

$1000MaxSchool-WideInitiative $500MultipleGradeInitiative $250Classroom,GradeLevel,orClubInitiative

Our MVEF Grants allow teachers to request funding to enrich student learning based on their expertise Students Grants give students the opportunity to take the lead in securing funding for a project they initiate and develop!

Themostimpactfulprojectsinitiatedbystudentsoftenstart withthemaskingquestionslike,"Canwe?"or"Whatifwe?" followinganengagingexperienceorunitofstudy!