Grant Overview

Grant Overview

Spark Grant Overview:

The Bozeman Schools Foundation Spark Grant program provides opportunities for teachers and students to learn in new environments, experience creative teaching methods, and facilitate social and academic out of school experiences for students who need enrichment and support. Grants are accepted for amounts up to $1000, matching grants of $1000 and a few Grants of up to $3000 for larger projects.

Spark Grants are now closed for 2011. Please check back in July of 2012 to apply.

Grant Funding Timetable:

• On line application's will be accepted beginning July 1st 2012
• On line application's will close on October 12th 2012
• Grant recipients will be notified by November 2nd 2012

Grant recipients will have a 12 month period for program implementation beginning November 2012 through November 2013.

Grant Application Review:

Each Spark grant application will be reviewed by the BSF Spark Grant committee which is comprised of community members and BSF Board members. No quotas will be set by school, grade or subject matter and each application will be evaluated individually and on its own merits, subject to meeting the grant application criteria. Final decision on grant funding will be made by the BSF grant committee. The selection process will commence immediately after the application deadline and applicants will be notified of the Foundation's selections no later than 2 weeks after the application deadline.

Objectives:

To support creative program ideas that will enhance student learning and enrich their educational experience in Bozeman Public Schools

• To encourage teachers to foster collaboration and strengthen ties between the classroom and community including other non profits which support the schools

Types of Grants We Like to Fund:

• Pilot projects that may have District or school-wide implications once grant period has ended
• Classroom Projects aimed at improving student performance in a classroom setting including collaboration with other teachers, parents, etc. at a particular grade level
• School collaboration projects aimed at connecting various grade levels or an entire school in a program or project
• Projects that combine school curriculum with activities that partner with the community
• Programs specifically designed for high risk students

What We Cannot Fund:

• Food for events
• District required textbooks
• Projects that are intended to create a non profit or for profit venture
• Workshop or professional development fees that do not directly relate to students and clasroom project.
• Reimbursement for previously incurred expenses
• Substitute teachers
• Individual student scholarships for summer travel