Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide a permanent, charitable, foundation of community, businesses, and parents, partnering with Hickory Public Schools to enhance opportunities for all students.

EDUCATION. WELL CRAFTED. MINI-GRANT

Purpose of the Program

Hickory Public Schools Education Foundation, Inc. is committed to the continuous improvement through creative teaching in our school system. Because of this, HPS Foundation funds the Mini-Grant Program to facilitate continuous improvement, positive change, and growth within our schools. The spirit of the mini-grant program embodies HPS Foundation’s vision of “Ensuring Success of Every Child…Every Day”.

Eligibility

Faculty (individual or group), and staff members of Hickory Public Schools (individual or group), are eligible to apply.

Funding

Maximum award is $2,500 per grant. The Mini-Grant Program is funded using proceeds from the donations to the Hickory Public Schools Education Foundation.

Grants are reviewed using the following guidelines and considerations:

·  First time applicants will be given extra consideration.

·  Projects and activities must be related to the applicant’s current position in Hickory Public Schools.

·  Projects that support the mission of the Education Foundation.

·  Projects dedicated to innovation to foster continuous improvement.

·  Projects that have a high degree of positive impact on the school.

·  Projects that embrace innovative teaching tools and techniques to complement and enhance learning.

Mini-Grant Receipt Guidelines:

·  Funds must be used within the school year in which they are awarded.

·  Projects must be completed within one year from the date of award.

·  Any unused grant funds must be returned to the general Mini-Grant fund for redistribution.

·  A final report must be submitted once the project is completed and include some form of marketing – (video, YouTube, etc.).

Evaluation Criteria for Awarding Grants:

·  Innovative approach to improved instructional practices

·  Solves an educational problem or meets a significant educational challenge

·  Can be sustained without additional financial support

·  All required elements are clearly presented in the proposal

Restrictions include the following:

·  Each applicant may receive only one grant per school year.

·  Proposals seeking funds for educator salaries, released time, or expenses related to professional development will NOT be accepted.

·  All proposals must be endorsed by the school’s principal.

·  Recipients agree to allow the Foundation to use their name, photo, and project for press releases and social media to promote the Foundation. Attached release form must be submitted with application.

Application Process:

·  Applications are available online through the Hickory Public Schools Education Foundation Website.

·  Complete the application and obtain the signature of your principal.

·  Submit your application to the Hickory Public Schools Administration Office

Attention: Sandi Fotheringham, Executive Director

HPS Ed. Foundation, Inc.

OR

You may e-mail your application to

DUE DATE: OCTOBER 15

Notification of awards will be made within 90 days of submission. Grant submissions may be judged by members of the Education Foundation and a panel of educators and/or members of organizations outside Hickory Public Schools. All revenues must be spent with the application fiscal year - July 1 to June 30.

Hickory Public Schools Education Foundation, Inc.
Education. Well Crafted. Mini-Grant Application
USE THIS FORM AS YOUR COVER SHEET.
PROVIDE PROJECT INFORMATION ON ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NEEDED.
Name of Project: / Application Date:
General Information: / Type of Request (check all that apply):
New Project
Continuation of Existing Project
First Time Applicant
Other
Explain:
Applicant/Project Leader Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Project Rationale and Description
Explain why this project is needed and give a brief overview of the project activities, including a timeline.
Benefits & Objectives
Explain how the project will benefit the students and the school community. Clearly state objectives and identify how the project will support HPS Education Foundation vision.
Evaluation
Briefly describe evaluation techniques that will be used to measure the success of the project.
Dissemination
Provide a plan to disseminate and share project results/findings to
colleagues upon completion of the project.
Budget
Please provide a line-item budget for all expenses related to this project, noting any other sources of funding.
Category / Amount / Explanation
Comments
Authorizing Signatures:
Principal Date
For Review Committee Use Only
Granted Not Granted / Date:
Comments:

PUBLICITY/MEDIA RELEASE FORM

I agree to give Hickory Public Schools Education Foundation, Inc. and/or the news media permission to use my name, photographs, videos, and project information for promotional purposes.

______

Print Full Name

______

Signature

______

Date

BELOW IS THE RUBRIC WHICH WILL BE USED TO EVALUATE THE PROJECTS.

Education. Well Crafted. Mini-Grant Request
Evaluation Form
Project Name: ______Evaluation Date: ______
Applicant’s Name: ______
Project Description 40 points / Comments
1.  Did the applicant describe the project and how funds will be used? / Yes / No
2.  Does the project relate to the applicant’s current position in the Hickory Public Schools? / Yes / No
3.  Is the project dedicated to innovation to foster continuous improvement? / Yes / No
4.  Does the project embrace innovative teaching tools and techniques to compliment and enhance learning? / Yes / No
Benefits & Objectives 20 points / Comments
5.  Does the project appear to have a high degree of positive impact or benefit to student learning? / Yes / No
6.  Does the project have clearly stated objectives? / Yes / No
Evaluation 10 points / Comments
7.  Does the project include measures for success? / Yes / No
Budget 10 points / Comments
8.  Does the project have a line-item budget for all expenses? / Yes / No
Dissemination 10 points / Comments
9.  Does this project provide a plan to share results/findings upon completion? / Yes / No
Miscellaneous 10 points / Comments
10.  Is this a first time applicant? / Yes / No

General Comments: