ARISTOS PROGRAM
Background
For ten years, the Aristos Scholars and Grants Program has been funded by the Rennebohm Foundation in the amount of $750,000. Currently, the program is supported through a $200,000 grant from the Kelly Family Foundation through the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools. Through the use of these funds, the district created a prestigious group of Aristos Scholars who form a Think Tank of creative thinkers as well as award funding for innovative grants.
Aristos Scholars Academy
Aristos Scholars are identified through a nomination or self-nomination process. Teachers or administrators should have a demonstrated record of innovation, project implementation, successful project evaluation, creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and exhibit a district perspective and vision. Up to ten Aristos Scholars are selected each spring to form the Aristos Scholars Academy. The Aristos Scholars Academy is a prestigious MMSD Think Tank in which members explore district issues. Aristos Scholars are recognized at an annual Celebration Banquet, serve a three-year term, select future grant recipients, and participate in a two-day retreat to study educational issues. Go to http://bpaweb.madison.k12.wi.us/grants/aristos_about to download the nomination materials.
Aristos Grants
See the timeline, checklist, instructions, and application materials for further information.
9
2012 Grant Application Timeline
Aristos grant applications are accepted from January 17, 2012 until 4:00 PM, Thursday, March 1, 2012.
The signed original and 12 copies of your application must be received by Rita Applebaum, 132D Doyle Administration Building, by 4:00 PM on Thursday, March 1, 2012.
Applications available on the Grants and Fund Development Office website and the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools website / 11-1-11Online Grant Writers Information and Support Session / Date TBD, watch your email for more information
Grant Writers Support Sessions
During these dates and times, the Aristos mini-grant manager, Rita Applebaum, will be available via email ( or phone 663-1655) to answer your questions. You are welcome to contact her at other times as well, but at these specific times, she will be available. / 1-18-12, 3 PM – 5 PM and 2-15-12, 3 PM – 5 PM
Budgets and draft narratives submitted to relevant personnel (see Instructions, # 3) for review.
NOTE: Budgets and draft narratives submitted for review after 2-23-12 will not be reviewed. / 2-23-12
Respond to questions or concerns regarding budget review / 2-23-12 through 2-29-12
Application Deadline / 1-17-12 through 3-1-12
2012 Grant Application Checklist
_____ Read and follow the Application Instructions on pages 4 - 8
_____ Complete project narrative (not exceeding 3 pages)
_____ Contact the necessary personnel during proposal development to get sign off on the
proposed budget Note: Budgets and draft narratives must be submitted by 5:00 PM
on February 23, 2012 for review and sign-off.
_____ Complete project budget, including required signatures
_____ Complete cover page, including required signatures by your supervisor (e.g. Principal or
District department head), any significant partners
_____ Deliver the signed original and 12 copies of your completed application to
Rita Applebaum, Room 132D Doyle Administration Building, by 4:00 PM on
Thursday, March 1, 2011.
To get feedback on the appropriateness of your project idea for Aristos funding, please contact Rita Applebaum, 663-1655 (ph) or at .
INSTRUCTIONS
ARISTOS MINI-GRANTS
1. Purpose
The grant funds are used to:
· Support grants for innovative projects designed by MMSD teachers or administrators.
· Create a prestigious group of Aristos Scholars. Individuals selected to be Aristos Scholars will participate in the Aristos Scholars Academy, a Think Tank exploring district issues.
The Aristos program discourages applications for projects that have been implemented in the past in the district or school operating budget. In this regard, in order to provide an accurate answer to question #1.B in your project narrative, applicants are expected to make a good faith effort to research this question. A list of previously funded Aristos grants may be found on the Aristos section of the Grants and Fund Development Office website.
The Aristos program places a premium on creative proposals that offer new, innovative approaches to a particular educational issue, problem, or opportunity. Thus, while projects such as Read 180, Peaceful Playgrounds, family literacy nights, and elementary bookrooms have indeed had significant benefits for our students, the Aristos program will no longer consider them for funding.
2. Deadline
Only complete grant applications submitted prior to the March 1, 2012, 4:00 PM deadline will be considered for funding. A complete application consists of the Cover Sheet (with appropriate signatures), the project narrative (not to exceed 3 pages), and budget (pages 9, 10, 11, and 12 ONLY). Do not submit the timeline, checklist, instructions, or sample budget. Typed, word processed applications are required. Please consult with your principal/supervisor early in the proposal development process to ensure that your grant proposal is consistent with district and School Board policy and that he/she will be comfortable signing the application cover page when your proposal is ready for submission.
3. Required Review and Signoff Procedure
If your project includes payment to any staff, purchase of computer hardware or software, purchase of materials or supplies, and/or alterations to a school building or grounds, it must be reviewed and approved. Food for staff may not be budgeted.
If the proposal includes…. / contact…. / at….payment to staff* / June Glennon, Employment Manager, Human Resources. If you are unable to reach June Glennon, you may contact Heidi Tepp. / 663-1867,
663-1742,
computer hardware or software / William Smojver, Director of Technical Services / 663-5430,
alterations to buildings or grounds / John Finnemore, Director of Building Services / 204-7909,
supplies, equipment, or purchased services / Mary Teppo, Director of Administrative Services / 663-5931,
The budget and a draft of the narrative must be submitted to the required personnel by February 23, 2012 to allow sufficient time for them to review the budgets and for you to address any issues before the March 1, 2012 deadline. Approval is indicated by the appropriate staff member signing off on the signature spaces provided on the application budget form OR submission of a hard copy of an email showing communication between you and the required person with his/her approval of the intended use of grant funds.
* Use $19/hr for extended employment. This includes salary (range of $11/hr to $18.17/hr depending on years of service) and fringe benefits (Wisconsin Retirement System contribution and federal Social Security/Medicare taxes, about 20% of the hourly rate). You will receive $11/hr to $18.17/hr depending on your years of service and whether or not the work includes student contact. These rates are set by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between MMSD and Madison Teachers, Incorporated (MTI).
4. Eligible Applicants
Previously-selected Aristos Scholars and previous Aristos grant recipients are not eligible to apply for new grants. All other MMSD teachers and administrators are eligible to apply for either a grant or selection to the Aristos Scholars Academy. Other staff members are welcome to be part of your project team but may not be the team leader.
5. Grant Types and Amounts
The Aristos Scholars Program will provide funding to support new, creative initiatives to increase student success. Up to $10,000 will be awarded to support project implementation.
Grant Criteria:
The project must have a single author and:
Be a new, unique initiative
Detail an effective implementation strategy
Clearly define the purpose, rationale and target population
Exhibit project sustainability and replication
Grant Application Components:
Innovative, unique, or creative features
Purpose, rationale, and target population
Implementation plan/anticipated outcomes
Evaluation plan
Sustainability/replicability
6. Project Period
Funding is provided for projects to be conducted and completed during the 2012-13 school year.
Funding for approved projects will be available beginning July 1, 2012. If multiple funding sources
are required for successful completion of your project, release of your Aristos grant will be
contingent on (a) your securing the necessary additional funds, or (b) negotiating a scaled-down
project budget and design with Aristos Director, Rita Applebaum.
7. Award Announcements
Grant awards are expected to be announced in May.
8. Review Process
a) Grant proposals are judged by the Aristos Scholars, MMSD retirees, and others.
b) The rubric below is used to score your proposal with the following scoring system:
9-8-7 More than Acceptable
6-5-4 Acceptable
3-2-1 Less than Acceptable
Be sure to address these criteria directly in your project narrative and budget.
1. Innovative, unique, and creative (25%)In what ways does this project address a need in a new, creative/innovative fashion?
Ratings / Benchmarks
9
8
7 / The project has never been done before in MMSD; a new project; the idea is new; the project is unique; implementation and activities are unique; a new twist or approach.
6
5
4 / The project is similar to district initiatives; project supplements a current district initiative.
3
2
1 / The project is a replication an existing project in the district.
2. Purpose, rationale and target population (25%)
What needs will this project address? Who is the project intended to benefit? What is the estimated number of students, staff and/or families who will benefit from the project?
Ratings / Benchmarks
9
8
7 / The purpose, rationale, and target population are clearly defined and compelling; the need is clearly identified; the project promotes one or more of the aspects of the Framework: engagement, learning, and relationships.
6
5
4 / The project is not a high leverage project for a large number of students OR there are a small number of students reaping great rewards.
3
2
1 / The project is more of a luxury than a necessity; a need has not been established
3. Implementation Plan (20%)
How will the project meet the needs identified with goals, objectives and activities?
Ratings / Benchmarks
9
8
7 / The goals and objectives are clearly defined and measurable and focus on the project’s outcomes; activities include timeframe, target dates, person responsible for conducting the activity, start and end dates.
6
5
4 / The goals and objectives are established but the activities wouldn’t lead to the anticipated outcome; there is a lack of correlation (relationship) between the activities, goals, and outcomes.
3
2
1 / The goals and objectives are imprecise with little or no detail; activities lack implementation clarity
4. Evaluation Plan (20%)
Describe how progress toward each of the project objectives will be assessed.
Ratings / Benchmarks
9
8
7 / The evaluation plan is clearly linked to the goals and measurable objectives; it includes valid and reliable quantitative and qualitative measurements; and ongoing systematic monitoring of progress towards goals and objectives.
6
5
4 / The evaluation is incomplete; some goals and objectives are evaluated and measured or choice of evaluation tools is poor for what they’re trying to measure.
3
2
1 / The evaluation is either missing or does not connect with the goals and objectives established in the grant
5. Sustainability and Replicability (10%)
What is your strategy for sustaining this project after the grant period has ended? If not sustainable, what is the project’s potential impact beyond the grant period? What is the potential for replicating this project in the Madison Metropolitan School District?
Ratings / Benchmarks
9
8
7 / The strategy for sustaining the project after the grant has ended is clearly stated. The potential for replicating the project is evident.
6
5
4 / It’s either sustainable or replicable
3
2
1 / It is neither sustainable nor replicable
Percent of Score
1. Innovative, unique, and creative……………………………………………………………… 25%
2. Purpose, rationale, and target population are clearly defined and compelling…………. 25%
3. How will the project meet the needs identified with goals, objectives and activities? …. 20%
4. The project evaluation plan is linked to the goals and measurable objectives………….. 20%
5. The plan to sustain the project is clearly presented and the potential for replicating the
project is evident. ……………………………………………………………………………… 10%
100%
c) Applicants will be notified of final funding decisions in May 2012.
9. Project Evaluation
All grant recipients must submit a project evaluation following grant implementation. Forms and due dates will be provided to you well in advance of the deadline.
10. Applying to Multiple Funders
Applicants are encouraged to apply to multiple mini-grant funding sources, and to document these other applications in Part II of the budget page, since grantseeking is a highly speculative process with no guarantee of success. Do know that our mini-grant managers consult each other and, from time to time, make collaborative decisions in order to fund a project they like but which no single funder can fully support. Our MMSD mini-grant program managers, and indeed funders everywhere, will also see this as an indication of an applicant’s commitment to their project.
ARISTOS GRANT PROGRAM
APPLICATION COVER PAGE
2012-13
Project Title:
Project Leader:
(single author only; must be a teacher or administrator)
Project Leader’s b#: b______
Project Leader’s Title:
School/Department:
Amount Requested:
Project Abstract (Please limit to 50 words)
Signature of Project Leader, Supervisor and Partners
In addition to signing below, the Project Leader must secure their supervisor’s signature (e.g. Principal or district department head) below. Also, if a non-MMSD partner (e.g. consultants, colleges, community-based agencies) will play a significant role in your project, an authorized administrator from each one should sign below. (Use additional sheets if necessary.) Please note that by signing below, you authorize the district to share your proposal as a model – if it is funded by Aristos – with other staff in future years. Note to Principal/Supervisor: By signing below, you are indicating your comfort with the project described in this application, including its consistency with Board of Education and district policies.
______
Project Leader Signature Date
______