Education Grant Guidelines

Education Grant Guidelines

2025 Education Grant Application

Grant applications due on February 7, 2025​

GRANT FUNDS MUST BE USED BY DECEMBER 31ST, 2025.  IF FUNDS ARE NOT USED BY THIS DATE YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RE-APPLY FOR THE 2026 GRANT.

The mission of the Arrow Education Foundation is to "provide resources to genuinely enhance opportunities for students in the Watertown School District".

The Foundation awards grants for creative and innovative educational projects and programs, which are beyond the scope of the regular school budget.

Eligibility

All Watertown Public School District pre-kindergarten to grade 12 staff are eligible to receive grant funds. Grant awards must benefit public education to students. Applicants may be one or more teachers, a group of teachers/staff, or another WSD employee group.

Proposed projects may be for a classroom, a department, an individual student, a group of students or WSD staff, a grade level, a school, several schools, or the entire Watertown School District.

Grant Development

Grants are awarded for enrichment, creative and innovative educational projects. Innovative Is defined as the process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products, services or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value. It involves transforming creative concepts into tangible outcomes that improve efficiency and effectiveness, or address unmet needs. The purpose of Enrichment is to provide extended learning opportunities and support the teacher or classroom with supplies, equipment, educational materials and with activities such as field trips, guest speakers, hands-on learning projects and problems-solving exercises. Enrichment gives students the opportunities to try new and varied activities that develop character, resilience and motivation and encourage them to pursue wider goals.

Possible grant requests may include:

  • New or innovative equipment, technology, or tools for a school or classroom.

  • A one-time event or experience that offers students a unique experience that would not otherwise be available.

  • An immediate impact grant that boosts a program or activity to another level.

  • Educational experiences for students who may not otherwise afford the experience. (i.e.

    matching funds for camps, lessons, or training).

  • Advanced professional opportunities for WSD staff that would enhance departmental expertise and student educational opportunities.

  • Health and Physical Education to enhance school health and physical education activities.

  • Co-Curricular optional organized activities that complement academics.

Guidelines:

  • Grants may request from $100.00 to $5,000.00.

  • The full cost of the grant may be funded by the Foundation alone or in partnership with other donors

  • One person or several people may apply for the grant. All applicants must be Watertown School

  • District employees. List all people who are applying for the grant.

  • Grant applications need to describe the project clearly and specifically. Include graphs, drawings,

    descriptive materials, catalog pictures and costs of materials as appropriate. Non-educators as well as educators will assess the application so explanations need to be in common language.

Considerations:

  • Consult with your principal or director about all grant ideas prior to writing a proposal.

  • Building principals need to indicate, when necessary, whether their building budget will be able to

    sustain the grant.

  • Principals should also assure that the project cost cannot be funded from the regular school budget

    or a federal/state program.

  • Grant proposals should align with the philosophy and needs of the district. They must not conflict with district programming or supplant the curriculum or budgeting processes. Consult with the curriculum director if you have questions.

  • Grants involving technology (including licenses or internet connection) need to be discussed with

    the technology department before being submitted to ensure compatibility with district resources.

  • The budgeted costs must be reasonable, allowable, and cost effective for the activity proposed

Application Process:

  • Application materials are found at www.arroweducationfoundation.org.

  • Applications may be submitted anytime before 4:00 p.m. on the deadline date.

  • Late applications will not be considered.

Selection Process:

  • A granting committee comprised of community and Foundation board members will review the grant applications.

  • Preference will be given to grants that advance District goals, align with the curriculum, and enhance the learning

    experiences for all students.

  • Applicants will be notified by Arrow Education Foundation whether their application has been awarded or declined.

Upon Receipt of the Grant:

  • Grantees agree to use Foundation funds solely for the purpose requested.

  • Any modifications or substitutions to grant awards should be discussed with the AEF director.

  • Grant funds must be used by December 31st of the year granted. Unused grant funds will be

    returned to the Arrow Education Foundation.

  • All materials purchased with Foundation funds must stay within the district, but may move with the

    grant recipient from one classroom or school to another.

Recognition:

  • Grantees are encouraged to promote their award and acknowledge the Arrow Education Foundation as the donor.

  • When and where possible, gifts should be tagged with AEF tags; please request tags from the AEF office.

  • Grantees should provide photos and information to the Foundation that demonstrate use of the grant funds for public relations purposes.

  • Grantees may be asked to speak about their grants to the AEF Board, other faculty, or Harvest attendees.

A granting committee, comprised of community and Foundation board members, will review the grant applications.