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Excellence Fund Grant Criteria and Guidelines
The ICCSD Foundation receives private contributions that are both designated (restricted) and undesignated (unrestricted). Undesignated contributions are deposited into the Excellence Fund and are disbursed within the Iowa City Community School District as Excellence Fund Grants. Approved grants are selected and announced each spring. Available funding is dependent on the undesignated or unrestricted contributions received by the ICCSD Foundation and may vary from year to year.
Excellence Fund grants follow the mission and vision of the ICCSD. They provide opportunities for innovative or enriching programs not possible through district funding alone.
Successful Excellence Fund Grant Applications:
- Have clear objectives
- Are aligned with District priorities and the Excellence Fund Grant goals
- Are cost-effective and include a sufficiently detailed budget
- Include information on project methods, materials, resource personnel, timelines, and evaluation components
- Do not, in any way, discriminate against students on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or socioeconomic status
Program/Project Eligibility:
- Only programs sanctioned and led by ICCSD staff, advisors or coaches are eligible
- Single classroom grants will not be considered if the project does not fall into one of the specified grant categories
- Grants are approved for one academic year. All grant project applicants, including those for sustaining programs, must reapply each year to be considered
- Administrator and curriculum coordinator approval is required for all grant applications
Grant Categories:
Funding applications will be accepted for the following grant categories described in greater detail below.
Excellence Fund Innovation Grants
- New and innovative programs, projects or teaching ideas that are not possible through district funding but are aligned with District goals.
- Programs designed to test new educational ideas in a small, controlled setting, with future district-wide implementation or expansion a possibility if results are successful and funding is available.
- Past grants in this category include Concussion Testing Software, Pre-K Science Discovery Kits, Special Ed. iPod Project, and Historical Anthologies.
Excellence Fund Program Development Grants
- Funding support to expand or improve existing programs through updated equipment, resource materials, staffing or other enhancements.
- Funding support to expand an existing program across a grade level or curricular area.
- Past grants in this category include World Language AV equipment, Garner Literacy Library, Digital Photography Upgrade, Iowa Teen Award Books, and Family & Consumer Science Technology Upgrade.
Excellence Fund Sustaining Program Grants
- Reoccurring district-wide programs that are supported by the curriculum, and selected by ICCSD administration as worthy of annual support.
- Programming offered to all students in a specific grade or curricular area.
- Programs for which district funding is not available to cover the full cost.
- Past grants in this category include Visiting Authors, Symphony Goes to School, and School of the Wild.
Excellence Fund STAR (STudents At Risk) Targeted Grants
- Grants awarded to schools or programs serving a high number of at-risk students.
- Funding to provide programming for at-risk students to promote academic and emotional growth and grade-level proficiency.
- Past grants in this category include the Tate Smart Board and APPLE Grants.
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Part A. General Information
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Please provide a descriptive title for your grant application.
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Please select the curricular area(s) that apply to your application.
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Grant Categories are described in the grant application instructions above. Please select the best match for your project.
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Please provide the name of the organization requesting the grant.
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Please select all schools that apply. Please note any limitations in the project description.
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Part B. Project Information
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Project Description (250 Words). Identify exactly what will be funded by the grant. Include a timeline for the project, assuming a July 1 award date.
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Needs and benefits to be derived (250 Words). Identify the specific needs and/or problems to be addressed by the grant. Quantify those needs and describe the relevance of this project to district priorities.
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Please enter the approximate number of students that will be served by the grant.
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Select all that apply.
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Describe the success factors for your project. (250 words). Identify any measureable objectives for your project.
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Part C: Project Budget
Funding for approved grants will be available July 1 of the funding year. Any funds not used for the stated purpose of the grant by June 30 at the close of the funding year will revert back into the ICSSD Foundation Excellence Fund.
Please be mindful that we cannot fund all projects each year; we ask that you consult your media specialist or other building resources to help you develop your project budget and find the best prices available. Your cost efficiency may allow us to fund more projects.
As you write your Supporting Budget Detail, please use the following checklist to be sure you have considered all costs associated with your project, as well as opportunities to refine or reduce your requested amount.
- Will this project or program require any extra equipment or support (light bulbs, extension cords, mounting brackets, carrying cases/carts, technical support or repairs, cataloging and processing costs)?
- Does the District have the capacity to provide on going support for the project, if ongoing support will be required? Has this support been approved by administration?
- Can this equipment be shared between classrooms or buildings?
- Have you checked to see if these materials are already available in your building or district?
- Have you received estimates from competing vendors to ensure your price quotes are competitive?
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Applicants may submit additional supporting budget documentation (equipment or product specifications and cost estimates) with the signed hard copy of this application. (250 words)
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If you are willing to accept reduced funding, please please explain and indicate the minimum amount required to achieve project goals.
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Please describe the other available funding sources.
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Carefully review your answers. Once you click “Submit,” you will not be able to revise your application. After clicking “SUBMIT” you will be prompted to print a copy of your completed application. Secure the necessary signatures on the hard copy as directed, attach any supporting documents and submit to the ICCSD Foundation office no later that 4:00pm on the first Monday of February.
If you have questions about the application or grant process, please contact the Foundation Office at 319-688-1012 or foundation@iccsd.k12.ia.us.
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