I. FUNDING CRITERIA

In keeping with its philosophy and purpose, the Foundation will select those programs, activities and purchases which will enhance and support educational opportunities for the students in District 301.

1. Foundation funds will be appropriated for initiatives such as:
   1. Student enrichment programs and activities
   2. Special programs and activities for parents, students and the community with district approved speakers and resources
   3. Opportunities for children to explore environmental, community, and societal topics
   4. Programs and activities aimed at fostering the understanding and sharing of multicultural experience
   5. Support of district-sponsored academic pilot programs
   6. Please Note: Grant applications for less than $2000.00 will be given stronger consideration by the Grant Review Committee
2. The Foundation will not fund:
   1. District 301 staff salaries.
   2. Purchase of textbooks that are part of regular curriculum.
   3. T-shirts, uniforms, or incentive merchandise.
   4. Professional development coursework for staff.
   5. Food items required as part of the instructional program.
   6. Furniture (of any kind)
   7. Computer hardware.
3. Foundation funds will only support programs, activities, and purchases which are not part of the District’s regular operating budget.
4. The goal of the Foundation will be to fully fund as many grants as possible that meet the Foundation funding criteria.
5. All grade levels and curriculum areas will be considered.
6. All funds not used at the end of the grant cycle must be returned to the Foundation.
7. Repeat funding for the same grant project will only be considered for a total of three years. Grants re-submitted beyond the three-year limit will not be considered.

II. PROCEDURE FOR REQUESTS

1. Requests may be initiated by school personnel, faculty, and administrative personnel.
2. Complete application submission information which is available on the Foundation’s website: Central Foundation
3. Application deadline is as follows:
   1. Applications for Grants must be submitted by:
      5:00 p.m. on September 15, 2025 for first semester funding
      5:00 p.m. on January 15, 2026 for second semester funding

III. SELECTION PROCEDURE

1. The chairperson of the Central Education Foundation will appoint a selection committee (Selection and Awards Committee), consisting of up to three board members.
2. A District representative will be included when reviewing proposals for funding.
3. The Foundation board members will annually approve a budget which establishes funds available for distribution.
4. All requests will be reviewed for compliance with the philosophy, goals, objective and criteria outlined in Sections I, II, and IV of this document.
5. Grants submitted without an itemized budget will be denied.
6. The Selection and Awards Committee will recommend proposals for funding to the Board of Trustees of the Foundation who will, by majority vote, make final selections.
7. The Foundation is not obliged to explain request denials, but may honor such requests at the discretion of the Selection and Awards Committee.

IV. SELECTION CRITERIA

All grade levels and curriculum areas will be considered. All requests will be reviewed by the Selection and Awards Committee in the context of the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the Foundation.

The following criteria will guide deliberations regarding requests:

1. Number of students benefited
2. Benefits to a diverse student group
3. Inability of existing district programs to provide the requested program or activity
4. Positive continuing benefit
5. Degree to which the program is innovative and promotes enhancement in education
6. Programs and activities with a high level of student engagement will be prioritized.
7. Completeness of the grant application, including budget details. Requests for funding without specific information on how the funds will be spent will be denied.

These criteria will not necessarily be the only criteria used to make the final selection and decision.

V. APPROPRIATION PROCEDURES

The Board of Trustees will appropriate funds for approved projects and initiatives in one of the following ways:

1. If the project is approved, it will be fully funded within one year or funded to the best of the Foundation Board.
2. Grant winners will be notified by a CEF member within ten working days of grant submission.
3. Grant funds will be awarded 10-15 business days after approval

VI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GRANT

1. The Central Education Foundation District 301 shall be recognized by name (CEF) as donor/sponsor on all written materials used in the funded project and in all publicity that relates to the funded project or program.
2. Social media mentions of the grant project shall include recognition of the District 301 Education Foundation as donor/sponsor. Whenever possible the Foundation’s social media accounts should be https://301foundation.org/
3. Grant recipients shall notify the Foundation Board when their grant project is complete. Along with this notification, grant recipients shall provide photographs depicting the project or written acknowledgement describing the successful project. Photographs will be used to publicize the Central Education Foundation in fundraising efforts to ensure the growth of the Grant program.