Foundation for
Salem Public Education
Salem Public Education
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Who can apply for a Foundation grant? Anyone, in conjunction with a teacher and/or principal. Teacher, parent, student, anyone associated with the schools interested in furthering the academic experience in accordance with our mission and goals. However, each application must be supported and signed by the building principal. How can I get an application form? Visit the website at www.salemedfoundation.org and download the form. Each building principal should have a hard copy available for photocopying.
What types of projects typically receive Foundation grants? The Foundation seeks to advance students’ educational experiences in science, math, arts and humanities. Proposed projects must go beyond the scope of those funded through the school system. Projects should seek to advance the partnership with the community and help students develop their talents, foster lifelong learning and citizenship and create an environment in which to pursue excellence. Click here to see a list of current grants. How much money is available for each project? The Foundation funds grants up to $750. Are there formal guidelines? Yes. The application cycle starts in January and grants are awarded in May, following the Foundation’s major fund-raising event. Applicants must follow the instructions on the application and complete all paperwork in a timely manner. Click here for more information and forms. Do I need to include a detailed budget with my application? Yes, the application form identifies what to include and how.
Can I add the cost of new equipment to my application? Generally, equipment alone does not qualify for a grant. Equipment required to complete a project or implement a program that meets the mission of the Foundation is considered. Equipment upgrades are considered on an individual basis. Can I submit more than one application? Yes, submit as many as you like, all are considered through a “blind process” so applicants can and often do receive more that one funded grant. When is the deadline for submission? March 18, 2008. Where do I send my completed application? One cover Information Sheet (signed by the building principal) and 5 copies of the Application(including the budget sheet) should be mailed to the Foundation for Salem Public Education P.O. Box 8184 Salem, MA 01970 How does the evaluation process work? Applications received on time are numbered, the cover (identifying) sheet is separated and set aside, and the 5 copies of the actual application and budget are distributed to the Grants Committee. Each committee member reads the grants and makes a determination based upon the scaling provided with each question. The Committee meets once or twice to review the merits of each application and final decisions are made with regard to the funds available. Once decisions are made, the cover sheets are reunited with the applications and awards are made public. The process starts in late March, funds determined in late April and final awards made in May. Recipients are encouraged to attend the Awards Ceremony. How can I find out the status of my application? Grantees are contacted by mail with regard to the awards in May. What is the next step if my application is awarded a Foundation grant? Attend the Awards Ceremony in May and your award letter and check will be distributed at that time. What if I fail to complete the project? You are responsible for completing a brief Grant Report upon completion of the project. In addition, all receipts must be sent to the Foundation for tax purposes. If you are unable to complete the project, please let us know – in writing – as soon as possible and all monies are to be reimbursed to the Foundation. If you fail to forward receipts from completed projects, you will be ineligible for future grants. If I have any additional questions, how can I contact the Foundation? Please send an e-mail to the Foundation Assistant at lddionne@comcast.net, or leave a message at (978)744-8008 and someone will call you back.