Funding Resources and Requirements LUCAS MATTERA CGS 5310: TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERS FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY JUNE 29, 2015

Farnell Middle School Tampa, Florida Top 3 Specific Needs: 1) STEM 2) Anti-Bullying 3) Arts Education

STEM Grant Name: Toshiba America Foundation Grants for Grades 6-12 Funding Agency: Toshiba America Foundation Eligibility Requirements: Science and math teachers in public or private (non-profit) schools may apply for grants to support classroom science and math education. Endorsement from a school official is required (Toshiba, 2015). Applications must be for project based learning. Grant Proposal Writing: Easiest Part Online Application Rolling deadline for grant requests of less than $5000 A fully online application is convenient, allowing applicants to save their progress and return to their work at a later time. They can also access the application from virtually anywhere. A rolling deadline is similarly convenient, enabling the applicant to begin the process at any time throughout the year. Most Challenging Part Little information is provided prior to beginning the application process Rather than offering details about the application process online, you must call Toshiba for the grant-making guidelines The lack of information that is available upfront was frustrating. The suggestion that applicants call Toshiba directly adds an extra step to the time consuming process of writing the proposal.

Anti-Bullying Grant Name: School Climate Transformation Grant Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Eligibility Requirements: Eligible Applicants include Local educational agencies (LEAs), or consortia of LEAs, as defined by section 9101(41) of the ESEA. (41) STATE EDUCATIONAL AGENCY- The term State educational agency' means the agency primarily responsible for the State supervision of public elementary schools and secondary schools (U. S. Department of Education, 2014). Grant Proposal Writing: Easiest Part Online Submission Technical Assistance Workshops for Potential Applicants An online submission offers convenience for applicants. Along with the Technical Assistance Workshops, extensive resources are provided including a link to questions posed by previous applicants and the answers. Most Challenging Part National Grant – Lots of Competition Federal Program requires many extra forms With a relatively small estimated number of awards, 118, the level of competition will presumably be high and it will be challenging to draft a proposal that substantially separates each application from the next. Completing all of the forms needed to fulfill the application requirements is a challenging task.

Art Education Grant Name: Teacher Incentive Grants Funding Agency: National Art Education Foundation Eligibility Requirements: The NAEF Grant Program is open to active NAEA members who have been members for at least one year prior to the date of application; to state/province associations of NAEA; and to recognized special issues groups of NAEA. Previous funding is not a guarantee of future funding (National Art Education Association, 2015). Grant Proposal Writing: Easiest Part Highly detailed grant guidelines The Grant Program Information and Application Materials are compiled into a well-organized 25 page document that seems to address every conceivable question and concern regarding the application process. Most Challenging Part Application NOT Online Highly detailed grant guidelines Limited number of grant recipients The hand-written grant application format, as well as the highly detailed grant guidelines, may serve as a deterrent for many potential applicants. The limited number of recipients increases competition, posing an additional challenge to grant writers.

Alternative Funding Sources There are a number of alternative funding sources available to educators at Farnell Middle School. At the district level, the Hillsborough Education Foundation offers grant funding between $500 - $2500 in a number of areas, including STEM, Literacy, Arts, Social Studies, Agriculture, and technology equipment. Additionally, the Farnell PTSA offers mini-grants to teachers for a multitude of activities and projects. PTSA representatives speak frequently at faculty meetings reminding teachers of this resource and encouraging them to submit applications for these funds. Farnell Middle School has also benefited greatly from the community support of technology acquisition. In 2013, our principal Mr. John Cobb conducted a technology drive, soliciting funds from parents and local businesses in support of acquiring new laptop computers. This fundraising effort produced approximately $7000, which Mr. Cobb doubled by applying for and receiving a matching grant from the Hillsborough Education Foundation.

References National Art Education Association. (2015). National art education foundation. Retrieved on June 26, 2015 from Toshiba. (2015). Toshiba America Foundation – Grants for grades Retrieved on June 26, 2015 from U.S. Department of Education. (2014). School climate transformation grant – local educational agency grants. Retrieved on June 26, 2015 from