Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page!
Please review the grant guidelines below carefully for information on grant award changes, application requirements and restrictions.Â
How do I apply?
Grant requests are accepted online, through the application that will be available from October 1st to November 15th. Â
Who is eligible to apply for an Excel or Impact Grant?
All employees (full- and part-time) of Highline Public Schools are eligible to apply.
If I am applying for a grant, do I need to fill out the district grant form?
No. The Foundation will submit a grant form for all awarded grants. You do not need to submit for them individually with your application.
If I received an Excel or Impact Grant from Highline Schools Foundation in the past, can I apply for another grant?
Yes! As long as you have submitted the required final reports for all previous grant(s), you may apply for an Excel or Impact Grant again.
Can computers and software be included in Excel or Impact Grant applications?
No computer hardware can be purchased with an Excel or Impact grant. Additionally, due to the current technology challenges in the district we will not be awarding grants to purchase software or computer applications this year.
Are there types of projects that are more likely to be funded?
No. Each year is different and unique. The Foundation is interested in supporting teachers and staff in their efforts to provide engaging learning opportunities outside of the standard curriculum. The Foundation does not fund professional development for teachers or staff – so proposals for this will not be funded. The one thing in common of ALL funded programs is that they tie to Highline Public School’s strategic plan. We will prioritize grants that support the district’s strategic priorities: creating a culture of belonging, promoting innovative learning, supporting bilingual/bicultural learning and helping students be future ready.
My grant project is going to involve some after-school planning time. In my grant budget can I include stipends for the teachers who will be helping?
No. Professional development, compensation for substitute teachers, and salaries or stipends for additional staffing will not be funded and should be excluded from your budget summary. Applications that include these expenses will not be considered. Â
How are the grant winners decided?
Grants are chosen in a blind evaluation process with Foundation trustees and community volunteers as reviewing committee. The Foundation funds projects that augment and enrich the curriculum and do not supplant programs traditionally funded by district, state or federal budgets. Committee members are not necessarily educators so please do not use educational jargon or acronyms in your proposal.
When we will be notified?
Announcements and notifications of winning grants will be made beginning the first week of December.
If my grant application is selected, how do I receive my grant check?
Funds will be allocated to your school or program through the district for you to access with your p-card, and we will reimburse the district for your allowable expenses.
What programs or activities will the Foundation NOT fund through an Excel or Impact Grant?
- Teacher salary or release time (subs)
- Teacher education/training/dues
- Computer hardware, software, or other technology-based items
- Basic items that could be funded through building or department budgets
What happens to equipment or supplies purchased with an Excel or Impact Grant if I leave Highline?
All equipment and supplies purchased with grant funds are owned by the district, and all purchased materials will remain the property of the district if you leave Highline Public Schools.
What is expected in the final report?
Your final report will include both financial and program information and should include a narrative account of what was accomplished by the grant. We use your stories to help us secure future funding, so please be as excited and emotional as you were on your application! We will post stories and photos on our Facebook and Instagram – and we invite you to share these with your friends, coworkers and school families.
What happens if I learn that the program will cost more after I receive funding?
The Foundation awards 100% of its Excel and Impact grant budget. If you discover that there are additional or unanticipated costs, you will need to find other non-foundation funding to cover those expenses. This includes sales tax and shipping on items purchased. Please take time to put together a complete budget with your application.
Things to consider before you submit your application:
- Submit your application on time and online. The application will be available Oct. 1 through Nov. 15 at 6pm. There are no extensions granted. Please make sure you receive confirmation of your grants’ submission.
- Give your idea full credit for the number of students impacted by your grant request and the longevity of your program or project. Note how your project may directly or indirectly affect other students in the school.
- Keep your audience in mind. Remember that grant reviewers may not be educators so try to use laypersons’ language or explain “edu-speak”. Please do not use acronyms.
- Communicate your enthusiasm for the idea! Get the review committee excited about your project. It is important to include as much detail as possible in your request; and a well-defined budget is essential to the review committee.
- Request only the appropriate amount of funding needed. An Excel Grant is an award up to $1,500 per classroom/staff and an Impact grant is an award up to $10,000. Do not automatically request the maximum amount. Also, list any additional or alternate sources of funding that have been pursued.
- Individual teachers may apply for multiple grants. (Each grant application needs to be submitted separately.)
- Your application should have the knowledge and support of your principal or supervisor.
Common reasons that grants do not get funded:
- Incomplete or late application
- Lack of a definite project or detailed budget
- Request for items covered by HPS budget
- Final project report for previous grant not submitted
- Program not understood when reviewed by Foundation board members
- Lack of measurable evaluation criteria
- Proposal includes professional development or stipends for teachers/staff, or technology items
Have another question that wasn’t addressed here?
Please contact us with any questions about the process, or if you need assistance with the application.
Feel free to stop by our office in ERAC, give us a call at 206-631-3120, or send an email to info@highlineschoolsfoundation.org Â