Upcoming Local Mini-Grant Deadlines

This is the time of year when several local mini-grant funders hold their competitions for new grants. Among the upcoming application deadlines are:

• Foundation for Madison's Public Schools: January 23, 2006
• By Youth For Youth: January 25, 2006
• Dane County Youth Commission Primary Prevention Grants: January 25, 2006
• Altrusa International: February 1, 2006
• Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission: February 1, 2006
• Wisconsin Arts Board Community Development Project Grants: February 15, 2006
• Evjue Foundation: February 20, 2006
• Aristos Grant Program: March 1, 2006

Application information for all of these competitions can be viewed at, or downloaded from, the MMSD Grants Office website at http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/grants/opportunities.htm.

National Grant Competitions

The following grant opportunities for K-12 educators are national in scope. They're very competitive, typically offering an average of less than one per state. But if you've got a great idea for a project, are short on leads for local funding sources, and have some extra time to devote to the quest, you might want to consider pursuing one or more of these opportunities. This will now be a standing feature in the "Grants" section of "MMSD Today." And if you don't have time to pursue these opportunities this year, consider them for next year.

School-Business Partnerships
Deadline: January 30, 2006

The Council of North America for School Partnerships is accepting applications from school systems for the National School and Business Partnership Awards Program that recognizes exemplary partnerships between schools and businesses around the United States. Districts selected for the award receive national recognition and receive $10,000 to support partnership efforts. Application/information is available at http://www.corpschoolpartners.org/award.shtml.

After-School Programs
Deadline: January 30, 2006

The "Coming Up Taller Awards" recognize and reward outstanding after-school and out-of school arts and humanities programs for underserved children and youth. Maximum Award: $10,000. Eligible applicants include programs initiated by schools, museums, libraries, performing arts organizations, universities, colleges, arts centers, community service organizations, businesses, and eligible government entities. For more information, visit http://www.cominguptaller.org/.

In-School Music Programs
Deadline: February 1, 2006

The Mockingbird Foundation is a grantmaking organization established by the rock band, Phish. It offers grants for in-school music projects that promote creative expression through music, encouraging applications associated with diverse or unusual musical styles, genres, forms, and philosophies. Maximum grant: $5,000. Eligible applicants include public schools and non-profit organizations. Application information can be found at http://www.mockingbirdfoundation.org/funding/guidelines.html.

Fine Arts Education
Deadline: February 1, 2006

The National Education Association (NEA) Foundation offers NEA Fine Arts grants opf up to $2,000 to NEA members who are K-6 school art specialists. The grants enable fine arts teachers to create and implement programs that promote learning among students at risk of school failure. Application/information can be found at http://www.neafoundation.org/grants.htm.

Project-Based Learning and Instructional Innovation
Deadline: February 1, 2006

The National Education Association (NEA) Foundation also offers "Innovation Grants" and "Learning and Leadership Grants" grants to public school teachers, public school education support professionals, and faculty and staff in public higher education institutions for the purpose of engaging in high-quality professional development or implementing project-based learning and break-the-mold innovations that raise student achievement. Grant amounts are $2,000 and $5,000, respectively. Application/information can be found at http://www.neafoundation.org/grants.htm.

Social Studies and Civic Engagement
Deadline: February 24, 2006

The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) "CiviConnections" program links local historical inquiry with community service-learning activities nationwide in 3rd-12th grade classrooms. CiviConnections projects during the 2006/07 school year will focus on: Poverty, Health Care, Discrimination, or the Environment. Maximum Award: $7,500. Applicants are limited to teams of three teachers from grades 3-12 in the same public school district with membership in NCSS or agreeing to join if selected, and they must partner with at least one local community agency and meet certain other requirements. Application/information can be found at http://www.civiconnections.org.

Arts and Literacy
Deadline: March 1, 2006 (Letter of Inquiry)

The Starbucks Foundation offers grants of $5,000-$20,000 for programs that innovatively address literacy and learning for the 21st century, provide high standards of excellence in mastering basic skills and promote youth voices through a variety of venues. Application/information can be found at http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/grantinfo.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1.

Environmental Literacy
Deadline: March 1, 2006 (Letter of Inquiry)

The Starbucks Foundation also offers grants of $5,000-$20,000 for programs that offer place-based approaches to addressing environmental literacy and empower youth to be heroes for a sustainable environment in their own communities. Application/information can be found at http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/grantinfo.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1.

Instructional Innovation
Deadline: May 1, 2006

Teachers are invited to apply for ING Unsung Heroes Awards given to K-12 educators pioneering new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning. Each project is judged on its innovative method, creativity, and ability to positively influence students. The awards program selects 100 finalists to receive a $2,000 award and at least one award is granted in each of the 50 states. Of the 100 finalists, three are selected for additional financial awards: $25,000 for first place; $10,000 for second place; and $5,000 for third place. Application/information can be found at http://www.ing.com.

Lands' End Grant Competition Suspended

For many years, Lands' End Corporation has offered its "Innovations in Education" grants program via a competition among school districts throughout south central and southwestern Wisconsin, with applications typically due in March. However, earlier this month, we learned that Lands' End is re-evaluating their charitable giving and has suspended the "Innovations in Education" program. They hope to announce the resulting changes in their giving program during March, and it's possible that they will hold an "Innovations in Education" grant competition later this year. Check the February or March issues of "MMSD Today" or monitor the Grants Office website, http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/grants/opportunities.htm, for updates on this program.