SDEA/NEA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION GRANT GUIDELINES

What is the SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation?
The SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation Program provides grants to members in support of innovative educational and student-oriented projects. The foundation program funds new member-led projects. It does not fund projects on an on-going basis. The SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation gives preference to proposals that address student achievement, cultural diversity issues, include community partnerships, and can be duplicated by others.

Where does the SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation get its funds?
The SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation gets its funding directly from SDEA/NEA members.

When the foundation was created during the Representative Assembly in 1994, members agreed to fund it through a per member assessment of $2.00 per year.

SDEA/NEA member contributions are a critical source of Foundation funds. The willingness of members to make these contributions carries a powerful message to the public. It says that members believe so strongly in the talents of their peers, that they are willing to spend their own money to encourage their colleagues’ creative teaching initiatives.

How is the SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation governed?
The SDEA/NEA Foundation Advisory Committee evaluates grant applications and makes funding recommendations to the SDEA/NEA Board for final approval. There are six educators on the Foundation Advisory Committee representing different instructional levels, subject areas, and regions of the state. The SDEA/NEA President appoints Advisory Committee members.

The SDEA/NEA Office of Educational Innovation serves as the administrator of the Educational Foundation. The SDEA/NEA Office of Educational Innovation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation. It was formed in 1991 and its mission is to create partnerships in order to promote new answers to problems in public education.

Who is eligible to participate in the Grant Program of the SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation?
To be eligible to receive a grant through the Grant Program, you must be a member of the SDEA/NEA holding active membership status during the school year in which the grant will be implemented, must be employed in a position that allows the grant project to be implemented as it is described in the application, and were not a SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation grant recipient during the previous granting cycle.

How do I apply for a grant through the Grant Program?
Design a project that is innovative, directly benefits students, and will produce measurable results.
Consult the current Grant Guidelines received by local association presidents. You may also call OEI to request the guidelines. Follow the instructions and suggested format in the guidelines and application form when describing your project.

The grant application process is designed to be simple and straightforward, so elaborate applications are neither necessary nor recommended. There are only a few questions that you’ll be asked in writing your grant application.
Grant Application

What are my responsibilities if my proposal is funded?
You will be notified by mail that your project is funded. At that time, you will be requested to make a commitment to:

• use the approved grant funds for the approved project;
• submit a recent photo for promotional purposes;
• complete mid-way and final narrative and budget reports by established dates;
• join a talent pool and share your project by presenting at the Professional Development Conference and/or Current Trends in Education; and
• work with your local association to release a press statement announcing your grant project.

Besides the funds to implement a project, what other unexpected benefits could occur if I receive a grant from the SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation?
Benefits could include the following:

• local and statewide professional recognition;
• a chance to develop leadership skills and self-confidence;
• the ability to impact schools and communities in a new way;
• an opportunity to "soar" with your project or raise additional funds because of the significance other groups attach to the educational profession;
• a chance to meet and exchange ideas with other grant recipients; and
• contagious enthusiasm for learning

ELIGIBILITY STATEMENT
To be eligible to receive a grant from the SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation you:

• must be a member of the South Dakota Education Association/NEA holding ACTIVE membership status during the school year in which the grant will be implemented.
• must be employed in a position that allows the grant project to be implemented as it is described in this application.
• were not a SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation grant recipient during the previous granting cycle.
Most grant applications are made in the school year prior to their intended implementation. Applicants should be reasonably sure when they apply that they will be able to meet the requirements listed above.

WHEN APPLYING FOR A GRANT
DO:

• read all grant guideline materials including this application and the accompanying brochure entitled "Soaring To Success."
• send proposals postmarked on or before May 1. Late proposals will not be accepted.
• seek support of school district administration and board if appropriate.
• submit practical, action-oriented proposals that are member developed and led.
• create proposals that represent creative and unique ideas directly benefiting students.
• have others review your proposal for clarity.
• provide all the information requested.
• acquire opinions and support from other educators and citizens.
• seek opportunities to share your ideas with others.
• use clear descriptions that explain what will be done, by whom and with what kind of evaluation.
• share your proposal with your local association.
• secure the signature of a local association executive committee member.
• type or word-process all application materials, one side only. Handwritten proposals will not be accepted.
• address questions regarding the application process to the Foundation Director at 800-529-0090

DON’T:

• skip anything or try to change the guidelines.
• overlook the possibility of seeking additional sources of funding and other resources. If your budget shows other sources of funds, be sure to indicate which are formally committed and which are "potential" sources.
• send supporting materials that you’d like to have returned.
• bind your proposal or spend money for special printing processes. Submit proposals to conduct research.
• submit proposals to continue existing programs.
• submit requests for equipment unless it is an integral part of the project.
• submit requests for personal educational scholarships.
• call to check on the status of the advisory committee’s decision. Applicants will be notified of the status of their grant on or before July 15.

SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation Grant Application
2007 and 2006 Recipients