September 2009

Grants
Eugene Education Fund Grants have been announced for the fall. They now have a new application procedure: instead of on-line submission, 1000-word proposals will be created as a Word document and sent as an attachment to an e-mail to EEF at  eef@4j.lane.edu. EEF grants broaden students' educational experience, lend direct immediate support to instructional activities, assist other efforts to expand educational opportunity, and encourage completion of a student's education.  EEF reviewers favor projects that serve the greatest number of students.   Applicants must first receive approval from their site council before submittal to EEF.  Deadline is October 5 and awards will be made sometime in November.  Of the four ranked proposals at each school, two may reach $500 and two more may reach $2,000.  District-level grants are also welcomed.    More information about how to structure the application is at http://www.eef.lane.edu/grants2009/application.htm

SELCO Mini-Grants online application will be available at http://www.selco.org/minigrants, beginning Sept. 3. Each fall, SELCO's Social Responsibility Committee reviews the applications and awards winners up to $250 for their creative and innovative school project. Field trips and equipment are not funded. The deadline will be posted on the website.  Winners will probably be announced in November.  The application will also be available on the SELCO Facebook page as well:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eugene-OR/SELCO-Community-Credit-Union/121...

The Fender Music Foundation awards grants of $500 to $5,000 to music classes or programs. Almost all grants are in the form of traditional musical instruments. The application is on-line at http://www.fendermusicfoundation.org/grants/index.cfm?sec=info

Target Field Trip Grants provide up to $800 for student field trips that provide learning for students.  Program closes November 3.  For more information see
http://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-031880

Circle K supports 501(c)3 organizations that assist youth-at-risk and education.  Donation requests must be made in writing to Circle K Stores, Inc., c/o Communications Department, Attention: Donations. Oregon requests must be mailed to 495 E. Rincon Suite #150, Corona, CA 91709.  For more information see  http://www.circlek.com/circleK/AboutUs/CommunityService/guidelinesForGiv...

The Red Robin "U-ACT" Program will award grants from $1,200-$15,000, to middle schools with outstanding programs that inspire and energize students about the value of being kind to others. Schools participate in the program for one school year and must be registered by October 1. At the end of the year, in April, schools are asked to submit a program binder outlining their efforts. For more information and detailed instructions and assistance see http://www.redrobin.com/rrfoundation/uactprogram.aspx
 
State Farm Youth Advisory Board Grants of $25,000 to $100,000 fund service learning projects that target  Driver's Safety, Closing the Achievement Gap, Financial Literacy, Natural and Societal Disaster Preparedness or Environmental Responsibility. Deadline is October 2.  For more information see http://www.statefarmyab.com/apply.php

Healthy Sprouts Awards provide $200-$500 gift certificates to Gardener's Supply Company, nutrition lessons, and 25 seed packets to school gardens. Deadline is October 17. For more information see http://www.kidsgardening.com/healthysprouts.asp

NASA Cooperative Agreements Grants provide $750,000 for projects that utilize NASA missions to support secondary level Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses.  Only 12 grants will be awarded. Deadline is September 25.  For more information see
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=Ry4WKHfGybGcn2lQHhFSHrCQzY5T7hstbLNb8Yphky8vpmt9Wh13!-77834959?oppId=48875&mode=VIEW

The U.S. Soccer Foundation will award grants for synthetic field building. The Foundation’s two-step application process commences on October 1, 2009, and will be open until October 30, 2009, 5:00 PM, Eastern Time.  For more information see http://www.ussoccerfoundation.org/site/c.gpLPJQOpHkE/b.2766881/k.2AF1/An...

Teach@15 Awards of $500-$1,500 in Best Buy Gift Cards will be granted to grade 7-12 schools with the most student votes. Awards are to help schools meet their technology needs. Teens (age 13-18) who are registered members on www.at15.com can nominate their schools, and then starting September 15, teen members can vote once a day for 15 days for one nomination.  Every 15 days, Best Buy will award 3 schools with Best Buy Gift Cards based on member votes. For more information see http://at15.com/contests_scholarships/teach_rules

The Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grants give $5,000 to 1,000 schools or parent groups for projects that encourage parent involvement in schools and build stronger community spirit. There is a preference for funding requests that have a permanent impact such as facility enhancements, as well as landscaping/clean up type projects. (A list of 12 model projects is at http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/sample.html#11 ) The application must be submitted on-line but created beforehand off-line because it is not possible to save and go-back to an incomplete application. The final deadline is October 16, for round one, but that may be too late, because applications will be reviewed first-come, first-served, and the site will shut down if 1,500 applications have been received.  For guidelines and details see http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/hta.html

Nike  Inc. gives grants for projects to give excluded youth greater access to sport programs designed to unleash human potential and to promote youth leadership, conflict resolution, equity and trauma relief.  If you are applying for a cash grant (rather than a Nike product donation) and you need additional information to complete the application, please contact the 4J grants office (mazzarella@4j.lane.edu). For more information see http://www.nikebiz.com/responsibility/nike_giving_guidelines.html

The Volvo Adventure, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is designed to encourage environmental awareness and activity for young people between the ages of 10 and 16, with a teacher or adult supervisor. Grants of $10,000 (first place), $6,000 (second place), and $4,000 (third place) will be awarded to help with the continuation of successful projects. Past winners have also received an all-expense paid trip to Sweden. Schools register to begin the program and participate in it over one year or more. Final project descriptions must be submitted by 2011. For more information, see http://www.volvoadventure.org

The National Gardening Association provides hydroponics garden systems and indoor light systems to 36 K-12 schools involving at least 15 students in a hydroponics project in 2008-09. Deadline is September 18.  For more information and the application, go to http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants/HOH.asp

SHOPA Kids In Need Grants provide $100 to $500 grants for up to 300 original projects that enhance the educational experiences of K-12 students. The project should engage the students in hands-on activities that lead to the acquisition of new knowledge, awareness, or self-discovery.  Deadline is September 30. Teachers may apply for more than one grant to fund different projects, but should not apply more than once to fund the same project.  Applications and a downloadable grant guide that contains application procedures and limitations on types of projects that can be funded can be found at http://www.kidsinneed.net/grants/ Applications may also be available locally at Fred Meyer Stores, Jo-Ann Fabrics, or Office Depot.

Toshiba America Foundation Grant Program for K-6 Science & Math Education provides up to $1,000 to fund projects designed by classroom teachers to improve science and mathematics education for K-6 students. Projects must advance the teacher's science and math teaching units, take place during the school day, and be completed by May 1.  Applications must be received by October 1.  Projects should not be based solely on the purchase of a prepackaged kit. For more information and an on-line application, go to http://www.toshiba.com/tafpub/jsp/about/HowApply.jsp

The US Institute of Peace awards about 30 grants of $40,000 to $120,000 for development of curricula, teacher training, or educational programs on the causes of war, peacemaking and the conditions of peace. Applications must be received by October 1.  For more information see http://www.usip.org/grants

The Ezra Jack Keats Minigrant Program for Public Schools and Public Libraries provides $500 grants for original and innovative programs that encourage literacy and creativity in children. Examples of past programs include pen-pal projects bringing disparate communities together; multi-cultural portrait projects; and inter-generational journals.  Applications (available online) must be mailed by September 15.  For more information and the application see  http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/programs/minigrant.html

Melinda Gray Ardia Environmental Grants of up to $1,000 facilitate the development and implementation of environmental curricula that incorporate basic ecological principles and field activities.  Applicants are encouraged to submit a pre-application to determine interest in their project.  Final applications must be postmarked by September 27. For more information see
http://www.mgaef.org/grants.html

The Ultimate Players Association gives grants up to $1,500 to develop new ultimate flying disc programs.  Applications are accepted between October 1 and November 13. For more information see http://www.upa.org/grants/index.shtml


Teacher Opportunities
Special Offer for Teachers who Provide a Global Perspective.  Rick Steves' Travel as a Political Act starts with the premise that people can't fully understand the world without experiencing it. Teachers interested in using Travel as a Political Act as a personal resource, a text book, or recommended reading can receive one copy for $5 including shipping (only one per person and no purchase orders).  To order go to
https://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&...

The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is a one-week all-expense-paid intensive science and math professional development program held in July for third- through fifth-grade teachers. The Academy provides teachers with the knowledge and skills to motivate students to pursue careers in science and math.  Math Solutions Professional Development, founded by Marilyn Burns, and the National Science Teachers Association design the curriculum and provide instructors. Applications are due by October 31.  For more information see http://www.sendmyteacher.com/teachers_and_grown_ups.htm

Shell Science Teaching Awards recognize one outstanding K-12 classroom science teacher who has had a positive impact on students, school, and community through exemplary science teaching.  The winning teacher will receive $10,000 and an all-expense paid trip to NSTA's National Convention.   The deadline for receipt of applications is October 15.  For more information see http://www.nsta.org/shell

Edwyna Wheadon Postgraduate Training Scholarships will provide $500 (or more) for professional development for English/Language Arts teachers.   The purpose of the scholarship is to support postgraduate training to enhance teaching skills and/or career development in teaching. Applications should be submitted no later than January 31st.  Awardees will be informed by March 1st so they can participate in activities during the following semesters. For more information see http://www.ncte.org/second/awards/wheadon

Surdna Foundation Arts Teachers Fellows Program provides arts teachers with up to $5,500 for fellowships for programs that provide both immersion in their own creative work and the opportunity to interact with other professional artists in their fields. Required letters of intent must be submitted by November 13.  Finalists will be invited to submit applications by February 5.  For more information see http://www.surdna.org/resources/resources_show.htm?doc_id=697830

Student Opportunities
The Green Your School Contest recognizes current or proposed student projects to improve, conserve, and beautify schools. One grand prize of $5,000 and two runner-up prizes of $2,500 will be given.  Deadline is October 9.  For more information see http://www.thesca.org/green-your-school

The United States Senate Youth Program will be held in Washington, D.C., from March 6-13, 2010. Two student leaders from each state will spend an all expense-paid week in Washington experiencing their national government in action and will each be awarded a $5,000 College scholarship. Applications are due October 2, 2009, to Ms. Heidi Schulze, Manager and Executive Support to the Assistant Superintendent, Oregon Department of Education, 255 Capitol Street, NE, Salem, 97310-0203, (503) 947-5661
Heidi.Schulze@state.or.us.  For more information see
http://hearstfdn.org/ussyp/about_overview.php

The Christopher Columbus Awards are designed to get middle school students “psyched” about science. Teams of 3 or 4 students along with an adult coach work to solve a problem they identify in their community.   Deadline is February 8, and activities that must be completed before submitting take about 10-20 weeks.  Eight teams win a trip to Disney World to participate in the finalist activities.  Two teams win savings bonds and plaques. One team wins a grand prize of $25,000 to make their project a reality.  For more information see http://www.christophercolumbusawards.com/

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship provides scholarships of $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 to extraordinary young people under the age of 18 who have completed a significant piece of work in the areas of Mathematics, Science, Literature, Music, Technology, Philosophy and Outside the Box.  For more information, see http://www.davidsongifted.org/Fellows/