General Grant Information

(Please read prior to writing a grant for submission.)

 

Grant Categories:

1.       Mini Grants ongoing and awarded monthly:

• Basic Mini Grants (all grade levels) - up to $500 awarded for one classroom at any grade level
• Elementary Mini Grants (grades PreK-6) - up to $2,100 for programs that include all students in a grade level or a department.
• Secondary Mini Grants (grades 7-12) – up to $2,500 for programs that include all students in a grade level or for a department.

2.       Partnership Grants – ongoing and awarded monthly. Applicants must have at least one additional funding source (partner) to cover at least ⅓ of the total amount being requested.            

3.       First Lady of the Foundation Grants - for undefined amounts that are more than a mini grant. This is the only grant category where the amount awarded is not defined. These grants will be awarded in the early springtime and announced at the Annual Partner in Excellence Dinner. Applicants are encouraged to consider the district’s goals and budget for the ensuing school year.

4.       Excellence Grants - $500 to $2,500 awarded annually (in November) for special projects or events.

5.       Blue Ribbon Grants - $2,500 to $7,500 awarded annually (in November) for special projects or events of enduring value.

 

Online Grant Application Procedure:

In addition to the grant application, applicants must upload:

●        A summary explaining the proposed project that includes:

1.       The goal for the project.

2.       The plan for implementing the project.

3.       How the project will enhance the curriculum.

●        A budget, or breakdown, of expenditures that includes:

1.       Vendor Information, including links to requested items.

2.       ISBN numbers when requesting books.

3.       Shipping and handling charges as part of the total amount being requested.

Please be sure to include the names of all team members who are involved in writing and/or  imparting the project.

 

Grants Committee Schedule

Online Submission Cutoff	Grants Committee Meeting	Trustee’s Meeting
Wed Sept 18	Tues Sept 24	Thurs Sept 26
Wed Oct 16	Tues Oct 22	Wed Oct 23
Wed Nov 1 Including Excellence and Blue Ribbon Grants	Tues Nov 12	Wed Nov 13
Wed Dec 4	Tues Dec 10	Wed Dec 11
Wed Jan 8	Tues Jan 14	Wed Jan 15
Wed Feb 5	Tues Feb 11	Wed Feb 12
Wed Mar 5	Tues Mar 11	Thurs Mar 12
Wed Apr 2 Including First Lady Grants	Tues Apr 8	Wed Apr 9
Wed May 7	Tues May 13	Wed May 14
Wed Jun 4	Tues Jun 10	Wed Jun 11

 

 

The Foundation’s mission is to enhance and enrich the curriculum for the students in the East Brunswick Public School District. It is important to note that the EBEF does not typically fund:

●        Projects or programs that should otherwise be part of the district’s annual budget. For example, the Foundation believes that it is the district’s responsibility to provide the funds necessary to update software, texts, and any materials that are critical to imparting the curriculum.

●        Transportation for field trips. While a request for tickets to a performance or a museum might be approved, transportation to said venue should not be part of the budget request. 

●        The cost of food for trips or celebrations.

●        The cost for awards for completing a project.

●        Requests for professional development activities.

●        More than two grants that are the same; it is the Foundation’s belief that once a project is funded twice, it should become part of the district budget.

●        Furniture for teachers.

 

Also noteworthy:

●        The Grants Committee has a purchasing arm that is responsible for securing the majority of items requested in grants that are approved. Under no circumstances should a grant recipient make purchases and expect reimbursement for requested items.

●        Caveats include:

○        Approved grants that involve the purchase of technology and more sophisticated educational items or equipment will be funded by the EBEF, but will be purchased through the District’s Financial Services Department. This process will ensure that all warranties and guarantees apply.

○        The EBEF treasurer will work directly with grantees who are awarded funds for presenters (i.e. authors, museum programs, etc.) to ensure that payments for services are available in a timely manner.

●        Grant recipients are asked to follow-up with the Grants Committee when their projects commence as per below:

○        For accounting purposes, email Lisa Ruggiero and Trish LaDuca upon receipt of the items that you requested.

○        Share pictures of your project in action that may be used in future Foundation publicity. Send photos digitally to Trish LaDuca and commrel@ebnet.org.

○        Acknowledge the East Brunswick Education Foundation in communications with the educational community (parents/students/colleagues).

 

About the East Brunswick Education Foundation Student Association (EBEF SA): The EBEF SA fundraises for and awards grants to extracurricular organizations. While the student association's focus is on supporting extracurricular activities at the secondary level, they will also review and award amounts up to $100 for elementary projects that they deem worthy. In order to receive funding from the EBEF SA the grants should be written by students (with the help of their advisors).

 

 

Revised September 2024