IDEA Grant Frequently Asked Questions
 

1. Where do I get an application?

A: www.schalmontta.org (IDEA Grant link, choose either Traditional or Mini Grant)

2. Where do I send the application?

A:  IDEA Grant Chairperson, Kelly Healy

3. What has to be submitted with the application?

A: Submit (8) copies of your grant proposal narrative and budget to the IDEA Grant Chairperson

4. Who is eligible to apply?

A: All STA members may apply for an IDEA Grant

5. What criteria are used to select winners?

         A: The grant should be:

·        unique and innovative

·        be sustainable

·        improve learning and teaching

·        enhance the curriculum

·        include a complete, specific budget

6. How is the grant evaluated?

A: www.schalmontta.org (IDEA Grant link/Rubric)

7. What should I include in my narrative?

A: Emphasize the benefits to students. Show a need for the project and have a creative solution. Focus on the expected impact on student learning. Set specific goals.  Think about what you want to accomplish and how you will accomplish it. 

8. Can I be selected more than once?

A: You can apply for one IDEA Grant annually (July 1-June 30) each school year.

9. How do I know if I am on the “right track” when writing my grant proposal?

A:  The application has a set of criteria that the grant committee recommends  you follow closely.  A sample grant is available for perusal on the STA website.  The IDEA Grant Committee recommends that you attend STI’s Q&A meeting in the fall, stop in the STI office to look at previously funded grants final reports, and talk with other teachers about their grants. For a list of recent recipients, see the IDEA Grant website: www.schalmontta.org (IDEA Grant link)

Other Factors to Consider When Applying for an IDEA Grant

Try answering these questions... 

• What do you want your students to learn?
• What “problem”/area will you address and how?
• Who is benefiting? Why is this important?
• What specific objectives will you accomplish?
• How will you measure the results?

·         What is the impact on teaching and learning?

·         How will this be shared with colleagues, parents, and/or classes?

When you complete your grant proposal, share it with a friend, past recipient or with colleagues.  If they have questions about what you meant to say in certain sections, rewrite those sections so they are easy to understand on first reading. Remember, your proposal has to be clear and concise on its own. Unless you apply for a Traditional Grant, you won't be there to explain what you meant. 

Reasons why some proposals are not funded 

• Insufficient information
• Unclear project description

·         The proposal is an exact copy of previously submitted proposals

• Insufficient student outcomes or impact on student learning
• Unsustainable
• Field trip

If you have additional questions, contact Kelly Healy, IDEA Grant Chairperson