'Inspire' Grant Program for student learning/engagement
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Our 'Inspire' Grant program was created to foster creativity and innovation in the classroom for our District 38 educators. From providing cutting-edge learning resources to supporting inspiring projects, we aim to nurture a learning environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential.

​Congratulations to our 2023-24 Inspire Grant Award Recipients!
Deborah Hulting, Monument Academy Elementary Campus
Leslie Lantz, Palmer Ridge High School
Kris Lilley, Lewis-Palmer High School
Sara Miller, Bear Creek and Prairie Winds Elementary Schools
Amy Robinson, Lewis-Palmer Middle School

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​Please see below for guidelines regarding our Inspire Grants.

Grant Guidelines

D38 Education Foundation requests a concise description of a well-developed project, a clearly defined plan to connect to the curriculum and the district’s strategic plan, as well as strong elements of creativity and innovation.  We have a commitment to diversity, inclusion and unity and look for opportunities to help foster excellence within every portion of our student population.

Potential applicants are encouraged to direct any questions to the Foundation prior to submitting an application. Eligibility requirements:

• All Educators within the D38 school district, including: Classroom Teachers, Specials teachers, Special Education professionals, Specialists (Interventionists, Gifted and Talented, MultiLingual), Paraprofessionals and Support Staff. District administrators, parents and students are not eligible to apply. 
• Building wide, grade level, or individual classroom initiatives are eligible for consideration. Collaborative initiatives within and across schools are encouraged, but not required. After school academic enrichment programs are also eligible for consideration.
• Only those who are actively involved in developing an application are to be listed as applicants, even when a larger group will be involved in carrying out the project. Additionally, staff applying for the grant must have building administration (principal) approval of the project in order to qualify.
• Applicants requesting technology (including hardware, software, digital subscriptions, and audio/visual equipment) should indicate technology requirements in their application. All grant proposals with a technology component will be reviewed by the District 38 technology department to ensure the requested materials are compatible with District 38 technology standards.

Please note that applications for individual grants that exceed $5,000 must meet one of the following additional criteria:

• Make a strong case for individual classroom or grade level funding as an innovative project, pilot, or an expansion of a pilot project that includes data driven assessments and outcomes.
• Impact multiple levels of students and the larger site community
• Project has potential for district-wide or multi-school implementation​

Grant Recipient Expectations

Grant recipients are expected to:

• Complete midterm and final reports (form to be provided)
• Include acknowledgment of funding in all references related to the grant
• Provide proof of expenditures to support the project
• Return unused funds
• Submit at least one labeled photo and video of students engaged with the grant award project. (Please ensure that all students pictured have a photo release through the District.)
• Share the benefits and outcomes of the Inspire grant with D38 Education Foundation including student quotes and work output, as appropriate.

If you are concerned about implementation of any of the below items, please contact us at [email protected] 

Grant Restrictions

D38 Education Foundation Inspire Grants do not fund resources, supplies, textbooks or equipment beyond what is required to support the project for which the applicant is applying.  Fundraising projects and activities of non-academic, extracurricular clubs or athletic teams are not eligible for D38 Foundation Grants. The D38 Education Foundation does not fund projects which are outside the goals and purposes of the Foundation, and generally does not provide on-going or recurring project expenses without annual application.

Approved grant funds must be used by the end of the current school year in which the award was granted, unless a written request for an extension is submitted to the D38 Education Foundation. 

Grant Evaluation Criteria and Guiding Principles

The D38 Education Foundation will use the following grant evaluation criteria to determine awards for the 2023 year:

1. Number of students impacted for the proposed project
2. Total and nature of impact for the proposed project
3. Funding amount requested for the proposed project
4. Additional funding sources applied for or available for the proposed project
5. Strength of District Strategic Plan alignment for the proposed project

The D38 Education Foundation will make every effort to have a balanced distribution of grant funds across District 38 based on applications received within a particular grant cycle. However, the evaluation criteria above will be the determining factor in awarding grants. Recipient data across staff classifications, school buildings and elementary vs. secondary recipients will be published annually after grants are awarded.