Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Grant Guidelines: Lee Fund for Educational Enrichment

The Lee Fund for Educational Enrichment is an endowed fund whose purpose is to enhance and enrich the educational experience of the students and teachers of the Lee Public Schools. Lee Fund for Educational Enrichment wants to ensure the highest level of achievement for the students and enhance their capacity to achieve excellence both in school and in the community.

Eligibility

Lee Fund for Educational Enrichment is seeking proposals for grants from students, teachers, administrators, staff, parents, nonprofits and members of the community of the Lee Public Schools for projects that will fulfill the purposes of the Fund.

Grants from the Fund will not replace public dollars for the school district. Lee Fund for Educational Enrichment seeks primarily to help cover the direct costs of projects (not salaries). Priority will be given to proposals that rely on volunteer efforts and that show additional means of support.

Possible projects include, but are not limited to: independent study; new programs; extra-curricular activities; individual creative projects, in or outside the classroom; visiting speakers; artists in residence; professional development for teachers; scientific, athletic, or technical equipment; library resources; field trips.

Berkshire Taconic does not support organizations that, in their constitution, by-laws, or practice, discriminate against a person or group on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.

2011 Funding Available for Projects in Science, Mathematics and the Environment

In addition to the fund's regular grantmaking, this year thanks to a major gift from Sabic Innovative Plastics to Berkshire Taconic's Educational Enrichment Funds, there will be $5,591 available for grants in the areas of science, mathematics and the environment. We encourage applications for projects that demonstrate innovation and creativity in these areas.

Awards

Grants awarded will generally range from $100 to $1,000 for the first several years as the endowment builds.

Notification

Applicants will be informed of Berkshire Taconic’s decision within two months of the deadline.

Review Criteria

Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• Excellence: Is the project or service truly of a high quality? Is it the right time for the project? Does it involve qualified individuals/groups?
• Impact: What is the potential impact of the project or service on the school community? This does not mean the number of people involved, but rather the quality of the impact.
• Ability: Is the project well thought out and feasible?

Priority will be given to new projects that have not been previously funded.

Priority will be given to eligible applications that are aligned with the school's strategic goals:

1. Curriculum – To provide an enriched, diverse, and relevant curriculum that meets the needs of all students.
1.1 Conduct a programmatic K-6 and 7-12 curriculum audit within each school building.
1.2 Identify and fill gaps in curriculum offerings, especially in electives.
1.3 Examine and revise grouping policies and course prerequisites for appropriate student placement.
1.4 Plan for enriched and innovative offerings.
1.5 Develop and implement a district- wide curriculum review and update process.
1.6 Insure technology is integrated in the curriculum.

2. Technology – To employ a variety of technologies as integral components of district curricula, administrative operations, and community partnerships.
2.1 Conduct a comprehensive review of technology and develop a district- wide technology plan with a cyclical review component.
2.2 Deliver appropriate professional development to support the use of technology in the classroom and district operations.
2.3 Improve the use of technology to communicate with the community.

3. Community Collaboration – To develop and nurture dynamic, mutually beneficial partnerships with the greater community.
3.1 Encourage the reactivation of the Lee Youth Commission in conjunction with the Lee Youth Association.
3.2 Expand and maintain relationships with businesses within the greater community.
3.3 Create and implement a robust, effective communication network to market and inform.
3.4 Tap into the human resources available in our community.
3.5 Maximize the use of public school facilities and municipal resources for broad and beneficial use by the wider community.
3.6 Strengthen parental involvement with sensitivity to the changing needs of our families.

4. Teaching and Learning – To maximize student achievement by utilizing effective teaching that challenges and meets the needs of all learners.
4.1 Ensure the time and resources are available for high quality professional development that reflects the needs of the district and the staff, and meets the requirements of state and federal mandates.
4.2 Provide learning opportunities for students to recognize and pursue their unique abilities, talents, and interests.
4.3 Use student data to drive decision making in the areas of curriculum and instruction.
4.4 Integrate technology to enhance instruction at all grade levels.
4.5 Provide challenging educational PreK-12 programs with instructional resources that meet individual learning needs.
4.6 Increase student achievement in all grades.

5. Student Wellness – To create an atmosphere that results in social, emotional, physical, and academic health for all students.
5.1 Strengthen student services addressing the social and emotional needs of the student from PreK-12.
5.2 Enhance wellness programs that incorporate opportunities for optimal well- being and academic learning.
5.3 Organize and implement a system that identifies and targets early indicators of poor behavior and/or declining academic performance.
5.4 Create and use a system to allow for student and parent input for nutritional menu planning.
5.5 Organize and establish extra curricular activities that promote wellness throughout the school year.

Applications will be reviewed by the Lee Fund for Educational Enrichment’s Board comprised of community members, parents, teachers, students, the superintendent and the school community. Their recommendations will be referred to Berkshire Taconic’s Board of Directors for final approval.

If you have any questions about the Lee Fund for Educational Enrichment, email us at programs@berkshiretaconic.org.