Grants
The District 742 Local Education & Activities Foundation (LEAF) secures resources to financially, and in other ways, support and enhance student development through student activities. Through fundraising and grant making activities, the Foundation provides funding assistance for student activities which conform to the District 742 Schools’ Student Activities Definition and Philosophy Statement.
GRANT FUNDING CRITERIA – STUDENT ACTIVITIES FUND
Eligible Projects:
LEAF will accept funding applications for student activities which conform to the District definition and philosophy. Funds may be granted to existing or proposed new programs, as well as to help cover singular, unanticipated costs associated with a student activity.
Funding will target a broad range of student activities programs or interests. Consideration will be given to activities which enhance learning, develop personal confidence and leadership skills, and promote cooperation. Programs and activities which are creative and innovative will be viewed favorably, as will those which include parental and/or other adult involvement and which benefit the larger community.
Restrictions:
1. LEAF will restrict funding to District 742 students and officially sponsored student activities.
2. LEAF funding is intended to supplement or enhance, not replace other sources of funds.
3. LEAF will not make grants that deal with safety issues as these should be dealt with through District funding.
4. LEAF will not fund requests for facility improvements, although requests for equipment procurements will be considered.
GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications require the signature of a building administrator or the superintendent. The administrators should indicate whether the application requests support for an activity which meets the District’s Student Activity Definition and Philosophy Statement. The administrator should also provide written comment on the application. EITHER THE APPLICANT OR THE ADMINISTRATOR SHOULD THEN SUBMIT EIGHT (8) COPIES OF THE COMPLETED/SIGNED APPLICATION to the Allocations Committee of LEAF in compliance with funding cycle deadlines. Recommendations for funding will be made by the Allocations Committee and approved by the LEAF Board of Directors.
Funding Cycles:
Funding request will be considered twice annually according to the following schedule:
• Funding Cycle I: Applications deadline: October 15
The LEAF Allocations Committee must receive eight completed and signed applications by this date. Funding decisions will be made by December 1.
• Funding Cycle II: Application deadline: March 15
The LEAF Allocations Committee must receive eight completed and signed applications by this date. Funding decisions will be made by May 1.
Funded projects must occur primarily within the 12 month period following the grant award. LEAF does not fund projects which have been completed prior to the application deadline for the funding cycle in which the application is submitted.
Grantee Final Reporting Requirement: Each grantee must complete a Final Report within 60 days of the completion of the project and submit it to the LEAF Board of Directors. Grantees funded for on going activities should submit the Final Report within 60 days of the receipt of funds. LEAF funds are to be used for their intended purpose only. If, for any reason, the proposed activity/project does not materialize, the full amount of the award is to be returned to LEAF. The LEAF Granting Program will be evaluated annually by the Board of Directors.
LEAF Dollars to District breakdown (All data as of January 2009)
1. High School – 51% of total
2. Jr High School – 15% of total
3. Elementary School – 34% of total
1. Academic – 33% of total
2. Arts – 20% of total
3. Athletic – 34% of total
4. General – 13% of total (Intercultural. Participation assistance, etc.)
