CLASSROOM GRANT

To apply for a Classroom Grant : CLICK HERE

Follow the steps below to begin the online process:

Process

1. Register

Click on the “Register” link and complete and submit the registration form.

2. Login

Login to the award with your email and password.

3. Create

Create your online application. For a list of required information and attachments, please review the Award Application Guide

4. Save

During the Call for Applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a  appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the  icon in the Application Summary section.

5. Submit

On completion, save your Nomination as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the  icon in the Application Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the Call for Applications period, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.

If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the Award Administrator.

NOTE: (Only applications returned via email will be accepted.)

 

2025-2026 Classroom Grant Rules

  1. Only Hernando County Public & Charter school instructional personnel may apply for funding.
  2. Classroom Grant Applications are only available online at the Hernando County Education Foundation website: hernandoeducationfoundation.org.
  3. Classroom grant applications for 2025-2026 grant cycle will be accepted online through deadline dates according to funding round deadlines. Handwritten applications will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted electronically. Attach documentation as necessary. Must have your administrator electronically sign & submit application.
  4. Funding will be distributed according to 1st, 2nd, & 3rd round funding deadline dates to qualified approved applicants. The Classroom Grant application cycle will remain open until available funds are expended or January 31, 2025, whichever comes first.
  5. Mid-Year Reporting and End of Year Project Evaluations are required for this program. Mid-year Reports are due on January 6, 2026, and End of the Year Reports are due on May 1, 2026.  Failure to submit either report will result in full reimbursement of all funds and disqualify you from future funding requests.
  6. Applications require community and/or business sector partnership that are directly related to the activities or engaged in the project. Partnership Agreement Statement(s) must be included with each application. Any exceptions must be approved by the Executive Director at HCEF.
  7. Matching funds used for this project that have been raised by your community partners, PTA, SAC, etc. must be passed through the HCEF to assist in meeting the State’s 1:1 match requirement.
  8. EXPENSES Allowable expenditures for Classroom Grant include: programmatic staff (with prior approval), appropriate training/conferences, professional and technical services, classroom materials, computer software, computer hardware, other equipment, program supplies, travel and printing. Non-Allowable expenditures for classroom grants include: administrative expenses, capital improvements, support of interscholastic athletics, refreshments, decorative items, awards for outstanding service, and the entertainment of dignitaries. NO ADMINISTRATIVE OR INDIRECT CHARGES MAY BE APPLIED TO THIS GRANT.
  9. All technology related grant applications must be accompanied by an approved Hernando County School Board Mobile Devise Purchase Request form.
  10. Ask for help. The HCEF is glad to guide you through the application process.
  11. All projects must be concluded by April 2025 & must include pictures, news clips, social media postings, or any other supporting media releases.

Tips for Preparing a Classroom Grant Application

  1. Applications should have a compelling project title & description of a specific and significant need and show originality and innovation in the classroom. When addressing NEED: Include a description of student need(s), characteristics, or requirements and convey why there is a compelling need.
  2. Applications should have clear objectives that spell out what specific results or student outcomes are to be accomplished and how they are to be measured. Include goals and objectives that directly relate to the identified need(s); and include objectives that are realistic, measurable and time bound.
  3. Project activities should support achievement of project goals and be engaging to students. Project activities should strongly encourage students to learn or apply information/skills in meaningful, real-world ways. Project activities should be relevant, innovative, and/or unique and include many hands-on, experience-based, collaborative learning opportunities.
  4. Timeline has a logical sequence, reflects a well thought-out implementation plan, and seems “doable” within the project period.
  5. Projects should be easily replicated with little or minor adjustments to implementation of the project itself.
  6. The evaluation plan should be clearly described. Specify how data and/or documentation related to each of the following components will be collected, used, and reported, ensuring a high degree of accountability: use of project funds, implementation of project activities, impact of project activities, the extent to which the identified student need(s) was addressed by the end of the project.
  7. Costs should be within the funding guidelines. All items purchased must align to the project activities described in the application. The budget request should be reasonable and appropriate given the needs of the students and the potential impact of the project. Any changes to original budget request must be approved prior to spending the rewarded funds.
  8. Good summaries describe what kids and teachers will do. Create a real-life scenario for the reader. Try to paint a picture with words. The reader must clearly make sense of what you intend to do.
  9. Business Partner’s Role should be more than financial. It is great to show how their expertise or assistance will be utilized in relation to the project itself. Please specify if business partner(s) roles are hands-on or indirect.
  10. Avoid jargon, acronyms, and do not overwrite. Make it easy for the reviewers to read your entire proposal. A committee comprised of business and community leaders will review your application, and they may not be familiar with educational terms such as “ESOL” and “differentiated instruction”. Briefly explain educational terminology. Also, remember that grant readers review many grant applications, so be thrifty with your words, but do not sacrifice important points to achieve brevity.
  11. Be sure to READ all instructions. Proofread and spell-check your application. Get some honest feedback on your proposal before you submit it. Ask one or two people to critically review the proposal. Use their feedback to strengthen your final application.

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