EARLY LEARNING PROJECT GRANT APPLICATION

Please complete the following form and return it to: brinker_t@hcsb.k12.fl.us with the title: ‘2022-2023 Early Learning Project Grant Application’
Early Learning Project Grant Application: CLICK HERE
NOTE: (Only applications returned via email will be accepted.)

2022-2023 Early Learning Project Grant Rules ($500)

  1. Only Hernando County School Board instructional personnel may apply for funding; however, those instructional personnel at Hernando County charter schools are also welcome to apply.
  2. New EASY TO USE Early Learning Project Grant applications are available on the Hernando County Education Foundation website at www.hernandoeducationfoundation.org
  3. Early Learning Project grant applications for 2022-2023 will be accepted through deadline dates according to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Round Funding deadlines. Hand written applications will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted electronically to brinker_t@hcsb.k12.fl.us. Verify all stipulations and sign agreement of rules and requirements. Attach documentation as necessary. Finally have your administrator sign and send your hard copy application to: HCEF via Hernando County School Board Pony.
  4. Funding will be distributed monthly to qualified approved applicants on a first come first serve basis. The grant application cycle will remain open until available funds are expended or January 31, 2023, whichever comes first.
  5. Mid Year Reporting and End of Project evaluations are required for this program.
  6. Applicants may submit one individual project. Proposals may not exceed $500.
  7. 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.
  8. 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 requirements.
  9. EXPENSES Allowable expenditures for Early Learning Project Grant include: programmatic staff, appropriate training/conferences, professional and technical services, classroom materials, computer software, computer hardware, other equipment, program supplies, travel and printing. Non-Allowable expenditures for Early Learning Project 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.
  10. All technology related grant applications must be accompanied by the Hernando County School Board Mobile Devise Purchase Request form.
  11. Ask for help. The HCEF is glad to guide you through the application process.

Tips for Preparing an Early Learning Project Grant Application

  1. Applications should have a compelling 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, engaging, 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.
  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.
  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.