Education GRants

Grant Applications will be accepted beginning October 15th with a deadline of November 15th.  Please read the Grant Guidelines and FAQ's below prior to submitting your application.

Grant Guidelines

The SCSDEF is a non-profit organization that awards grants for SCSD staff to enhance the education of district students. Grants are used to provide supplemental resources that align with district goals and initiatives. Since its inception in 2006, the foundation has awarded almost $500,000 in grants to support the staff and students of Schenectady. The maximum amount eligible for any single grant this cycle is $5,000.

How will your grant funds be used?

Describe how you plan to use grant funds, considering:

  • Education - will this grant impact the education of students?

  • Curriculum - will this grant align with district curriculum guidelines?

  • Engagement - will this grant improve student engagement?

  • Innovation - will this grant provide for innovative experiences for student learning?

  • Replication - will other staff be able to replicate this project/initiative?

  • Measurable - will there be a way to measure the success/effectiveness of this grant?

What type of grant requests will not be approved?

  • Supplies, furniture, or equipment that should normally be provided by the district. (special circumstances may apply in some cases, these are considered on a case-by-case basis)

  • Salaries for staff.

  • Software for district computers.

  • Technology that should be provided by the district.

  • Workshops, training, or conferences for staff.

Steps to take before beginning this application

  • Discuss your grant with the principal or district-level administrator and get their approval.

  • Gather names of other staff members involved with this grant request.

  • Gather names of vendors and suppliers (the foundation does not help locate vendors or suppliers). Use the internet, local suppliers, or district specialists if necessary.

  • Gather prices for the items needed (see section below for calculating costs).

Guidelines associated with costs and expenses

  • Get itemized estimates.

  • Include shipping costs in your total and breakdown.

  • Tax exempt - the foundation is a tax-exempt organization, therefore vendors can be paid directly by the foundation. Note: not all vendors/suppliers honor tax-exempt options (e.g. Amazon and other online vendors).

Reimbursement Information

  • Reimbursement details are provided on the award notification sent to you if you are awarded a grant.

  • In general, upon submission of receipts or an invoice, checks are made payable to you and mailed to you.

  • If a vendor is paid directly, the check will be mailed to you, and then you must forward the check to the vendor/supplier.

Report after grant funded project is complete

  • A summary of the project will need to be submitted to the foundation by June 1st.

  • Photos, letters, student quotes are strongly encouraged to be included in the summary.

  • A summary of the success of the project (data for measurement) must be included with the summary.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Agnes Phillips at phillipsagnes14@gmail.com, Nancy Sagendorf at nancysagendorf@gmail.com or Brenda Morrow at ballynmorrow@gmail.com

  • Mike Sheridan, Instructional Technology Coach at sheridanmi@schenectadyschools.org

  • SCSD Digital Resources Toolbox

  • The Foundation has awarded over 350 creative and diverse projects. Check out this list of previously funded projects.

  • Yes. Details of such proposals should be made clear in your application.

  • You can receive a grant up to three years for the same request.

  • We use the following Rubric.

  • Give a shout-out to the Foundation in any newsletters, emails, press releases, social media posts, or events.

  • Grant recipients and guests are encouraged to attend the Foundation’s annual Education Celebration Gala.

  • Any durable goods and equipment purchased with funds from the grant become property of the SCSD.  If you leave the district, items purchased with funds from the grant will go to the Dept. Chair/Coordinator.

The SCSDEF reserves the right to make changes or adjustments to these guidelines and to the Education Grants Program as needed at any time.