Grant Guidelines and Criteria

Thank you for your interest in the SEEF Grant Program. We rely on unique proposals from teachers and staff so that we can make a difference for Shakopee Public School students. SEEF grants are intended to fund innovative and creative programs that would otherwise be unavailable to students.

Policies & Guidelines

  • Individuals or groups applying to receive grant funding must be SPS teachers or staff members or must work in partnership with a staff member (i.e., student-led projects).
  • Individuals may submit only one proposal per grant cycle. However, if an individual is part of a group submitting a proposal, they may submit a second proposal independently or as part of a different group.
  • To be considered for funding, proposals must align with the Foundation’s mission: “To preserve and enhance the quality of education in the Shakopee School District by funding projects that provide innovative learning opportunities for students.” See the Previous Grant Awards web page for lists of previously funded grants.
  • Projects that include technology must obtain the approval of the Director of Instructional Technology and must be submitted at least one week prior to the application deadline to allow time for possible revisions. A technology-based project is defined as anything that can be plugged in and/or might interact with the building network, hardware, or software.
  • To be considered for funding, all grant applications must be approved by the school principal or supervisor.
  • We will award grants of up to $2,500 to support innovative projects that enhance education and directly benefit students. Rarely will we consider an exceptional project for a larger award. A request for special consideration must be discussed with a SEEF board member prior to submitting the application.
  • Grant awardees must submit a Final Grant Report Form no later than the last day of the school year. Along with evaluation results, include photos of students engaged in the project. Please ensure any photos of students comply with the school district’s Media Opt-Out Policy. SEEF may use submitted materials in promotional communications. Failure to submit the final report may impact any future requests for funding.
  • Publications, presentations, and communications (newsletters, emails to parents, press releases) related to the funded project must list SEEF as a funding source.
  • Items acquired with SEEF funds should be labeled as follows, “Funding provided by the Shakopee Educational Endowment Foundation.” Labels will be provided by SEEF upon request. For those who communicate information about a SEEF grant on a personal or school Facebook page, we ask that you tag SEEF’s Facebook page (ShakopeeEducationalEndowmentFoundation) to help us better promote the grant.
  • Materials or equipment purchased as part of a grant become the property of the school and the district, not the individual receiving the grant.
  • Grant funds must be used within 12 months of the award. Any balance remaining after that time is no longer available to the grantee.

Grant Evaluation Criteria

The SEEF board evaluates grant requests based on the effectiveness of the following criteria: Each category is given a weighted score between 1 and 3 points.

  1. Innovation, Creativity & Uniqueness: Introduces NEW and CREATIVE educational methods, materials, or technology to promote UNIQUE learning experiences for students. Innovation is clear and compelling. Weight: 3 points
  2. Educational Need: Identifies a specific and significant need for the project and ties the need to student learning. Weight: 2 points
  3. Student Impact: Based on the population identified in the grant, the number of students served is cost-efficient or sustainable for future groups of students. Weight: 2 points
  4. Evaluation Plan: States clear and measurable methods for assessing the degree to which the learning outcomes are achieved. Weight: 1 point
  5. Budget Narrative: Includes a reasonable, accurate, detailed budget and identifies any alternative funding sources. The budget includes only items permitted by SEEF guidelines. Weight: 1 point
  6. Professional Presentation: All application questions are answered, complete information is provided, and the form has been reviewed for errors. The Summary Statement question of the application reflects a final product SEEF can use in promotional communications. Weight: 1 point

We are likely to fund projects that:

  • Display innovation and creativity new to SPS and designed to engage students in the learning process.
  • Incorporate collaboration across classrooms or grade levels or within a school site or department.
  • Require one-time, start-up support rather than ongoing funding.
  • Present a clear plan to evaluate outcomes.

We are NOT likely to fund projects that:

  • Repeat current or previously SEEF-funded projects with little innovation or significant changes, especially when the project applies to the same teacher and site.
  • Request funds for technology devices already part of the district’s long-term funding plan.
  • Propose events outside of classroom time.
  • Request a stipend for an individual or group. (Compensation for professionals such as artists-in-residence is permitted.)
  • Request funds for items it appears should be provided by the district as part of the normal budgeting process.
  • Involve consumables that are discarded after one use unless relevant to the overall project.

Funding requests for the following will NOT be considered:

  • Projects exceeding the $2,500 limit without a prior request for special consideration.
  • Projects requiring the Foundation’s ongoing funding to be successful.
  • Professional development opportunities and substitute teachers.
  • Transportation expenses for students or staff.
  • Classroom furniture and furnishings (i.e., rugs, pillows).
  • Childcare expenses.
  • Food or beverages.
  • Prizes or incentives.
  • Classroom amplification equipment.

Questions may be directed to any of the following:

SEEF Board of Directors, ShakopeeEdFoundation@gmail.com.

Paulette Rislund, 952-564-7689; mprislund@comcast.net.

Kathy Busch, 952-451-2513; kathypbusch@comcast.net.

We appreciate the generosity of our donors, who made these grants possible. Please help us continue our mission to support and enhance the excellence in Shakopee Public Schools.