Thank you for your interest in applying for a SEEF grant. We rely on unique proposals from district staff to enhance learning opportunities for Shakopee Public Schools students. Please review application-related resources and tips at Apply for a Grant.

Policies & Guidelines

1. We encourage educators, administrators, staff, and students from the Shakopee School District to apply for grants that support innovative projects in their classrooms, schools, or the district. Student-led projects must partner with a staff member.
2. Grant 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.” 
3. Individuals may submit one request per grant cycle. However, individual applicants may also be part of a separate group proposal, provided they do not identify as the lead applicant for both proposals.
4. Grant awards range from $100 to $2500. Larger awards may be considered for innovative and creative projects new to the district. Before applying, please discuss your concept with a SEEF board member for feedback. 
5. The applicant’s principal or supervisor must approve all grant applications.
6. The applicant must receive approval from the Director of Instructional Technology for technology-based projects and submit the proposal at least one week before the application deadline to allow time for possible revisions. These projects involve plug-in equipment interacting with the building network, hardware, or software.
7. Applicants must complete the Project Budget Form detailing all proposed project costs and upload it with their application. We recommend completing the form before filling out the application.
8. Grantees must submit a SEEF Grant Final Report form. Failure to do so will impact future grant funding requests. 
9. Submit photos, videos, and evaluation results to SEEF in a timely manner. Ensure that photos of students comply with the school district’s Media Opt-Out Policy. SEEF reserves the right to use any submitted materials in promotional communications.
10. Grantees must acknowledge SEEF as a funding source when publicizing the project in newsletters, social media, presentations, etc. We encourage the grantee to tag SEEF on social media posts to help promote the grant and the Foundation’s work.
11. Identify and label materials acquired through a SEEF grant as “Funding provided by the Shakopee Educational Endowment Foundation.” Labels are available upon request.
12. Materials or equipment purchased as part of a grant become the property of the school and the district, not the recipient.
13. Grantees must use grant funds within 12 months of the award. Any balance remaining will return to the Foundation for redistribution.

2025-26 Grant Program Calendar
Sept. 22, 2025: Application deadline for technology-based proposals
Sept. 29, 2025: Application deadline for general grant proposals
By Nov. 3, 2025: Grant Awards announced

Grant Evaluation Criteria
The SEEF Board of Directors assesses grant proposals using the following criteria and assigns a weighted score of 1-5 points. 

1. Innovative & Fundamentally Different: Introduces NEW and CREATIVE educational methods, materials, and/or technology to expand unique learning experiences for students. Innovation is clear and compelling. Wt.: 3 points
2. Educational Goal: States attainable and measurable goal(s) for the project and outlines concrete implementation plans and intended learning outcomes. Weight: 2 points
3. Student Impact: Based on the population identified, the number of students served is cost-efficient and sustainable for future groups of students. Weight: 2 points
4. Evaluation Plan: Includes a project evaluation plan, reporting plan, and methods for assessing the achievement of learning outcomes. Weight: 2 points 
5. Professional Presentation & Budget: Provides comprehensive information on application responses and is error-free. The Summary Statement presents a final product that SEEF can use in promotional communications. The budget is reasonable, detailed, and complete. Weight: 1 point

We are likely to fund projects that:

• Propose new initiatives to the district, have unique/innovative components, and impact many students.
• Incorporate collaboration across classrooms, grade levels, academic departments, or the district.
• 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 previous SEEF-funded programs with little innovation or significant changes.
• Request funds for technology devices that are already part of the district’s long-term funding plan.
• Propose events outside of classroom time. 
• Request a stipend for an individual or a group. (Artists-in-residence programs are permitted.)
• Request funds for items the district should provide within the normal budget process.
• Include consumables discarded after one use unless they are relevant to the overall project. 

We will NOT award grants for:

Since significant time is required to complete the grant application form, we would like to clarify the types of requests that SEEF will not fund through the grant process.

• Transportation for students or staff
• Childcare
• Classroom furniture and furnishings (e.g., rugs and pillows) 
• Food or beverages 
• Prizes and incentives
• Classroom amplification equipment
• Professional development and substitute teachers
• Projects exceeding the $2500 limit without prior request for special consideration
• Projects requiring ongoing funding from SEEF

If you have questions about the grant process or want feedback on your project idea before completing the application, please contact:

SEEF Board of Directors, ShakopeeEdFoundation@gmail.com.
Paulette Rislund, 952-564-7689, mprislund@comcast.net.
Kathy Busch, 952-451-2513, kathypbusch@comcast.net.