Key Information

We are excited to announce that the WJCC Schools Foundation is again accepting requests for Innovative Learning Grants. The application will be completely online right here! We will not be accepting hard copies of the application. Completed grant applications can be submitted to the WJCC Schools Foundation electronically by clicking on the “Apply Online” link below.

Applications for grants not to exceed $4,000 may be filed by individuals or by a group, and the online form allows for sharing and saving your drafts prior to submitting a final application. If you have received a grant in the past, the online application requires that an evaluation form be completed before any new grants can be started. Please see additional rules and guidelines for a successful application below.

Apply Online

Applications will be accepted from September 30 – December 3, 2024. Winning grant checks will be awarded in February 2025.

Employees of WJCC Public Schools who are involved in the instruction of students or related support services benefiting students are eligible to apply. Essentially, anyone who works for the school division who has an idea that will help students learn is encouraged to apply.

Individuals? Yes! The online form allows for saving your drafts prior to submitting a final application.

Groups? Yes! The online form allows for sharing your drafts allowing submissions by individuals or by a group.

Multiple Grants? Yes! You may submit more than one grant application.

Consecutive Grants? Yes! If you have received a grant in the past, the online application requires that an evaluation form be completed before any new grants can be started.

The Innovative Learning Grant has been the flagship program of the WJCC Schools Foundation since its inception in 2015. Grant funds have been awarded to all 17 schools at every grade level, from Pre-K through 12. 

The online application opens each fall, and grant funds are distributed to the schools in February. School employees are encouraged to apply for funds to support school programs or projects for as little as $50 and up to $4,000. 

After the close of the annual fall application period, the Schools Foundation assembles a review committee to determine which grants are eligible for funding through a blind review process used to rank the applications according to the criteria listed below. The number of funded awards will also depend on funds available from WJCC Schools Foundation for the specific grant cycle. Applicants whose grants are not approved for funding will receive a letter notifying them that they were not selected.

A review of “How can I apply for an Innovative Learning Grant” provides helpful hints for a successful grant application. Examples of past successful grants can be found in annual Impact Reports here.

Eligible Proposals

Grants may fund instructional and classroom materials, parent involvement programs, or any activity or material which supports higher levels of student academic achievement. Transportation costs and professional development will not be funded by the WJCC Schools Foundation.

Selection Criteria is based on the degree to which the grant request:

  • supports the division’s strategic plan or school-specific goals and objectives.
  • enhances student academic performance.
  • incorporates sound evaluation procedures.
  • represents a new, creative or innovative approach to the accomplishment of objectives. (Sorry, funds are not available for recurring programs/projects. The proposal should address a new project as opposed to one accomplished or underway.)
  • is clear and logical, including (a) specificity of objectives; (b) clarity of instructional procedures, methods or treatments; and (c) alignment among evaluative procedures, objectives and treatments.

Email questions to willonm@wjccschoolsfoundation.org

In the 2024-25 school year, online applications will be accepted from September 30 – December 3, 2024. The Schools Foundation reserves the right to extend the close date for applications if there is good reason to do so. 

Applications are only accepted through the online portal located on this site. Winning grant checks will be awarded directly to schools in February 2025.

The WJCC Schools Foundation partners with the community to provide resources that enrich teaching and inspire learning in helping our public schools toward education excellence for all students.

Innovative Learning Grants are designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward innovative and creative instructional approaches to the accomplishment of school division objectives.

The grants must support the division’s strategic plan or school-specific goals and objectives to enhance student academic performance.

Completed grant applications can be submitted to the WJCC Schools Foundation electronically by clicking on the “Apply Online” link.

Applications may be filed by individuals or by a group, and the online form allows for sharing and saving your drafts prior to submitting a final application.

All applications involving the purchase of technology or media equipment must also have a cover page signed by the Senior Director of Technology, Brian Landers (brian.landers@wjccschools.org, 757-603-6400).

Tips for a Successful Application

Statement of Need: 

  • Describe the area of student achievement you wish to address and provide any data that supports the need. Please include how this grant addresses the division’s strategic plan or school-specific goals and objectives.
  • Keep the statement simple and straightforward.
  • Show how the project relates to the division’s strategic plan.

Objectives: 

  • Limit the number of objectives.
  • Imply or state evaluation in the statement of objectives.
  • Be specific.

Description of Proposed Project/Activity: 

  • Describe the problem or issue.
  • Show how the project supports the purpose.
  • List steps to follow in project implementation.
  • Relate project to need and objectives.
  • Be specific.

Evaluation: 

  • Relate to stated objectives.
  • Indicate how you will know whether the project was successful.

Partners (if any):

  • Are there others who will participate in this project? (Kiwanis, Rotary, Restaurant, Landscaper)
  • If so, in what role?

Budget:

  • Be realistic and specific. If possible, provide quotes from vendors.
  • Do not exceed the $4,000 grant limit.

When applying for a grant, please remember the following: 

  • Each application must have a completed cover page signed by the school principal.
  • Except for the cover page, do not use your name or the name of your school in the application. The Grant Application Review Committee should not know the name of the applicant or the school to ensure a blind review process.
  • If you have received a grant in the past, the online application requires that an evaluation form be completed before any new grants can be started.
  • Grants are to be used to fund projects that cannot be provided for in the school and division budgets.
  • Transportation costs will not be funded.
  • Objectives and outcomes should be consistent with the goals of your school and the division.
  • Grants cannot support teacher training or travel.
  • When creating your budget, research carefully and be realistic.
  • Small grants are just as likely to be awarded as large grants.
  • Partial funding is an option.
  • Applications for items available from division resources will not be awarded.

There have been Innovative Grant Request applications as low as $66 and as high as $4,000. The average is around $2,000 per request but any amount that doesn’t exceed $4,000 is admissible. Good Luck!

Questions?

For questions, please contact Mychael Willon, Programs Chair at willonm@wjccschoolsfoundation.org