Cherokee Educational Foundation Accepting IMPACT Grant Applications

Staff Report

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation announced last week that it is accepting applications for its second annual round of IMPACT grants to “encourage and support innovative and creative ideas in teaching and learning in the Cherokee County School District,” the organization said in a press release.

Due to growing public support, the foundation’s board has allotted $15,000 for the second round of grant awards, which is an increase from $10,000 last school year.

The Foundation will fund IMPACT Grants of as much as $2,500 per winning proposal; the application is posted on the school district’s website. Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 13, 2015; no exceptions to this deadline will be made. Grants will be presented to winning applicants on Feb. 13, 2015.

The first round of grants awarded in February included a variety of bright ideas ranging from a hot-air balloon festival showcasing miniature balloons made by students to a professional development workshop for high school teachers to share STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) knowledge with elementary school teachers in their Innovation Zone.

“The applications we received were all so impressive, and it was a delight to present the grants to the winners in front of their cheering students and colleagues,” Board President William “Billy” G. Hasty Jr. said. “We can’t wait to see what teachers and schools will come up with this year.”

Applications may be submitted by district teachers, paraprofessionals and school staff; teams of teachers, paraprofessionals and school staff; district administrators; or department heads.

A committee made up of foundation board members will review applications, which must meet the following criteria: strengthens academics; demonstrates a creative and innovative approach to education; provides meaningful and engaging instruction for students; is well thought-out with a long-term benefit; incorporates budget details; and, includes the official application completed in its entirety.

Applications require a narrative that outlines, among other information, how: the project will benefit a defined target population and strengthen education; the project relates to the school’s School Improvement Plan or the district’s Five-Year Strategic Plan; the applicant will collaborate with the community; project expenditures and the sustainability of the project if applicable; and how outcomes of the project will be shared with colleagues and the community.

Grant recipients will be required to complete a grant evaluation report at the end of the grant cycle.

For more information about the foundation, visit its website, email cceducationalfoundation@gmail.com or call (770) 704-4213 and leave a voicemail message.

(Photo credit: Cherokee County Educational Foundation)