Do you have a program or initiative in mind that will help students? Applying for a grant through EducationMatters could secure funds that help you move forward with important projects that enhance educational opportunities.
Each year, EducationMatters provides grants to support innovative projects that help students within the Calgary Board of Education. Grants may focus on students in a specific school, or support initiatives across the system. Funding typically focuses on literacy, support for vulnerable students, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math initiatives, as well as career, health and life skills.
The application process is now open and the deadline to submit completed applications is September 30, 2018.
“We distribute grants to programs that enhance existing or create new educational opportunities for students in the CBE” says Marilyn Field, executive director of EducationMatters.
Successful grant applications should provide a description of the program or initiative that is clear and thoughtfully planned. EducationMatters shares the success of projects with donors and other stakeholders, which means that applications must include well-explained evaluation strategies to measure outcomes and validate impact.
“Applications that clearly demonstrate how a program will enhance the learning of the students, and that have the potential to be scaled for implementation in other schools, have the greatest chance of receiving funds” says Field.
Some examples of the type projects that received funding in 2017 include:
- Highwood School – The “Mathletics program” improves mathematical literacies using games and apps, while providing teachers with new ways to assess student performance
- Braeside School – Communication, sensory, and social interaction program enhancements to help students with severe communication and behavior needs self-regulate, develop relationships, and build skills for daily living
- Forest Lawn High School – The “View From the Inside” program allows students, teachers and staff to come together creatively to discuss mental health through making masks, drama, photography, music, and dance
- Hugh A. Bennett – The “Literacy In Action” program is designed to improve English literacy among a 90% English Language Learning (ELL) student population by providing books, hands-on tools, and technology to help students achieve the same level as native English speakers
The EducationMatters volunteer grants committee meets in late-October each year to evaluate grant submissions and decide how funds will be distributed. Successful applicants will be notified by late-November, 2018.
Applicants should remember that EducationMatters is unable to support grant applications that request funding to cover general operating costs.
EducationMatters was established by the Calgary Board of Education Trustees and other community visionaries and is currently celebrating 15 years of working with educators to fund programs that make a difference in the lives of students.
For questions about applying for grants through EducationMatters visit educationmatters.ca or contact Kathy Schilman, Grants and Stewardship Officer, at kschilman@educationmatters.ca