Phoenix Union Foundation for Education (“Foundation”)
MINI-GRANT APPLICATION AND PROCESS

Mini-Grants will be awarded to eligible programs after the closing date of each application period. 

What is the Phoenix Union Foundation for Education?
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity that supports the Phoenix Union High School District’s mission of preparing students for college, career, and life. Find out more about us at www.foundation4education.org.

Grant Overview
Mini-Grants are designed to support teachers, student committees, administrators, and all District employees in their efforts to develop, improve or expand opportunities for high school students to learn and excel in education. Grants can be from $300 up to $1,500 each, awarded to support innovative programs that strive to increase interest and academic achievement in all curriculums. Please note: Individual schools or programs can receive between $300 and $1,000. The maximum amount of $1,500 will be given to district-wide and multi-campus opportunities. If your total ask is above the maximum, it will not be considered.

Who Can Apply
Applicants may be teachers, administrators, student committees, or PXU District employees.

Eligible Programs
All Mini-grant requests will be considered for funding. Examples include:

·      Programs that target interest in science, technology, engineering, math, the arts, etc.

·      Develop, improve, or expand resources and/or curriculum available in learning environments.

·      Ensure that students have the core competencies needed to pursue a career or degree in the field of their choice.

·      After-school settings learning opportunities.

·      Support student application of classroom knowledge to real-life applications.

·      Opportunities for students to get to know positive real-life individuals in various careers.

·      Link secondary education with post-secondary career and technical education programs.

·      Vocational training / workforce readiness.

·      College preparatory for higher education.

·      Opportunities for students to gain critical life skills to be successful in college, career, and life. 

Use of Grant Funds
Funds may be used for any of the following program-related expenses: classroom equipment, supplies or materials; field trip expenses (transportation, entrance fees, etc.); student participation in school/classroom competitions (as part of a district-wide, state-wide, regional, or national program); materials and student rewards or incentives (non-financial, non-monetary) for improvement in academic performance. Resources for food and/or gift cards cannot be funded with mini-grant awards.

To see previous grant recipients, visit our website at www.foundation4education.org/mini-grants. 

Application Content – A Brief Overview
A mini-grant request should include all the following components:

·      An explanation of the primary educational need and description of how the program will increase student participation and achievement.

·      Evidence-based program activities designed to increase the participation and academic achievement of students. Activities and instruction should engage students in inquiry-based, hands-on learning concepts.

·      A detailed budget of the expenses to be incurred. Please include the exact total of the expenses including the vendor, quote, item number and/or where the purchases would be made.

·      Collaboration is encouraged. If you can collaborate with another teacher, another division/department, school, or school district; a two- or four-year college; a statewide, regional, or national education program; a business or industry; or a community-based or nonprofit organization that serves high school students, this is ideal.

HOW TO APPLY

The application (both the online and paper form) can be found on our website mini-grant page:

www.foundation4education.org/what-we-do/mini-grants