What is it?

Teach for Your Dreams offers grants of $100, $250 and $500 to be given to teachers within the Redwood City Elementary School District to fund creative, innovative and exciting "pet" projects within the classroom. With the belief that most teachers were inspired by one special project (or one special teacher) in their own youth and that most teachers have a dream project that they hope to do with their own students, we offer funds to make those projects possible.

Our smaller grants of $100 are intended to enhance existing unique projects or fund projects that are "smaller" in scope, while grants of $250 and $500 are intended to fund new and distinct projects.

In light of budget cuts and economic constraints, deliberate consideration will be given to those programs that, while unique, use grant funds for supplies that can be used in subsequent years or subsequent lessons.

Who is eligible?

Grants are available to teachers within the Redwood City Elementary School District (RCSD). To apply a teacher must (1) be the assigned, primary teacher for their K-8 classroom, (2) must be a teacher within the RCSD in the 2009-2010 academic year (3) be the teacher who will serve as the lead for the granted project and (4) not have been a recipient of a Teach for your Dreams grant within the previous three years. Applicants may submit one grant request application per funding cycle.

How can I apply? What is the deadline?

Applications are only accepted online and there is no fee to apply. Applications or requests submitted by any means other than our online form will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted by May 8, 2009.

What is the notification process?

Recipients (as well as their respective principals and the school district) will be notified on or before May 25, 2009. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual explanations or reasoning for grants that are not funded.

What are the requirements?

Grant funds must be used within the 2009-10 academic year and the funded program must take place within the same period. Funded programs must benefit all students in the classroom. While our $100 grants may be used to enhance existing unique projects, $250 and $500 grants are intended to fund original, creative and innovative programs developed by the applicant and as such may not be used to fund the purchase of pre-packaged lesson plans. Grants may not be used to fund part or all of grade-wide, school, district, state, or federal initiatives or programs (Projects with a school-wide focus, such as school garden, but that are coordinated by one teacher and one class, will be considered.) Funded program must be new in the year funded and not an ongoing or repeat program.

Teach for Your Dreams grants may not be used to fund field trips or transportation but may be used to fund a guest speaker, or project-specific classroom guest.

Funds must directly benefit and be applied to student-centered programs and may not be used for membership or training by the teacher, nor for compensation to a teacher, teacher's aid or substitute teacher.

Teach for Your Dreams Grants are intended to be the sole funding agent for your project and may not be used for the purchase of office equipment or computers.

How are grantees selected?

Honestly, the selection process is entirely subjective. By that we mean that the applications submitted will be judged on their interest and appeal by the judging panel and the decisions of that panel will be final. Granted programs are intended to enrich and excite all young minds. In its deliberations, the panel will not consider the teacher's name, the teacher's school, nor the socio-economic environment of its students.

The fine print (terms and conditions):

If awarded a grant, the applicant agrees that:

• Their name, school, grade, photo, program description and program outcome may be used in future publicity for Teach for Your Dreams/Grantor.
• Representatives from the Teach for Your Dreams may visit and observe the funded program (by prescheduled mutually agreeable appointment only).
• They will be required to submit, within 30 days of the completion of the funded project, a detailed summary and outcomes report of the program, together with all receipts and a full accounting of how all funds were spent.
• Any unused portions of the funds will be returned to the organization.
• If their employment within the RCSD ceases before the completion of the program, all grant funds must be returned to the organization.
• Any violation of these terms will result in either binding mediation through Peninsula Conflict resolution Center or court action.
• Grantor shall be held harmless from any liability or damages resulting from this project. All permits, applications, notifications, permission slips and other documentation are the sole responsibility of the applicant/teacher.
• They have read, understand and agree to all written policies outlined in all sections of this document.

Application Information:

Before starting to complete the application form, please be aware that you will be asked for the following information:

Your name (first, middle initial, last)

Your address

Your school (where you will be teaching in 2009-2010 academic year)

Grade served by this project or "other" (if mixed grades or grade-wide)

Your telephone number for both day and evening

Your email address for both work and personal

The "program title" of your project

A brief description of the project (not exceed 50 words. This is simply an overview. You will have room to elaborate in other fields.)

The amount you are requesting ($100, $250 or $500)

If not awarded amount selected, could you conduct program with lower award amount?

A detailed program description and implementation program.

A personal statement regarding inspiration for this program and impact foreseen for students and yourself.

A rough list of the materials required for this program (what will you use the funds for).

Anticipated budget (showing description of purchases and estimated price). Total should roughly match application amount.

Does this project fund materials that can be used in subsequent years or for subsequent lessons?

Have you discussed with your principal whether this program will be possible at your school? While we do not require the principal's approval for your application, we strongly encourage you not to apply for funding for a program you may not be able to carry out.

Are you aware of other similar programs at other schools? If so, please describe.

Describe any potential risks to students, if applicable.

Describe project timetable with approximate milestone dates.