A to Z Fund Mini-Grant- General Classroom

The A to Z Fund Mini-Grant supports Oakland public schools by providing resources for underfunded educational projects, including STEM, art, and music initiatives. With a focus on equity, the fund prioritizes schools serving low-income students and those facing significant challenges. Grants can cover supplies, guest speakers, and project-related expenses, ensuring that all students have access to enriching experiences. This initiative addresses the disparities in funding across schools, aiming to create equal opportunities for all students.

Creating Opportunities from A To Z
The A to Z Fund does two big things for all Oakland public schools: gives our teachers extra training to become even better, and distributes money to educators to use for field trips, music, sports, and other underfunded opportunities from A to Z.
The Need
The need for equity is clear. Fifteen schools, concentrated in Oakland’s wealthiest neighborhoods, are able to raise more than $5 million each school year. Meanwhile, 75 percent of Oakland students attend schools that raise less than $10,000 each year.
While every Oakland public school will benefit from the A to Z Fund, we distribute more money to schools with the most students who are low-income, English language learners, or in foster care.
General Classroom Grant
Allowable Uses: STEM, art, music, and other educational projects, including:
Supplies, books, equipmentGuest speakers or visiting artistsAdmission fees, transportation (not gas), accommodationsOther materials needed to complete the project
Please note that applications should NOT just be requests for general classroom/school supplies that are unrelated to a larger project. Awarded grants will be for projects, field trips or professional development opportunities that would be otherwise not funded or underfunded.

Eligibility

Open only to Oakland public schools (OUSD- and charter-managed).Funds may be used for STEM, art, music, and other educational projects, including the cost of project supplies, books, equipment, guest speakers or visiting artists, admission fees, transportation costs (not including gas reimbursement), accommodations, and other materials required to complete the project.You may submit multiple applications, but only one grant can be awarded per cycle.After receiving a grant, you must skip the next cycle before applying again.Maximum of five awards per school per cycle.

Ineligibility

Projects that require additional fundraising (in addition to the A to Z mini-grant) are ineligible to receive a mini-grant.Not AllowedTeacher/substitute pay, gift cards, unrelated general supplies, or high-end/personal-use technology.