Bright Ideas Grant

Geographic Scope: Millbrook Central School District, NY

Program Overview:
Bright Ideas Grants are designed to support teacher and administrator initiatives to make curriculum come alive for students. Since 2008, MEF has provided approximately $25,000 each year to fund these new ideas.

Eligibility

• Applicants: Teachers and administrators in Millbrook Central School District
• Open to all educational areas (Technology, Athletics, Arts, Core Curriculum, Enrichment, etc.)

Funding Details

• Amount: Up to $12,500 in total Bright Ideas funding is expected to be available during each grant cycle (Fall and Spring)
• A Bright Ideas grant can be a simple proposal for limited funding or a collaborative proposal for a greater amount
• Proposals exceeding $5,000 may require a District Partnership

Evaluation Criteria

MEF evaluates grant applications based on four key areas:

Impact:

• Does the project focus on a particular group of students and impact as many students as possible?
• What is the educational area of focus?
• How does this program align to the district's approved curriculum?
• How does it support the Strategic Mission and Vision of the District?
• Is the program/project short or long term?
• Will students have direct involvement in the use of the program/project?

Viability:

• Is the program/project well thought out and documented?
• Is there research that supports this program or project?
• Who will be responsible for the implementation?
• Will it be implemented in a timely manner?
• How will the impact be measured, documented, and disseminated?

Affordability:

• Describe all supplemental or alternative funding explored (District funds, other grants, fundraisers, etc.)
• Are there recurring costs associated with implementation?
• Are ongoing maintenance funds required?

Overall Excellence:

• What makes your proposal unique and innovative?
• Does the request support and foster school-community partnerships?
• Does it engage multiple grade levels?
• Is it interdisciplinary?
• Is there a specific need in the school district for your request?

Contact Information

• Address: PO Box 453, Millbrook, NY 12545

Grant Recipient Responsibilities

• Use funds only for the intended purpose
• Unused funds shall be returned to MEF
• Provide documentation of budget (estimates/budgetary quotes)
• Prepare a final report for MEF within six months of receiving funding
• Failure to submit a final report may result in disqualification from future grant applications

Application Process

Submission Timeline:

• Rolling grant cycle with two key submission periods each school year
• Fall cycle and Spring cycle
• Out-of-cycle grant requests will be reviewed on a best-effort basis

Review Timeline:

• Typical review and decision process takes approximately 4-6 weeks
• MEF meets 10 times a year, providing regular opportunities to discuss and evaluate applications
• Funding provided shortly after decision is made

Application Steps:

1. Complete the MEF Grant Application form (MEF Application- Bright ideas 2024.final)
2. Include all budget information with quotes
3. Obtain approval signatures from:
   • Principal
   • Superintendent
   • District Clerk

Required Supporting Documentation:

• Itemized Budget:
  • List of equipment to be purchased with price quotes and descriptive material
  • Description of the need each item will meet
  • Training or workshop literature, cost, duration, dates, proposed attendees and their qualifications
  • Program related requests should include program goals, budget, timeline, proposed participants and their qualifications

Grant Feedback Report Requirements:

All grant recipients must submit a grant feedback report within six months of receiving funding. Report should include:

• Original budget documentation
• Final expenditure report
• Photos
• Student work (if applicable)
• Overall analysis summarizing the Bright Ideas program/project and its results
• Grant recipients are welcome to schedule a presentation at an MEF meeting to share results

Application Materials:

• Grant Application Form: MEF Application- Bright ideas 2024.final (available for download)
• Feedback Report Form: MEF-Feedback-Report 2024 (available for download)