Bright Ideas Grant

Bright Ideas Grant

Funder: Millbrook Educational Foundation (MEF)

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

• Email: millbrookedfoundation@gmail.com
• Phone: 845.677.4200
• 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