Dr. Robin L. Felty Student Impact Grants

Geographic Scope: Manheim Township School District, Pennsylvania

Overview:
The Student Impact Fund was created to make grant funding more accessible to Manheim Township High School students. This program allocates up to $5,000 annually in total funding to support student-led initiatives. The fund aims to empower students to turn their innovative ideas into reality by streamlining the application process and accelerating approval timelines.

Key Features

• Streamlined Process: Simplified application and faster approval timeline compared to general grants
• Submission Timeline: Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year
• Decision Timeline: Notifications of approval provided within two months of submission, often sooner
• Student Leadership: Student Impact Representatives (MTHS students serving as non-voting board members) play a key role in managing the program

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant: Must be a Manheim Township High School (MTHS) student
• Group Applications: Student organizations/clubs may apply
• Teacher/Administrator Support: Application must be supported by a teacher or administrator who will:
  • Sign off on the application
  • Manage awarded funds if approved
• Principal Approval: David Rilatt, MTHS Building Principal, must sign off on application prior to submission
• Benefit Requirement: Grant must benefit more than one student
• Innovation Focus: Application should highlight the innovative nature of the program

Funding Limitations

• Maximum Award: $1,000 per grant
• Annual Pool: Up to $5,000 total annually
• Ineligible Uses:
  • Textbooks
  • Tuition
  • Scholarships
  • Programs already in place or regularly funded
• Eligible Uses:
  • Transportation
  • Registration or admission fees
  • Food
  • Payments to organizations for experts/resources (artist in residence, speakers, etc.)

Reporting Requirements

• Final Report: Must be completed by May 1 of the school year in which grant was received
• Requisition Reporting: Required upon completion
• Photo Documentation: Five photos of the grant in action must be submitted with final report (approved by supporting teacher/administrator with confirmed student photography consent)
• Spending Requirement: Grant funds must be spent during the school year in which they are received

Contact Information

Manheim Township Educational Foundation

• Address: 450A Candlewyck Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601
• Main Office: 717-735-1751
• Alumni Office: 717-560-3117
• Website: mtef.net

Program Background

Established in response to the need for greater student engagement in philanthropy, the Student Impact Fund was approved by the MTEF Board of Directors. The program was developed collaboratively by Student Impact Representatives (senior Noel Shabu and junior Michael Vogt), Executive Director Jenny Germann, and Chris Flores (Vice President of the MTEF Board and Chair of the Board's Grant Disbursement Committee).

Application Process

How to Apply

1. Review Guidelines: Ensure your project meets all eligibility requirements (see guidelines above)
2. Develop Your Proposal: Create an application highlighting the innovative aspects of your program
3. Secure Support: Obtain signatures from:
   • A teacher or administrator who will manage funds
   • David Rilatt, MTHS Building Principal
4. Submit Application: Submit completed application form (available on website)
5. Await Decision: Receive notification of approval within two months, often sooner

Required Materials

• Completed application form
• Project description highlighting innovation
• Signatures from:
  • Supporting teacher/administrator (who will manage funds)
  • Building Principal (David Rilatt)
• Budget/spending plan

Application Requirements

• Clear Innovation Focus: Application must highlight innovative aspects of the program
• Student Benefit: Explain how the grant will benefit more than one student
• Use of Funds: Detail how funds will be used (transportation, registration, admission, food, expert fees, etc.)
• Feasibility: Demonstrate project can be completed within the school year

Timeline

• Submission: Can be submitted at any time during the school year
• Decision Notification: Within two months of submission (often sooner)
• Completion Deadline: Must complete project and submit final report by May 1 of school year

Upon Award

1. Fund Management: Supporting teacher/administrator responsible for managing funds
2. Spending Timeline: Spend funds during the school year awarded
3. Final Report: Submit by May 1 including:
   • One-page final evaluation report
   • Itemized expense report with purchase order numbers
   • Explanation of any variations from original budget
   • Five photos of project in action (with student photography consent)
   • Project effectiveness assessment (minimum 100 words each for goal explanation and effectiveness)

Final Report Submission Form Fields

• Name(s) and contact information
• School/building selection
• Project title and grant number
• Grant request amount
• Number of students benefited
• Project start and end dates
• Project description and goals
• Project effectiveness assessment
• Itemized expense report
• Electronic signature with date