Empowered Micro Grants

Application Process

1. Create or Log in to Empowered Hub account
- Free account required

2. Complete Class Registration survey
- Required for all applicants

3. Fill out Micro Grant application
- 12-question application form
- Questions assess alignment with Empowered's mission and Foundational Principles

4. Receive approval notification
- W-9 Form will be emailed with grant approval letter

5. Complete and submit W-9 Form
- Complete as "Individual/Sole Proprietor" with personal information (NOT school/district info)
- Must verify banking partner's identity verification requirements
- Failure to return W-9 will delay funding

6. Activate PEX Card
- Card arrives within 10-15 business days
- Register card online using 01/01/2000 as date-of-birth (DOB)
- Download PEX app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Check balance in PEX app

7. Use funding
- Use card anywhere Visa is accepted (online or in-person)
- Use as credit card (no PIN pre-assigned unless requested)

8. Submit Grant Wrap-Up Report
- Due by June 30th of each funding term/school year
- 5-15 minutes to complete
- Submit through Submittable account
- Required to maintain eligibility for future funding
- Report questions:
- What challenge(s) did funding help you address?
- Did these dollars increase your impact and/or create meaningful learning?
- Top-line insights on impact

Reapplication

• If request denied, applicants may reapply with greater emphasis on meeting evaluation criteria
• No need to re-register classes if reapplying in same academic year
• Can reapply annually

Important Notes

• PEX expenses are monitored by Empowered Support Team
• Suspicious usage may result in temporary card deactivation
• No reimbursements offered
• If card lost, contact Support Team immediately; 10-15 day wait for replacement
• Expiring cards auto-reissue 30 days before expiration (3 years after issuance); contact Support Team for activation
• If no purchases for 365 days, card cancelled and funds redistributed