Engagement Grant

Geographic Scope: Vancouver Public Schools district (Vancouver, WA)

Overview:
The Foundation for VPS Engagement Grant program provides funding to strengthen student engagement through enrichment opportunities, mentoring programs, and parent/family engagement initiatives. Schools can submit applications for projects that open new windows onto the world, provide new and unexplored experiences that spark student interest, and help students envision and plan for their future success in college, career, and life.

Focus Areas:

• Enrichment activities: Field trips, author visits, performances, equipment, supplies for creative projects (robotics, makers spaces, art, STEM, etc.)
• Mentoring programs: Adult mentorship for students to help them stay in school and focus on graduation
• Parent/Family engagement: Programs and events to increase parent and family involvement in student success

Eligible Applicants:

• Any school staff member can submit an application (with building principal approval)
• All schools in the Vancouver Public Schools district
• One application per school (may include multiple separate projects)

Award Information:

• 2017-18: Over $100,000 awarded to 62 projects at 33 schools, impacting over 16,000 students
• 2018-19: More than $100,000 awarded for 52 unique activities, benefiting over 13,000 students at 31 VPS schools

Grant Parameters:

• Applications must be approved by building principals
• Applications outside grant parameters require further review (decision within 2 weeks)
• Grants support innovative and exciting projects that enrich student learning

Contact Information:

• Grants Manager: WenLyn Richter
• Phone: 360.313.4725
• Email: wenlyn.richter@vansd.org
• General contact: foundationvanps@vansd.org
• Phone: 360.313.4730

Additional Information:

• Since 1998, the Foundation for VPS has awarded more than one million dollars to fund innovative projects
• During 2016-17, the Foundation invested over $130,000 to fund more than 50 enrichment activities and 9 mentoring programs, benefiting over 20,000 students

Application Process

1. Access the application: Applications are available on the Engagement Grant website with access to forms and information
2. Submit the application: Any school staff member can submit; principal approval is required
3. Timeline:
   • Applications accepted starting October 1 each school year
   • Deadline: January 31 each year (e.g., January 31, 2018 for 2017-18 school year)
4. Review: Applicants will be notified within 2 weeks of submission if the request is within grant parameters
5. One application per school may include several separate projects

Required Materials & Information

• Application form (available on Engagement Grant website)
• Building principal approval (required)
• Description of enrichment activity or mentoring program
• Information on how the activity aligns with student engagement and success
• Specification of number of students to be impacted

What Can Be Funded

• Enrichment activities (field trips, performances, guest speakers, equipment, supplies)
• Mentoring programs (adult mentors for students)
• Parent/family engagement events and programs
• Books and instructional materials
• Equipment for classroom integration (Playworks, robotics, makers spaces, etc.)
• Technology and digital learning supplies
• Arts and cultural experiences