Imagine Professional Development Grants

For experienced teachers in Zionsville Community Schools, Imagine Grants promote opportunities for professional growth, development, and renewal through attendance at conferences, professional development events, educational travel, and specialized learning experiences.

Geographic Scope: Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS), Zionsville, Indiana

Eligibility:

• Current Zionsville Community Schools educators and administrators
• Minimum of 3 years of full-time professional education experience required

Focus Areas:

• Professional conferences and conventions
• Educational travel and immersion experiences
• Skills development and renewal
• Leadership training
• Arts and music education advancement
• Language immersion and acquisition
• School counseling and support services

Award Information:

• Recent awards range from approximately $1,890 to $10,321.20
• Fall 2025 total awarded: $48,183.52 across multiple educators
• 2025 grants supported attendance at national conferences, international travel, and specialized professional development

Application Process:

• Applications submitted through new online ZEF grant portal
• Applicants can save work, collaborate with colleagues, and submit electronically
• Final reports must be completed online

Contact:

• Phone: 317.733.4805
• Address: 900 North Mulberry Street, Zionsville, IN 46077

Background:

• Part of ZEF's 30-year commitment to educator support and district excellence
• Contributes to professional growth, networking, and bringing innovative practices back to schools

How to Apply for an Imagine Professional Development Grant

1. Access the Application Portal
   • Click the link on the ZEF website to access the new online grant application system
   • Create an account if you don't have one
2. Verify Eligibility
   • Confirm you are a current Zionsville Community Schools educator or administrator
   • Verify you have a minimum of 3 years of full-time professional education experience
3. Review Required Documents
   • Read the Imagine Grant Guidelines to understand eligibility and application process
   • Review the Imagine Grants Rubric to understand evaluation criteria
   • Incorporate all rubric areas into your application
4. Complete the Application
   • Applications can be worked on over time and saved
   • Invite colleagues to collaborate on applications if desired
   • Submit electronically through the portal
   • Include details about the professional development opportunity (conference, course, travel, etc.)
   • Explain how the experience will enhance teaching practices and benefit students
5. Submit Application
   • Submit by deadline: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 5:00pm
   • Deadline is annual (once per year)
6. Post-Award Requirements
   • Grant recipients must submit a Final Report online
   • Share knowledge and innovative practices learned with school community when appropriate
   • Complete report within one year of grant award

Grant Writing Support

• Get Grant Writing Tips available on the website
• Contact Catherine Moser at x11500 or zef@zcs.k12.in.us for questions