JCCC Student Development and Achievement Grants

Overview

JCCC Foundation

Established in 1991, the JCCC Foundation and its programs are the formalized expression of friendship and community involvement of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC). As funding for the JCCC Foundation grants program is derived entirely through JCCC member contributions and fund raising events, the JCCC Foundation allows the Japanese business community as a whole to come together and support Chicago area communities.

Grants Program

The mission of the JCCC Foundation grants program is to support innovative projects that work with students to enhance learning, build capacity, and increase learning opportunities both inside and outside the school. We look for programs and projects that convert educational theory into concrete actions that foster personal initiative, development of adult values, and development of higher-order thinking skills and real-life problem solving.

Each year, the Foundation awards approximately $100,000 in grants of up to $10,000 to schools and non-profit organizations that provide education-related programming. These grants are known as Student Development and Achievement Grants, [Japanese Language Education Grants](), and U.S. Japan Partnership Grants.

Student Development and Achievement Grants

Education in Chicago and Illinois is in the midst of a significant transformation. Schools and teachers are experimenting with innovative, student-oriented programs that encourage the development of independent, critical thinking, strong personal values and an enhanced understanding of science, math, literature, art, the social sciences and cultural diversity. These are not theoretical initiatives but rather concrete programs that bring into play all of the natural curiosity, creativity, energy, and initiative of young people. In the process, they encourage self-esteem, personal and social well being, and a deepened understanding of our multicultural world.

To encourage and support these initiatives, the JCCC Foundation is offering Student Development and Achievement Grants for the next school year.

The mission of this grant program is to support projects that work with students to enhance learning and increase learning opportunities both inside and outside of school.

Potential Projects

Program goals and objectives should support the current Illinois Learning Standards for pre-school, elementary and secondary students in one or more of the following subject areas: Computer Science, Early Learning and Development, English Language Arts, English Language Learning / Bilingual Education, Fine Arts, Mathematics, Physical Development and Health, Science, Sexual Health Education, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Science, and World Languages.

The JCCC Foundation’s aim is to encourage the broadest range of activities and projects. Any initiative that promises it will have a direct impact on students will be considered.

Organizations may wish to seek grants for these purposes:

* To fund projects that demonstrate the educational and student development value of a specific course of study
* To support demonstration projects that illustrate the value of classroom learning in the context of real-life situations
* To encourage greater family participation in school and community activities
* To expand the use of technology for teaching and learning

With these grants, the Chamber and the JCCC Foundation declare their intention to support innovative programs that convert educational theory to concrete actions that foster student development and achievement.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Eligible Applicants
* Public and private schools and other organizations with non-profit status in the Chicago area (i.e. located in the Illinois counties of Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, La Salle, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Will and Winnebago) that provide educational opportunities for students and families in the pre-kindergarten to  college age range. 

* Project Eligibility
* Proposals must be for a new or existing project.
* Projects may involve one or more teachers, classrooms, grades, schools or districts, affiliated clubs, social service agencies or fine/cultural arts organizations.
* Projects may take the form of, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:
* Innovative classroom practices, projects, or demonstrations
* Parent/school partnerships
* Business/school partnerships
* Collaborative educational initiatives between the organization and other service providers.
* Projects may be new or continuing and in need of additional funds.
* While having adult students registered in the project will not disqualify it for a grant, the project should not be primarily designed for adults.

Ineligibility

* The JCCC Foundation will not consider requests for general personnel (salary, fringe and health benefits), operating, or occupancy expenses.
* These include but are not limited to telephone expenses, rent, utilities, maintenance, background checks, audit or fiscal administration, and custodial services.
* Schools and organizations that have received a Student Development and Achievement Grant in the past 3 years are not eligible.