Supplemental Academic Program - Education Grant

The Cullen Foundation's Supplemental Academic Program (SAP) supports educational initiatives for underserved PreK-12 students in Erie County, NY. Focused on enhancing access and academic outcomes, the program funds evidence-based academic programs that directly benefit economically disadvantaged students. Interested organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria and demonstrate a strong fit with the foundation's goals. For detailed guidelines and funding levels, applicants should refer to the provided resources and ensure alignment with the foundation's focus areas.

NOTE:
Pre-Proposal - This deadline is represented by the scheduled phone call. All applicants must schedule a phone call with Cullen staff prior to submitting an application. This phone call will indicate your organization's intent to apply and provide an overview of the program for which you are applying. Letter of Inquiry - Applicants will be notified within 1 week whether they advance to the Full Application phase. Full Proposal - Invite Only. Early submissions are strongly encouraged.
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We invest in “seats” in existing SAP programs that offer high dosage, evidence-based academic programming. All programs must have direct academic outcomes, primarily serve economically disadvantaged students, and support students from multiple schools.
In our Education responsive grant process we utilize the ESSA tiers of evidence to evaluate a SAP applicant’s fit and alignment with our criteria and goals. The stronger the evidence supporting a program’s effectiveness, the larger the funding pool available to that program.
Click here for more information on these stages and their corresponding funding request/award levels. To apply for SAP funds, an applicant MUST be at “Stage 1”, “Stage 2” or “Stage 3” at the time of making the application.

Eligibility

Cullen Foundation has established the following eligibility criteria:The organization is a 501(c)(3).
The organization must submit audited or reviewed financials prepared by a CPA for its most recently completed fiscal year. This is Cullen's requirement and is not related to NYS requirements. Education applicants not located in Erie County must serve at least 80% Erie County residents.

Ineligibility

No funding received will be used for partisan political activity.
No funding received will be used for expenses already incurred.
No funding will overlap with an existing grant from the Cullen Foundation.
The request must fit within Cullen Foundation’s education focus area (evidence-based programs with direct academic outcomes, serving economically disadvantaged students in grades pre-K through 12); and requests for the following will not be considered:

• Recreational camps or recreation-based programs
• Internship programs
• Education resource rooms and drop-in centers
• Museum exhibits
• Professional development programs and services
• Field trip funds and programs
• Skills and job training programs
• Transportation requests
• Arts education programs
• Requests from Individual schools
• Request for programs that serve students from only one school

Individual scholarships will not be awarded other than those provided by the Cullen Scholars program.For more information on the Cullen Scholars program, click here.