Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

May 1, 2026

23 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Waterloo Schools Foundation Grant Cycles

Mission: Fund, inspire, and promote academic excellence for all in the Waterloo Schools

Geographic Scope: Waterloo Community School District (WCSD), Iowa, United States

Eligibility:

  • Staff and students of the Waterloo Community School District

  • Student applicants must meet with the Executive Director before applying

  • WCSD staff must meet with Executive Director if request exceeds $2,000

  • Guardian approval required for all student applications

  • Staff and guardians cannot apply on behalf of students
  • Funding Values:

  • Innovation

  • Social-emotional learning

  • Longevity

  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)

  • Financial hardship for academic access
  • What We Fund:

  • Classroom projects and enhancements

  • Student conferences and educational experiences

  • Professional development for classroom innovation

  • Equipment and supplies for educational programs

  • Student leadership and entrepreneurship projects

  • Arts, music, and STEM initiatives

  • Career exploration opportunities
  • What We Do NOT Fund:

  • Technology requests not approved by Matt O'Brien

  • Individual teacher & staff professional development

  • Group study abroad trips

  • Flexible seating (general operating support for other nonprofits)

  • Operational costs for youth programming not hosted by the Waterloo Schools
  • Grant Cycle Deadlines: September 1st, November 1st, January 1st, March 1st, and May 1st

    Timeline: Applications due on specified dates; applicants notified approximately three weeks after submission

    Distribution of Funds: The Foundation tracks where dollars are placed to ensure more equitable distribution of grants across schools

    Contact Information:

  • Hannah Luce (Executive Director): 319-214-0134 or h.luce@wcsfoundation.org

  • Skylar Champalath (Grants Administrator): s.champalath@wcsfoundation.org
  • Background: Since 2012, the Waterloo Schools Foundation has distributed over $2.5 million in grants to support student success and educational excellence.

    How to Apply

    How to Apply

    1. Review Application Materials: Visit the "Apply for a Grant" page on wcsfoundation.org to access all resources and materials needed

    2. Schedule Required Meeting (if applicable):
    - Student applicants: Must meet with Executive Director Hannah Luce before applying
    - WCSD staff: Must meet if request exceeds $2,000
    - Schedule at: wcsfoundation.org or contact Hannah at 319-214-0134

    3. Submit Application: Complete and submit application by the deadline (September 1st, November 1st, January 1st, March 1st, or May 1st)

    4. Guardian Approval: All student applications must include guardian approval

    5. Review Process:
    - Academic Allocations Committee reviews applications after due date
    - Applications aligned with mission and values sent to Board of Directors
    - Board approves during monthly meeting

    6. Notification: Applicants notified approximately three weeks after application deadline

    7. Post-Approval:
    - Skylar will contact via email with guidelines and process information
    - Foundation works with applicant to complete project/experience

    Funding Disbursement Options

    • Direct Reimbursement: Applicant receives funds after providing purchase receipts
    • Direct Payment: Foundation pays vendors directly (e.g., conference registration)
    • District Payment: WCSD Finance Department authorizes account code for district purchases, Foundation reimburses district

    Application Notes

    • Applicants can submit multiple applications per school year, but building funding balance is considered for equity
    • If project is declined, applicants receive feedback and may reapply in future cycles
    • If changes needed after submission, email Skylar at s.champalath@wcsfoundation.org
    • Dos and Don'ts of Funding guide available as PDF download

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    educationk-12-schoolsteachersteacher-developmentstem-educationartsmusic-educationyouth-leadershipdiversity

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