D123 Ed Foundation Mini-Grant Application 

Application Criteria

Grants up to $2500 will be awarded to any staff of Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 (District 123) to support the exploration of ideas that promote creativity/ innovation and enhance the opportunities/resources available to students and teachers. The application request must align with the D123 Strategic Plan, curriculum, and vision for teaching and learning as well as the Educational Foundation goals, and address one or more of the following categories:

• Academic enrichment in the classroom

• Student social/emotional development

• Home/School connections

• Innovative approaches to differentiated instruction

• Community connections.

The Foundation’s grant review committee will evaluate applications using one or more of the following criteria. Please note that not all criteria need to be addressed within a single grant application; however, the review committee will judge the merit of competing applications based upon the effort to address these components.

• Involves the students in active, authentic learning experiences where they apply their learning.

• Enhances the curriculum and/or introduces new ideas that further the goals of the school district and the Foundation.

• Includes details for the continuation of the concept/ project following the grant period.

• Demonstrates collaborative support through the use of volunteers and/or the involvement of the community.

• Maximizes impact on students.

• Includes a plan for continuation beyond the Foundation’s support.

• Includes a detailed budget and evaluation plan. Note: the idea behind the project must justify the amount of funding requested.

Application Process

Only one application per project needs to be submitted. Applicant(s) can submit a grant request to the District 123 Educational Foundation for up to $2500 from the District 123 Educational Foundation, any time during the year by filling out the on-line form.   

Application requirements:

• Desired outcome.

• Print out/Screenshot of item that includes price and place it will be purchased

• Principal’s approval for the request.

• Commitment to share results with colleagues and Board via photos and/or video.

• If possible, attend Board meeting to present and answer questions. 

The Board will consider all qualifying requests that are received at least two (2) weeks prior to each posted meeting date.

​Notification

Successful applicants will receive notification of award within two (2) weeks of the above said Board meeting(s). 

Funding/Follow-Up

Funds must be expended by the close of the fiscal year for which the grant was awarded. Recipient may either pay for their items themselves and submit appropriate documentation or make purchases through their school principal’s account.  Any and all relevant records must accompany the reimbursement request. Any funds not accounted for by June 1, must be returned to the Foundation treasury.  Successful grant recipients will be asked to work with a district representative to create a community communication plan for each grant to share their results with colleagues, Board of Trustees, and the community.