About the PEF Promise Grant

What is the purpose of a PEF Promise Grant?
A Peekskill Education Foundation Promise Grant is a one-time grant used to fund a project that will enrich standard curriculum and enhance learning opportunities for students.

Who is eligible to apply?
Any teacher, administrator, or staff member at any of the Peekskill Public Schools may apply for a grant. An applicant may apply for no more than one grant per year.

What will be funded?
Grants will be awarded to projects that enrich standard curriculum and enhance learning opportunities for students while addressing the New York State Learning Standards. Within this framework, here are some of the items that might be funded:
• Consultants, guest speakers, artists, or performers who assist the project’s implementation. (Note: the PEF is not interested in funding one-time performances or speakers unless there is some type of classroom learning component that is tied-in to the project’s overall design.)
• Equipment, materials, and supplies required for carrying out the project (Note: The PEF is not interested in simply funding requests for equipment. Therefore, requests for equipment should clearly state how the equipment is necessary for the success of the project and how it will be used in a learning environment. All equipment and materials purchased with PEF funds become the property of the Peekskill City School District.)
• Tuition and training expenses related to the project’s goals
• Transportation to enrichment/learning activities that take place outside of school

What will not be funded?
• Salaried positions
• Retroactive compensation
• Refreshments and/or give away type objects or gifts
• Capital improvements
• Personal travel
• Application requests for grants which exceed $1,000
• A project that has already been completed
• Equipment purchase only projects that do not sufficiently demonstrate how the equipment will be used in a learning environment

What types of projects are most likely to be funded?
Grants most likely to be funded will:
• Emphasize active student learning and participation
• Involve interdisciplinary and/or team teaching by designing collaborative
learning experiences
• Involve direct student participation, be educationally sound and benefit a significant number of students
• Demonstrate an initiative that is not within the purview of the regular school budget
• Have a unique or innovative component
• Have the possibility of being ongoing or can be replicated in other schools or classrooms
• Reflect the existing core values, priorities, and strategic plan of the Peekskill City
School District
• Have matching funds or show other potential future funding sources

What are the criteria for a successful grant application?
• The project’s objectives are clearly stated, realistic, and worthwhile.
• The procedures to be followed are clearly described.
• Methods, materials, resource personnel, and a tentative schedule are specified.
• The budget request is reasonable and sufficiently detailed.
• The methods of evaluation are clear and doable.
• Support of a building administrator, department head, and appropriate resource personnel is indicated.
• Project is scheduled to begin after January 1, 2007 and before December 31, 2007.

What are the responsibilities of grant recipients?
• Carry out the project for which the funds are awarded.
• Use the funds for the purpose intended.
• Submit a final project evaluation to the Foundation within one month of the project’s completion and absolutely no later than December 31, 2007.
Failure to comply may jeopardize future grant opportunities.

What are the award amounts/limits?
• Maximum grant awarded is $1,000.
• No more than one grant per teacher per year.

How can you get started developing a proposal?
• Define your goals.
• Create an instructional plan.
• Establish a timeline for project completion.
• Develop assessment criteria.
• Develop an itemized budget.
• Review the application.

What is the timeline for the grant process?
• Grant Applications due: 5:00 pm on October 31, 2006
• Awards announced: December 2006
• Funds available by January 1, 2007
• Final Reports due back to the PEF within one month of project completion.