GRANT GUIDELINES

WHO CAN APPLY

Applications will be accepted from students, teachers and administrators, visiting artists, scholars and members of the community.

GRANT INFORMATION

The Chatham Education Foundation (CEF) provides funds to supplement and enrich the educational experience of students and teachers. CEF hopes to be a catalyst for innovative thinking and thoughtful experimentation that generates excitement about learning.

Established in 2002, CEF is supported by two endowed funds: the Arts and Humanities Fund and the Alexander M. White Fund. Through its larger Arts and Humanities Fund, CEF supports a wide variety of projects in the arts and humanities. The second endowed fund provides funding for projects across all disciplines.

ELIGIBILITY

Grants from the Chatham Education Foundation will fund projects for which funds are not available in the Chatham Central School District. Possible projects include, but are not limited to: independent study; extracurricular activities; individual creative projects; visiting speakers; artists-in-residence; new and innovative technology that is project-related; professional development for teachers; and program costs for field trips (traditionally the school district covers the cost for the use of school buses for transportation).

All projects are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. New projects are strongly encouraged and successful projects are encouraged to re-apply for funding.

Berkshire Taconic does not support organizations which in their constitution, by-laws, or practice, discriminate against a person or group on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.

AWARDS

Grants awarded may range from $100 to $2,500. However, most grants average approximately $1,000. Grant money may be used for materials, travel and associated costs. For requests from individuals, preference will be given to projects that lead to a significant impact on the school.

REVIEW CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• Excellence: Is the project or service truly of a high quality? Is it the right time for the project? Does it involve qualified individuals/groups?
• Impact: What is the potential impact of the project or service on the CCSD community? This does not mean the number of people involved, but rather the quality of the impact.
• Ability: Is the project well thought out and feasible?

The Chatham Education Foundation Governing Board, comprised of community members, parents, teachers, students the Superintendent and a member of the district's Board of Education will review applications. Recommendations will be referred to Berkshire Taconic's Board of Directors for final approval.

The funds of the Chatham Education Foundation are constituent funds of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. The funds are invested for long-term growth and the Foundation oversees the grantmaking process to ensure transparency and the highest standards of conduct.