Apply for a
Mini-Grant
Mini-Grant Applications are
NOW CLOSED
The DEADLINE TO APPLY WAS EXTENDED TO MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2023; Questions? Email jennifer.whfoundation@gmail.com
What is a Mini-Grant?
Mini-Grants are modest cash awards that help educators make a positive difference in the learning experience of their students. More importantly, Mini-Grants support, encourage, and facilitate great teaching ideas. Since 2002, the Woodland Hills Foundation has funded 200 Mini-Grants totaling over $124,546!
The focus of the Mini-Grants is to encourage innovative teaching ideas. As such, the focus of these grants should not be to purchase equipment (e.g. iPads), but rather the idea aimed at improving the learning environment for the student. The Foundation understands that grant requests may include equipment or software, but these requests will only be considered within the context of the original, innovative teaching idea.
Who can apply for a Mini-Grant?
Any member of Woodland Hills School District’s instructional or professional staff, e.g. teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses, is eligible to apply for a Mini-Grant.
Previous Mini-Grant winners are not eligible to apply until they have:
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Submitted their final report
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Submitted any photos of their grant-in-action
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Submitted all receipts
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Returned any/all unused funds
How to Apply for a Mini-Grant
The application process is short and straightforward. Click the button below to download and print the application below.
Once complete, submit via email to Kathleen.
For any questions or concerns please contact: Kathleen
Clear articulation of a good original teaching idea, along with its expected impact, are the basis of a successful application.
Pre-approval by applicant’s principal is required for all proposed projects.
The deadline to apply is Monday, October 3. Winners will be announced by DECEMBER (date TBA)
2023 Mini-Grant Application
Mini Grant applications are NOW OPEN!!! The DEADLINE TO APPLY WAS EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 9, 2023. Winners will be announced by December, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are grants selected and approved for funding?
The Woodland Hills Foundation puts together a Selection Committee comprised of community representatives and WHF board members. Awards are based on those grants judged as having the best overall quality, innovation of the idea, and the projected impact of the grant as presented in the proposal. The number of grants made is also influenced by the funds the WHF raises for the Mini-Grant Program.
What happens after a Mini-Grant is awarded?
The awardee signs a Mini-Grant Agreement form, and then WHF issues a grant check directly to him or her. Awardees must complete their projects by the end of the current school year and then submit an Expense Report (including receipts for all expenditures) and a simple Project Report (typically with a few photos and/or samples of student work). Any undocumented funds or any unspent balance of the grant must be returned to the WHF to be used towards future Mini-Grants.
Who can answer questions about Mini-Grants?
Kathleen may be contacted at kathleen.whfoundation@gmail.com or Mary may be contacted at mary.whfoundation@gmail.com; and both would be happy to answer any questions about Mini-Grants and the application process.
Mini Grant Checklist
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION:
Any variance from the submission requirements will result in administrative rejection of application unless WHF mini grants coordinators have given prior approval for variance.
All applications must be submitted electronically by the October 2nd deadline.
The application must be complete, inclusive of all required components, upon submission.
The Woodland Hills Foundation Mini Grant Committee judges applications based on the following criteria. Ensure your application includes all of the following components to ensure successful completion of the application process:
PROJECT SUMMARY:
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Contains a concise summary of the project.
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Highlights the strengths of its educational component.
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Identifies original or unique aspects of the project in contrast to regular classroom
PROJECT NARRATIVE:
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Describes the process or steps involved in carrying out the project. Articulates how project is innovative, creative and unique.
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Explains how project enhances or adds a new dimension to the required curriculum for the subject.
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Identifies clear educational objectives and expected learning outcomes. Describes alignment with subject learning standards if applicable.
PROJECT EVALUATION:
Summarizes major components of evaluation plan such as:
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Identifies a method for assessing the outcome of project relative to its original educational objectives.
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Includes a method to assess new knowledge and/or skills attained by students participating in project. May include unexpected learning that occurred.
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May include other indicators of the projects success, such as expected long term impact on participating students, as well as the school or community at large. Also, may identify and explain any unexpected results.
BUDGET:
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Contains costs that are accurate and verifiable.
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Is comprehensive, reflective of all costs of the project, including preparation of final reports.
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Does not include request for grant funding to purchase supplies or other materials that are provided by the district, or the purchase of “souvenirs” (e.g., t-shirts, hats).