The Waltham Education & Beyond Foundation (WEBF) is offering a new grant program that will provide funding for projects conceived and led by students, with the goal of enhancing the Waltham Public Schools (WPS).  Students are encouraged to think creatively and submit innovative ideas when applying for this unique funding opportunity.

A proposal is appropriate for a WEBF grant if it:

• Displays innovative/creative educational ideas and programs
• Enriches or improves existing education programs
• Provides students with learning experiences that encourage creative thought processes and problem solving skills
• Consistent with curriculum goals of the school system, where applicable
• Includes clearly-defined goals, activities, outcomes
• Fosters school/community relationships
• Impacts a significant number of students/residents
• Falls outside the regular municipal or school budgeting process
• Encourages leadership and creativity in students

 Application Guidelines:

• Applicants must be a Waltham Public School student(s).
• Student applications must be made in collaboration with a WPS educator or staff member who will function as a mentor and assist the student grantee throughout the project’s lifecycle. The grantee’s mentor will work with the student grantee to disperse and manage the funds and will be responsible for any grant monies.

 Funding Request:

• Funding for student grants will typically range from $250-$1,000. Larger grants may be considered if the project is deemed to have broad, and potentially significant impact in the Waltham Public Schools.
• Materials or resources purchased with WEBF funds are the sole property of WPS. (Ex. Software may not be exclusively downloaded to an individual’s personal computer.)
• WEBF will not fund: routine supplies and operating costs (e.g., textbooks, utilities, building maintenance), refreshments, lobbying or religious expenses, or scholarships.
• WEBF will review grant requests that include transportation costs on a case-by-case basis. Preference will be given to funding non-transportation costs whenever possible. Applications that include transportation costs should note: WEBF will reimburse up to 50% of the travel costs associated with a grant request, up to a maximum of $2,500.

 Timelines:

• Applications are due on March 1st, and grantees will be notified of their decision within 4 weeks. Any questions can be directed to webfgrants@gmail.com.
• Senior projects MUST be completed prior to graduation or contain a detailed transition plan for extending beyond senior year.
• All other student grant awards should be completed within 12 months of the award.

 General Guidance:

• Applications should include and clearly state:
  • The project goals/objectives
  • A clear connection to WEBF’s mission and purpose
  • The potential benefit to WPS students and staff
  • An implementation plan, including a timeline
  • An evaluation plan (how the project’s impact will be measured)
  • How information and knowledge gained, and/or stories about the grant, will be shared and disseminated with others
  • Detailed budget information
  • The potential for the project, if successful, to be adopted into the school curriculum/budget in the future. If a project continues in future years, who will be responsible for any future oversight?
• • Contact WEBF if unable to complete the project within 12 months of the grant award
  • Submit a project review questionnaire upon completion of the project
  • Acknowledge WEBF’s support in any printed grant materials, online documentation, an/or marketing about the project
  • Provide WEBF with any photographs, work samples, and/or any other visuals that may be used for publicity purposes, in a timely manner
  • Work with the sponsoring school or district to ensure that all materials purchased with grant funds remain the property of WPS
  • Provide all receipts to Kaytie Dowcett (kathleendowcett@walthampublicschools.org) in the WPS Central office.
  • Label all durable items purchased with grant finding with “Provided by Waltham Education and Beyond Foundation” and/or a WEBF logo. (WEBF can supply labels as needed.)