GRANT APPLICATION FORM

2024 Grant Cycle - September 3 - October 31

Grants will be awarded during the November Board meeting, and delivered to schools later that month. Applicants will be notified via email after the grants are awarded.

Teacher Grants

All applications, with accompanying supporting documents, must be submitted during the period beginning September 3, 2024 through October 31, 2024 by the end of business day. Application should be submitted to Alisha Martin at the Madison District Office before the end of office hours, which is 4pm. Any applications submitted after this time will automatically be denied.

As was introduced last year, consumables will be considered again this year. These may include, but are not limited to:

  • Lab Materials
  • Activity Materials
  • Subscriptions (somewhat limited)
  • and other items
Though this is not a guarantee, this is an acknowledgement of the changes and a desire for more opportunities to enhance educational experiences for more students in the Madison School District 321. The requisite that we cannot fund what would regularly be funded by the School District under normal budgeting processes.

The grant application process is very simple, especially when compared to many other grant programs supporting education. There are a few things that are required with each application. Some questions have been asked over and over again year after year. Here are a couple of the most common.

Q: Why do I have to include so much information including estimates, and matching funds pledges?
There are certain things that the Board looks for when deciding on a grant. We need as much information about your project and what the plan is in order do make informed decisions on each grant. Things like matching funds, multiple estimates, and number of students who will be impacted are among the things that are considered.

Q: Why do I need to get my Principal's signature on the application?
As part of the process, teachers are required to have their principal sign the application. It is assumed by the Board that because the principal has signed off on the application, it has been reviewed and approved prior to being signed. In the end, all grants become donations to the school at which the applying teacher is employed and because of this, the principal we be responsible in appropriating the funds to the applying teacher. Any property (tangible items like books, cameras, software, etc.) purchased with grant funds also becomes property of the school where the funds were awarded, which would regularly require a principal's approval for the acquisition of these items .

Q: Why do all items purchased with grant funds remain the property of the Madison School District 321?
The Madison Education Foundation is chartered to support the educational opportunities of students and they do this in part by supporting the District through Teacher Grants. In order to maintain the tax deductable status of donations, disbursements of funds cannot directly support an individual. Therefore, anything purchased with grant funds cannot benefit an individual teacher. Thus, any purchased and reusable items, books, teaching tools, equipment and software to mention a few become the property of the Madison School District 321.

Q: How do I know what not to apply for?
Our goal as a Board is to approve as many grants as possible. There are a few things applicants should know will be denied:

  1. Consumables - Things that could be considered one-time use may be denied still. The purpose of MEF grants should be to the benefit of as many students, for as long as possible.
  2. Technology that is provided by the District or State Funds. The Board always checks with the District to confirm what is in the budget and State Funding.


If, as a teacher or administrator, you have additional questions regarding grants, feel free to reach out to any of the Board Members.

Grant Application Period: September 3 - October 31, 2024

Below you will find all of the documents necessary to apply for a grant from Madison Education Foundation. Simply click the link to download this pdf.

You will then need to print out the application and take the following steps:

  1. Fill out form with as much detail about your project as possible. If addition space is required, use back side of form or an additional piece of paper. Please include any pictures or diagrams that will help the board to understand your project.
  2. Sign the bottom of the application. A number of applications are rejected every year because the applicant forgot to sign the bottom.
  3. Have your principal sign the bottom of the application. A similar number have been rejected without this signature. This signature is required as all equipment purchased will become the property of Madison School District.
  4. Submit application and any accompanying papers via the District Mail system to Alisha Martin at the District Office. All applications must be in her hands by the appointed deadline.

Grant Application and Information
Grant Cycle is from September 3rd through October 31st, 2024. Download this form for more information and/or to apply. Some restrictions do apply.

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