The Lake Washington Schools Foundation offers four grant programs designed in conjunction with the Lake Washington School District to address specific needs.

(In addition, LWSF has several other grant programs in the process of development.)

1. New Teacher Grant (NTG)

LWSD hires 70 to 80 certified teachers or specialists every year, many in their first year of teaching. The materials and supplies to set-up a classroom can be costly, especially for a first year teacher. These costs can include items such as classroom library books and furniture to make a relaxing reading area to promote literacy; posters, charts and bins to provide visual clues for students; or specific educational materials to address individualized needs of students not provided for by LWSD.

To address this concern and to show community support for the teaching profession, LWSF distributes New Teacher Grants of $200 to every new LWSD teacher with one year or less of teaching experience.

2. Classroom & School Enrichment Grants

Currently, not all teachers have the financial backing to pursue innovative teaching techniques, curriculums or activities that enhance the current curriculum above and beyond what is available for students through LWSD.

The purpose of the Classroom/School Enrichment Grants is to support innovative educational projects that enhance the Lake Washington School District curriculum, and that actively engage students in an enriching learning experience.

3. Science Enrichment Grant

Elementary – Enrich curriculum
Goal: Strengthen implementation of current curriculum to build a strong scientific foundation for all students to ensure their ability to pursue science-related experiences.

Click here to learn more...

Click here to email the foundation about applying

High School – Enhance In-depth Learning
Goal: Provide opportunities to explore different applications of science in-depth to discover passions and lifelong interests.

Click here to learn more...

Click here to email the foundation about applying

Goal: To provide the opportunity for high school students with limited financial resources to enroll in any academic class offered by their high school, especially those associated with graduation requirements, prepare them for college or to gain college admission.

More information coming soon!

To Apply for Classroom & School Enrichment Grants

Who May Apply?

• LWSD administrators, principals and teachers are eligible to apply for Classroom and School Enrichment Grants.
• A staff member, student or parent sponsored by certificated staff may also apply.
• Applicants may apply individually or as team members.
• Applicants may apply in support of individual classroom projects or for projects that benefit a specific grade-level or an entire school.
• No applicant may submit more than one grant application per cycle.

 

When To Submit A Grant Application

• Applications for the 2008-2009 Fall Grant cycle are due on Friday, October 17, 2008. Grants are being reviewed and applicants will be mailed a notification of award on Friday, November 7, 2008.

 

How Does One Submit A Grant Application?

• Grant applications are available as a Word document online.

 

Grant Specifics & Important Dates

• Each grant has a maximum amount of $1500 for elementary schools and $3000 for junior high and high schools.
• Application for the 2008-2009 grant cycle is due on October 17, 2008.
• Applicants will receive notification of award on November 7, 2008.
• Funds must be used by June 1, 2009.

• Project's specific learning objectives and goals are in alignment with LWSF mission and vision
• Project's specific learning objectives and goals are in alignment with District's curriculum, grade level targets and Washington State standards EALRs
• A classroom, grade-level or school project enhances or expands LWSD curriculum in an original or innovative way
• Experiential learning opportunities are provided integrating different learning styles.
• Project can be replicated, if successful
• Evaluation is aligned with the stated objectives
• Clearly written and complete budget less than $1500 for elementary schools and less than $3000 for junior high and high schools
• Accurate completion of the LWSF grant application, including all supporting documents

 

Tips

• Grant applications are read by community members. Please be clear and concise to help the Committee understand the value of your project
• Projects should directly involve students as fully as possible. A film developed for classroom use, for instance, should ideally be written and produced by students
• Grants may be used to compensate experts or resource speakers who work with students or collaborative projects with other teachers
• The maximum funding request is $1,500 for elementary schools and $3000 for junior high and high schools per grant application. Projects can be co-funded with external granting agencies like Rotary, or with PTSA funds
• Projects may cross academic disciplines, such as literature to enrich math classes, or may impact students at various grade levels.

 

Examples Of Non-fundable Requests

• Lack of a definite project
• Lack of a detailed budget
• Lack of supporting documents
• The application was submitted for basic supplies
• The application was submitted after completion of project or the purchase of materials
• The project was for software or hardware not supported by LWSD
• The project is outside the required timeline

How Can I Help?

The Lake Washington Schools Foundation is currently seeking volunteers for their program committee for program development, grant review and program evaluations. To volunteer with the program committee click here.