FORUM Credit Union (Educator Grants)

The FORUM Foundation Educator Grants are available to teachers and administrators employed at K-12 accredited schools within the following Indiana counties: Marion, Hamilton, Johnson, Boone, Hendricks, and Hancock. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, and if applying as a FORUM Credit Union member, their account must be in good standing. Applicants must also provide a signed consent form from their school principal for the requested project.

Location: The FORUM Foundation Educator Grants are available to K-12 accredited schools located in the following Indiana counties: Marion, Hamilton, Johnson, Boone, Hendricks, and Hancock.

Project Scope: The FORUM Foundation Educator Grants can be used for a variety of classroom-related projects and expenses, including but not limited to:

• Supplies needed to fund a classroom project
• Basic classroom supplies that may be lacking
• Supplemental items to enhance classroom learning
• Experiences to enhance classroom learning

The grant aims to directly support classroom initiatives that will benefit students, with a maximum award of $2,500 per project.

The FORUM Foundation Educator Grants have the following funding restrictions:

• Maximum grant per educator: $2,500
• Total funding available: $25,000 annually, with no individual grant exceeding $2,500.
• Use of funds: Grants must be used for direct classroom expenses, including supplies, supplemental items, or learning experiences.
• Disbursement: Grants are paid directly to the school where the educator is employed.
• Funds must be used within the same academic year.

Additionally, grantees must submit progress reports on funded projects.

Completed online application form – including all requested information.

Signed consent form – from the school principal, confirming approval of the requested project.

Optional video – a short video (2 minutes or less) answering the question: “How would this grant impact the lives of the students I teach?” (if applicable).

Supporting documents – any additional documents required for submission, as outlined in the application form.

The application must be submitted by the entry deadline and include all necessary components for consideration.

Grant recipients of the FORUM Foundation Educator Grants are required to submit progress reports on the initiatives funded by the grant. These reports help ensure that the funds were used for the intended purpose and that the project was implemented as planned.

If a recipient fails to submit a progress report or if it is determined that the project was not implemented, the school will be responsible for returning the awarded grant funds.

The FORUM Foundation evaluates grant applications based on several factors, including:

• Impact and Reach – The potential effect of the proposed project on students' learning experiences.
• Preference for Geographic Distribution – Preference is given to ensure grants are allocated equally among the foundation's service areas (Marion, Hamilton, Johnson, Boone, Hendricks, and Hancock counties).
• Project Viability – The feasibility and alignment of the project with the grant's purpose of enhancing classroom learning.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors makes final decisions on grant recipients based on these criteria.