Golden Apple Foundation (Classroom Grants)

The Golden Apple Foundation grants are available to PreK-12 educators within the Winnebago and Boone counties, including those in both public and private schools. The grants support a variety of projects, including those that address curriculum innovation, mental health initiatives, STEM education, special education, and literacy needs. Educators from individual classrooms as well as those involved in multi-classroom or school-wide projects may apply, depending on the grant category.

Location: The Golden Apple Foundation grants are available to educators in Winnebago and Boone counties in Illinois.

Project Scope: The Golden Apple Foundation grants support a wide range of projects aimed at enhancing education in PreK-12 classrooms. The project scope includes:

• Simple Grants (up to $450): For classroom resources like equipment, technology, or books with a clear explanation of how they will benefit students.
• Large Grants (up to $1,500 per classroom or $2,500 for multi-classroom projects): For innovative initiatives that go beyond the standard curriculum, including projects in STEM, literacy, special education, mental health, and inclusion.
• Collins Aerospace STEM Grants: Focused on enhancing STEM education, with funding up to $1,500 for single classrooms or $2,500 for multi-classroom projects.

The foundation encourages projects that foster diversity, inclusion, and innovation in student learning.

The Golden Apple Foundation grants have specific funding restrictions based on the type of grant:

• Simple Grants (up to $450): These are intended for classroom resources like equipment, technology, or books. The funding must be itemized and accompanied by a detailed explanation of how the resources will be used and how they will benefit students.

• Large Grants (up to $1,500 per classroom or $2,500 for multi-classroom projects): These grants are for innovative projects that extend beyond the daily curriculum. Funding cannot be used for general classroom supplies or for projects that do not meet the educational objectives outlined in the application.

• Collins Aerospace STEM Grants (up to $1,500 for single classrooms or $2,500 for multi-classroom projects): These grants are specifically for STEM-related educational initiatives. The funding is restricted to projects that focus on enhancing STEM education and cannot be used for non-STEM activities.

• Grant Restrictions for Special Education, Literacy, and Mental Health: Specific funding levels apply for projects aimed at special education classrooms, literacy projects, or mental health needs. The funds must be directed to resources or projects that directly address these areas.

Funding cannot be used for staff salaries, administrative costs, or projects unrelated to the mission of enhancing student learning through innovative educational practices.

Detailed Project Description: Applicants must provide a clear explanation of the project, including objectives, expected outcomes, and how it will enhance the learning experience for students.

Itemized Budget: For Simple Grants, an itemized budget is required, detailing how the funds will be spent on classroom resources like equipment, technology, or books. For Large Grants, the budget must outline how the funds will be allocated for innovative projects.

Student Benefit Explanation: Applicants must explain how the project will directly benefit students, highlighting the educational impact and any specific needs it addresses (e.g., special education, mental health, literacy, STEM).

Grant Category Selection: Applicants must select the appropriate grant category (e.g., Simple Grant, Large Grant, Collins Aerospace STEM Grant) based on their project’s scope and focus.

Deadline Adherence: The application must be submitted by the established deadlines (e.g., October 30, 2024), along with any required supporting documentation.

Follow-Up Report: Grant recipients may be required to submit a follow-up report detailing the outcomes of the project and how the funds were utilized.

Applicants should also ensure that their project aligns with the Golden Apple Foundation’s mission to support educational innovation and inclusion in the classroom.

Follow-Up Report: Recipients are required to submit a follow-up report detailing how the grant funds were used and the outcomes of the project. This report may include information on how the project impacted students and the overall effectiveness of the initiative.

Project Evaluation: Recipients may need to evaluate the success of the project, including how it met its objectives and benefited the students involved.

Financial Report: For certain grant categories, an itemized financial report may be required to show how the funds were spent in accordance with the application.

Specific reporting requirements may vary based on the type of grant awarded (e.g., Simple Grant, Large Grant, Collins Aerospace STEM Grant), and recipients should review their grant agreement for detailed instructions.

Project Impact: How the proposed project will enhance student learning and contribute to educational outcomes. This includes addressing specific needs such as STEM education, mental health, literacy, special education, or inclusion.

Innovation: The creativity and originality of the project. The foundation favors projects that go beyond the traditional curriculum and introduce new ways to engage students or improve classroom learning.

Student Benefit: How the project will directly benefit students, particularly in areas that are underfunded or underserved by school budgets. This includes the potential for positive, long-term effects on student growth and development.

Clarity of Objectives: A clear explanation of the project's goals, what it aims to achieve, and how success will be measured. The foundation values well-defined, actionable objectives.

Feasibility: The practicality and realism of implementing the project, including the adequacy of the proposed budget, timeline, and resources. The project should be achievable within the given scope and funding.

Sustainability: Whether the project can be sustained after the grant funding ends, either through ongoing funding, support, or integration into existing educational structures.

Alignment with Foundation Goals: The extent to which the project aligns with the Golden Apple Foundation's mission to support innovative, inclusive, and effective educational experiences for students.

Grant applications that demonstrate a clear connection between the funding and the educational needs of students are typically rated more favorably.