Siouxland Community Foundation (Excellence in Education)

The Siouxland Community Foundation's Teacher Mini-Grant Program is open to TK-5 teachers and instructional staff from public, private, and parochial schools within the school districts. Teachers may apply individually or as part of a team, with collaborative applications being encouraged. All applications must be approved by the school's principal.

Location: The Siouxland Community Foundation's Teacher Mini-Grant Program is available to teachers and instructional staff in the following locations:

• Sioux City, Iowa
• South Sioux City, Nebraska
• North Sioux City, South Dakota

These areas are served by the school districts eligible for the grant.

Project Scope: The project scope for the Siouxland Community Foundation's Teacher Mini-Grant Program focuses on innovative classroom projects that directly improve student learning and have a positive, long-term impact. Eligible projects should aim to:

• Enhance educational opportunities for students
• Promote grade-level reading initiatives
• Introduce or adapt creative teaching approaches
• Improve student motivation and achievement
• Encourage active participation
• Expand teaching strategies

The grants can fund equipment, materials, and activities that are not available through traditional school or district sources.

The Siouxland Community Foundation's Teacher Mini-Grant Program provides the following funding:

• Up to $500 for individual teachers
• Up to $1,000 for teams of teachers or projects benefiting an entire school’s student body

The Siouxland Community Foundation's Teacher Mini-Grant Program has the following funding restrictions:

• Electronic devices: Grants will not cover electronic devices unless they have a clear, specific objective to improve a particular educational skill.
• Replacement electronics: Grants will not cover the replacement of existing electronics.
• Field trips: Grants will not cover field trips unless they are an integral part of a proposed innovative activity.
• In-service training: Grants will not cover in-service training for teachers.
• Special interest groups: Applications from booster clubs or special interest groups will not be considered.

Grants are intended for innovative projects that directly benefit student learning.

Completed application form: Teachers must fill out the grant application, which likely includes details about the proposed project.

Project description: A detailed explanation of the innovative project, its goals, and how it will benefit student learning.

Principal approval: All applications must be approved by the school’s principal.

Budget: A breakdown of how the requested funds will be spent on equipment, materials, or activities.

Evaluation criteria: Applications should address how the project aligns with the Foundation’s priorities, such as promoting reading, creativity, or improving student engagement.

Make sure to check the official guidelines for additional details on submission.

The deadlines for the Siouxland Community Foundation's Teacher Mini-Grant Program are as follows:

• Application Available: September 1
• Application Deadline: Noon, November 1
• Final Determinations: 2nd week of December

Make sure to submit applications before the noon deadline on November 1 to be considered for funding.

Grant recipients of the Siouxland Community Foundation's Teacher Mini-Grant Program are required to submit a final report detailing:

• Expenditures: A breakdown of how the grant funds were spent.
• Grant Achievements: An overview of the outcomes and impact of the funded project, including how it benefited student learning and met the goals outlined in the application.

This final report is submitted to the Foundation to ensure accountability and share the success of the project.

The Siouxland Community Foundation's Teacher Mini-Grant Program evaluates applications based on the following criteria:

• Promotion of Grade-Level Reading Initiatives: Projects that support reading at the appropriate grade level.
• Innovative or Creative Approach: Projects that introduce new or creative teaching methods or ideas.
• Improvement of Student Motivation and Achievement: Projects aimed at increasing student engagement and academic success.
• Encouragement of Active Student Participation: Projects that foster student involvement in the learning process.
• Expansion of Teaching Strategies: Projects that introduce new ways of teaching or learning.
• Addressing Current Challenges or Issues: Projects that respond to ongoing challenges in education.

Collaborative applications and proposals that meet these priorities will be given greater consideration.