The Grant Guide

• Custer Youth & Alumni Foundation (CYAF)

Educator grants are available to support the classroom with just a few brief questions. Submit application @ custeryaf@gmail.com.

• NEA Foundation Learning & Leadership Grant, $2000-$5000

Grants may fund individual professional development experiences to improve practice, curriculum and student achievement. Applicants must be a member of NEA.

• Voya Unsung Heroes Program, $2000-$25,000

• Creative Solutions in Education Grant, $3000 to local educators (reoccurring)

Other grant opportunities

• Donor’s Choose - donors support the classroom requests that inspire them
• Teachers Change Lives - geared toward professional development
• Waterford Education - various grant opportunities
• We Are Teachers - free classroom resources, inspiration, and supports
• Adopt A Classroom - pairs donors to registered classrooms

PROCESS

1. Identify a need.

2. Reach out to me @ eve.trandem@k12.sd.us.

3. I will research potential funding opportunities with aligning missions.

4. PARTNERING… You provide subject matter expertise; I do the leg work & write the application.

Key components - You provide subject matter expertise & current programing information.

1. Application (e.g. purpose, timeline, methodology, target population, outcomes)
2. Budget (line items with official quotes)
3. Background of current program
4. Evaluation Plan with measurable indicators (e.g., surveys, interviews, data collection)
5. Sustainability Plan
6. Supplementary Materials (e.g. letters of support, financial statements, audit reports)

What makes a good fit grant opportunity?

• Goal and mission align between the school district and the funder.

• Collaboration between multiple organizations.

• Demonstrate sustainability to ensure long-term success and impact.

Funding resources:

• State and Local grants have the highest rate of success.
• Private Foundations distribute a portion of annual earnings toward gifting.
• Federal Grants often require a 9–12 month lead time to work through the formal process. Nationally, less than 10% of applicants receive funding.

💲If you come across any grant opportunities, please pass them along. Some of the best leads come from our staff. 🥸

🎯Assist to identify CSD needs

🎯Research and align potential funding opportunities

🎯Oversee the grant application process

We've secured funding for exciting projects in the district, including adaptive playground equipment, anatomage table, laser cutter, PE interactive systems, new books for school libraries, and more!

Have ideas? Contact me! 🤩

CSD Grant Process (printable) Information