Learning Grant Application Guidelines

Grant Criteria

Wissahickon Educational Opportunities Foundation (WEOF), in partnership with building principals and the Director of Teaching & Learning, evaluates Learning Grant proposals based on an established criteria, although other factors unique to specific projects may also be considered. Successful proposals should meet all or most of the following criteria to be considered:

• Fosters curiosity, creativity, innovation, engagement, growth, and valuable experiences for students 
• Promotes equity and access to unique learning opportunities for students 
• Creates an impact for students and adds value to their student experience 
• Considers students' experiences outside the classroom, including co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
• Benefits as many students as funding and logistics allow 

Technology Grants: Because of factors such as cost, space, and sustainability associated with technology purchases, Learning Grants involving technology will reviewed by the Director of Technology.

Arts & Enrichment Assembly Grants: Each school is provided up to a $1200 grant for assemblies each year. If a staff member or the Home & School Association has an Arts & Enrichment assembly idea, the proposed assembly must be discussed with the building principal(s) prior to submission to WEOF. Please see the Assembly Grant Application link for the application and approval requirements. 

WEOF does not fund items such as t-shirts/sweatshirts or food/snacks.

 WEOF reviews learning grants of any dollar amount.  The foundation's grant budget and total annual funding varies from year to year but typically will not exceed $30,000 per year.  WEOF attempts to fund grants equitably across the six schools when possible, recognizing that staff and student numbers differ from school to school. Grant proposals should be cost-effective and not a recurring project/expense. Additionally, the Director of Technology will receive and review all technology-related proposals. 

WEOF strongly encourages you to submit a grant proposal.  After review, applicants may be contacted for further information, details, clarification, revision, etc. 

The Home and School Associations (H&SA) in the six schools also budget for and fund learning grants that are below specified cost thresholds:  elementary schools < $300, middle school and high school < $600.

WEOF will review and evaluate these grant proposals first for possible funding.  If the grant falls under the threshold, it may be shared with the appropriate Home & School Association for review and funding. 

Submission Requirements and Timelines

 To be considered for a WEOF Learning Grant, please complete the Common Learning Grant Application for your school and submit electronically. The application will be routed to the building principal of the appropriate school, the Director of Teaching & Learning, and the WEOF Grants Coordinator.

All grant proposals must be approved by the building principal prior to review by WEOF. No proposal will be considered without this approval. 

The review process is intended to be timely so that grant funding can be used for implementation in the current school year.  WEOF grants are first reviewed by the WEOF Executive Committee; if the grant is approved by the WEOF Executive Committee, then it will be presented at the full board meeting to be recommended for a vote. WEOF Executive Committee and the full board meet monthly September through May.

The intention is that the funding is used during the current school year. Any grant application submitted after April 1 may need to be implemented the following school year – July 1 through June 30.

FOLLOW-UP Requirements

All grant recipients must share feedback as well as photos (or videos) that demonstrate the “grant in action” and the benefits to our students. This information should be sent to weof.mail@gmail.com, subject: Grant In Action.