engage community members who become aware of very innovative projects, which increases donations to RPSF, creating a bigger impact on children’s lives.
- contribute to the excellence of the educational experience within Rochester Public Schools
Grant Guidelines and Application
Prerequisites:
Proposals must follow the format in the application RPSF provides; please do not leave a section(s) blank.
Applicants must discuss the feasibility and the implementation of the proposal with the appropriate Administrator. Comments from the Administrator and the date reviewed must be included in the appropriate section of the application.
Technology or equipment purchases must obtain the approval of the staff from the relevant RPS department.
One Project Director must be an RPS staff member.
Proposals must define specific and measurable goals/objectives in detail.
Proposals must stress positive long-term impacts that align with Rochester Public School's mission.
High-scoring RPSF grant applications...
propose innovative projects that do not currently exist within Rochester Public Schools.
- very clearly & concisely discuss an expansion or a complement to some aspect of academic program, even when the request is for new infrastructure.
focus on creative & unique learning experiences that enrich student's learning or social-emotional growth.
appear to be doable within the provided timeline to reviewers who are peer staff.
have a potential to be implemented elsewhere provided a project's objectives are realized.
In addition, grant recipients may be asked to share the results, outcomes, and lessons learned from their grants with their grade-level or department team at a staff or district-wide meeting.
Reporting Requirements:enable pilot projects that otherwise would not occur given very limited resources.
These RPSF grants...may enrich student learning district-wide as successful projects serve as seeds to grow similar programs across Rochester's schools.
help school staff and volunteers to spark our kids’ sense of discovery and enthusiasm for learning.
Do you have questions about the grant application? Check out our FAQ, or feel free to discuss your educational proposal & grant application with RPSF!
Contact RPSFGrantCommittee@gmail.com
Recipients must submit a project summary of outcomes and lessons learned, along with pictures, to RPSF within one year of receiving grant funds. Submission should be emailed to RPSFGrantCommittee@gmail.com
RPSF grants may NOT be used for...
participation in seminars, college courses, or workshops.
compensation for time and/or services for public school personnel.
substitute teachers, except for a teacher supervising students in grant-related activities.
purchase of food unless request is integral to the completion of the grant.
Our Fall 2022 Grant Cycle is now open for projects that would take place during the second half of the 2022-2023 school year or during the 2023-2024 school year. General guidelines can be found here. The grant application can be downloaded here. Completed applications are due by Nov. 9, 2022, at 11:59 PM. Award notifications will be sent in mid-December with funds to be available in January.
We also plan to hold a Spring 2023 Grant Cycle for projects that would take place during the 2023-2024 school year.
A large portion of RPSF funding comes from our annual Halloween event, BooFest, from which all money raised goes to grants to RPS staff. We also receive donations from community members, businesses, corporations, other foundations, civic organizations, parents, and Rochester Public Schools staff members. Many grants are also supported by endowed funds that were created in honor or in memory of a designee.