Who is eligible?
All staff of USD 305 and the Salina Central Kansas Cooperative in Education (USD 305)

What is the program?
The 21st Century Advantage Grant is designed to offer funding for creative and innovative projects that address critical education needs. These grants will give funding for initiatives that are beyond the ability of the school district to provide through regular funding sources.

The Sudden Opportunity Grant is a quick turn-around grant, typically capped at $200, that can make projects happen immediately.  These grants do not provide ongoing funding.  The Salina Regional Health Foundation has provided funds for Early Childhood and Healthy Lifetstyle requests.  The online application is used for both grant requests.  Applications are accepted year-round, but funds are limited.

When do I apply?
Online applications for 21st Century Advantage and Outside-the-Box Grants are due in March of the academic year. (The deadline will be posted on the application page.)

Awards for the 21st Century Advantage Grants will be announced in April of same year. Purchase orders will be accepted immediately for processing beginning in July.

The award(s) for the Outside-the-Box Grant will be announced in April of the same year.

Projects are to be implemented during the next academic year, and all grant monies must be spent by January of that year unless special arrangements have been made.

Do I need to fill out the USD 305 Request to Apply for Grant form?
No. The USD 305 Request to Apply for Grant form is not required when applying for any SEF Grant. If you are making dual applications to another funding source to help fund a larger project, you must fill out the USD 305 form before seeking additional grant funding.

How are enhancement grants awarded?
The Allocations Committee of the Salina Education Foundation reviews all Outside-the-Box and 21st Century Advantage Grant applications.

The projects are evaluated on the benefits to and needs of students and staff. Approved projects may be funded in full or part based on the evaluation and availability of funds. All items received through the grant process are the property of USD 305 for the use of the teacher/staff person requesting the grant.

The Executive Director has the ability to make decisions about the Sudden Opportunity Grants so that projects can happen immediately.

Typically, the SEF grant programs do not provide ongoing funding for projects.

How are funded projects evaluated?
Grant recipients will be asked to complete an evaluation questionnaire which they will receive in March. Grant recipients are encouraged to include photographs or other documentation of their project whenever possible.

All project evaluations will be reviewed by the Foundation trustees.

The SEF will not fund hardware, furniture, or salaries.

The SEF funds only the request from the specific teacher applying for the grant.  The grant items follow the teacher receiving the grant within district.  Should the teacher leave USD 305, all grant materials remain in the USD 305 school where the teacher taught.

In keeping with the original intent of the 21st Century Advantage Grant Program, the Salina Education Foundation will focus its resources on requests that go beyond supplying everyday classroom materials and equipment. Preference will be given to those projects that are project-based and which demonstrate creativity and innovation.