Learning Links Grants

The Learning Links program offers grants of up to $700 to public schools in order to provide "hands-on" creative learning projects to their students. The goal of this program is to increase students' enthusiasm for learning and staying in school, ultimately through graduation.

These grants are made possible by the Ben W. and Dixie Glenn Farthing Charitable Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.
 

Deadline

The application deadline for 2008 is Sept. 26.
 

Eligibility

Learning Links grants are offered to public schools in the following Western North Carolina counties: Avery, Graham, Jackson, Madison, Mitchell, or Swain. Funded projects must take place between January 1 and June 1. Grant funds should be totally expended by June 1.
 

Areas of Support

Learning Links projects must:

• involve students in projects of a "hands-on" nature. It is desirable that these experiential learning activities take place in settings beyond the classroom or in a learning environment that is unlike their normal daily classroom instruction.
• implement innovative, imaginative and creative approaches to teaching that enrich the educational experience.
• be aligned with the NC Standard Course of Study.
• directly relate to the academic improvement of students.

Strong applications include:

• clearly defined and realistic project plans and activities. Do not use educational or technical jargon. Be as specific as possible about how the funds will be used.
• specifics regarding how the project will be implemented, necessary materials, time frame, people involved and completion date.
• a detailed budget that is reasonable and logically tied to the project description.

Successful projects in the past have:

• involved parents and/or community volunteers
• been led by a dedicated teacher or team of teachers
• integrated curriculums or involved various age groups
• served a single classroom, grade level, or entire school. (Only one grant will be awarded per classroom. Sharing innovative ideas with other teachers is permissible.)

Grant applicants may apply to continue an existing project for up to three years as long as a different student population is served. This practice is not encouraged, but is acceptable if the results of the project warrant it.
 

Funding Restrictions

• A maximum of three applications may be submitted from each school. The application form must be completed by the lead teacher/project coordinator and signed by the school principal in order to be considered for funding.
• All field trips must include before-trip preparation and after-trip use of the information. They should also include all students in the course of study.
• Grants may be made to compensate experts who come to work with students, but may not pay teachers or staff. These experts must submit resumes or credentials to justify the requested expense.
• Funds may not purchase equipment, videos/dvds, or furniture, unless these items are essential to the project and cannot be obtained otherwise. Additionally, grant funds cannot be used to cover the cost of items normally included in the school’s budget.
• Items that are not typically funded include refreshments, rewards, or incentives.
• After the grant activities take place, a simple evaluation report is required, including receipts to document purchases.
   

How to Apply

1. Access Community Foundation Staff Assistance
The staff of The Community Foundation is available and eager to assist you as you develop your proposal. Maria Juarez is available via phone or email to provide personalized assistance to schools. This assistance is valuable in strengthening a school’s chance of success.

2. Submit A Learning Links Grant Application
Learning Links applications will be distributed to the superintendents and principals of public schools in the six eligible counties at the end of August. Teachers may acquire printed copies of the application from these resources, you may request an application form be mailed to you, or you may access the forms online:

Learning Links Application Questions

CFWNC Grant Application Cover Page (required by all applicants)

CFWNC Grant Application Instructions (review to ensure you have submitted all required attachments for your grant application.)

Grantseekers must submit a completed application to the Foundation office by 5 p.m. on the date of the deadline. Applications may be mailed to the Foundation’s post office box as long as they are received in the Foundation office by 5 p.m. on the deadline date. Faxed and/or emailed applications are not accepted. All proposals submitted must be typed. Applicants are notified of the receipt of their application within two weeks of the submission deadline. If you do not receive a notification, please contact Maria Juarez.

3. Participate in the Review Process
Applications are screened for completeness, clarity and compliance with eligibility requirements. Grant proposals are evaluated by a volunteer committee and funding recommendations are approved by the CFWNC Board. Funding decisions are announced in November.

Recent Learning Links Grants