Resource Fund, Inc.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Winter 2006

P.O. Box 891

Sudbury, MA 01776

978-443-0827

www.serf.sudbury.ma.us

The Sudbury Education Resource Fund is now accepting applications for its Winter 2006 granting cycle. SERF will consider applications for Mini-Grants and Enrichment Grants.

Mini-Grants ($750 or less) are intended for short-term projects, staff development or curriculum enhancements that expand a child's problem solving skills, knowledge base or self-esteem. Mini-Grants may also be used to fund partnership projects with PTOs or other community organizations.

Enrichment Grants (more than $750) are intended for large scale projects which require significant staff time to develop or complete and should be reserved for projects involving curriculum improvement, student enrichment or staff development. Upon completion, Enrichment Grants should have grade level, specialty department or system-wide application. Enrichment Grants involve a more in-depth application process and require a written follow-up evaluation.

Through the granting process SERF seeks to provide opportunities for every child in the Sudbury public educational system to acquire the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to contribute as a well-rounded citizen and to develop to the full extent of his or her potential. SERF will consider all grant requests dedicated to enriching, enhancing and supporting Sudbury's public school system. Grants are intended to supplement the school budget, not supplant it. SERF remains open to all ideas and will consider each request on its own merits, without regard to precedence. 

Because the most innovative and enriching programs are often those which have not yet been envisioned, SERF has purposefully resisted making any absolute rules about what it will or will not fund. However, SERF grants will usually cover the time and materials (supplies, equipment, etc.) needed to implement a proposed program or project. In most cases, indirect expenses such as travel, meals, etc. will not be covered. SERF will generally not reimburse Sudbury parents for their time, but may consider requests to do so in unusual circumstances or when special skills are required. Grants are intended to provide the seed money necessary to pilot programs which, given budgetary restraints, would not otherwise be possible. SERF discourages dependence upon grants for on-going programming.

Grant applications are available at the Central Office of the Sudbury Public Schools, the principal’s office at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, Goodnow Library's Reference Desk and the front desks of each of the K-8 schools. Sudbury Public School applications must be signed by the building principal and delivered to Central Office by February 10, 2006.  Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School applications must be submitted to the Superintendent's office by the same date. Grants awards will be announced in April 2006.

If you have any questions, please contact Alison Dana 978-443-5321.