Grants FAQ’s

  1. Who has benefited from AEF grants?
  2. Who can submit grant applications?
  3. Who decides which projects to fund?
  4. What types of projects typically receive funds?
  5. How much money is available for each request?
  6. Do I need to include a detailed budget?
  7. Can I add the cost of new equipment to the budget?
  8. Can I submit more than one application?
  9. When is the deadline for submission?
  10. Where do I send my completed application?
  11. How does the evaluation process work?
  12. How can I find out the status of my application?
  13. What if I fail to complete a project?
  14. If I have additional questions, whom can I contact?
  15. Does the AEF fund technology requests?

Who has benefited from AEF grants?

More than 100 educators have received grants from the AEF and at least one grant has been awarded to every school in the district (not including charter schools). These grants have involved thousands of students, parents and community members.

Who can submit grant applications?

Any educator employed by the Appleton Area School District or any community member in partnership with an educator is eligible to apply for a grant. In addition, nonprofit organizations engaged in collaborative projects serving AASD students may also apply.

Who decides which projects to fund?

The AEF board votes on recommendations made by its grants committee. Area residents who promote education and represent varied constituencies make up this board.

What types of projects typically receive funds?

The Appleton Education Foundation favors grant projects that:

  • Promote original, creative ideas
  • Demonstrate educational innovation
  • Make a difference for student learning
  • Are not supported through normal school operating budgets
  • Have measurable indicators of success
  • Address one or more academic standards set by the Appleton Area School District

How much money is available for each request?

The Foundation’s normal granting has a maximum of $3,000. See the grid on the Available Grants page for more details.

Do I need to include a detailed budget?

Yes. The application form identifies what to include and how.

Can I add the cost of new equipment to the budget?

Generally, equipment alone does not qualify for a grant. Equipment required to complete a project or implement a program that meets the mission of the Foundation will be considered. Equipment upgrades are considered on an individual basis.

Can I submit more than one application?

You may, however, a maximum of one (1) of each Mini Grant, General Grant, and Professional Development “PD” Grant will be approved for the same educator in a given school year.

When is the deadline for submission?

The 2023-24 grant cycle deadlines are Tuesday, Sept. 12, Nov. 7, Feb. 6, and May 7. Additional details are available on the Available Grants page.

Where do I send my completed application?

A new Grant Portal launched Feb. 13, 2023. All grant requests must be submitted via the Grant Portal.

How does the evaluation process work?

Members of the Foundation’s Grants Committee review all applications submitted on time via the Grants Portal. Each committee member reads all General and PD grant requests. The committee meets to review the merits of each application and makes funding recommendations that are passed along to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for final approval.

How can I find out the status of my application?

Grant applicants are notified by email that their application has been received by the Foundation. (Automatic emails are sent from administrator@grantinterface.com, please check your junk/spam folders, if you don’t see this message.) Applicants may be contacted during the review process for additional information. Letters announcing grant approval or denial are mailed from the Foundation office typically approximately five-six weeks after the application deadline. You may contact Grants@AppletonEducationFoundation.org with any questions.

What if I fail to complete a project?

Applicants are responsible for completing a brief Final Report upon the conclusion of their project or Professional Development opportunity. All receipts are to be sent to the Foundation with this report. If you are unable to complete the project, please let us know. Unused grant money ($20 or more) is to be reimbursed to the Foundation as soon as possible.

If I have additional questions, whom can I contact?

Please send an email to Grants@AppletonEducationFoundation.org or call the Foundation office at (920) 832-1517.

Does the AEF fund technology requests?

The Appleton Education Foundation believes in outfitting classrooms with new technology as it advances learning for all students. Grants from the Appleton Education Foundation Fund and other funds within the AEF have supported technology since AEF’s founding in 1997. As technology continues to evolve, AEF appreciates receiving grant requests for new, creative programming opportunities using the newest technology. The AEF grants committee and board favor requests that use technology in new ways and/or as a means to pilot a technology that has not yet been used within AASD.