Grants:

AREF Grant Summary

Year	Grants Funded	Amount Funded	# Schools	Teachers	Students
2008-09	26	$12,459	15	109	2405
2009-10	20	$9,123	14	54	2161
2010-11	45	$21,234	27	135	5009
2011-12	50	$23,866	24	139	5195
Totals	141	$66,682	All Grades	437	14,770

The foundation raises funds to support educational projects/programs in areas such as Music, Performing Arts, Arts and Culture, Science, Math, Technology, and Recreation & Sports. The foundation supports opportunities for student success by providing funds for field trips, classroom projects, enrichment activities and other creative approaches that support our vision, which is to help the children and families of Alum Rock achieve success.

Grants are available to support teachers and to benefit students. Applicants are encouraged to apply together in order to leverage the funds available. The Foundation does not expect to fully fund projects but to assist applicants with partial funding to successfully implement the proposed activities.

To apply for a grant from the foundation an AREF Grant Application must be completed and submitted. Principals should be aware that a grant request is being submitted because both the applicant and the principal are notified of the Foundation’s decision. Inquiries and applications should be submitted online to kmesa@alumrockef.org.

A final report on the program/project must be submitted to the foundation upon completion of the program/project activities (including field trips). Report guidelines are provided to all grantees. Applicants are not eligible for future funding if a report has not been submitted.

Grants are awarded in amounts up to $500

Grant Cycles for 2012-2013

Applications Received by	Application Reviewed	Grantee Notification by
November 1, 2012	November 2012	December 1, 2012
February 1, 2013	February 2013	March 1, 2013

AREF Grant Application Review Information
There are two (2) cycles for accepting grant applications during the school year. The foundation’s goal is to award at least one grant per school. Schools not receiving a grant award in the first cycle will get priority consideration in the second cycle. Additional grant applications from awarded schools will also be considered in the second cycle. Applicants can only receive one award per school year.

The foundation acknowledges receipt of all applications received. The following evaluation criteria and weights are used by reviewers to form recommendations:

1. Program/Project Narrative (45 points total)
   • General information (5 points)
   • Description of the program/project and activities (20 points)
   • Goals (20 points)
2. Student Impact – How students will benefit (25 points total)
3. Evaluation – Number of students served, how goals will be met, what you will do with the results (20 points total)
4. Ability to complete the project's proposed goals judged by the reasonableness of the work plan and budget, including cost sharing and leverage. (10 Points Total)

Applications must receive a minimum of 80 points total to be considered for funding.

Application Review Process
Review Panel
The review panel consists of two (2) foundation Board members and one (1) Peer reviewer (volunteer teachers). The panel members receive blind copies of the proposal narrative of each grant submitted. After reviewing the appropriateness of the program/project in meeting the foundation's mission and vision, the proposal's completeness, conformity to application requirements and overall eligibility, reviewers rate the proposals using the evaluation criteria and weights, including their own comments regarding the proposals. The reviewers make funding recommendations to the foundation Board based upon their reviews.

AREF Board
The board receives blind copies of reviewers' ratings, comments and recommendations along with the proposal narrative of each grant submitted. After reviewing proposals and the comments and recommendations of the reviewers, AREF Board members deliberate on the proposals and make funding decisions. Throughout this process, all members of the Board and volunteer reviewers follow conflict-of-interest rules to assure fair and equal treatment of every application.

Award Notification
Grants are contingent upon available funds. Grant applicants are notified within 2 weeks of the foundation’s decision. A contract is required with all awards, with applicable terms and conditions.

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