No, the Classroom Grant program now operates on a single annual round. The application period will open in August and close at the end of September, with grant awards announced by the end of October.

Please Note: Only applicants with a @gips.org email address are eligible for grants.

Before accessing the online grant application, you'll need to register as a new user. During registration, you'll create your own unique username and password.

Important: Do not create a duplicate account. If you already have an account but can't remember your username, please contact the system administrator. Creating a duplicate account may result in your application being disqualified by the Grant Committee.

If you forget your username or password, use the "reset your account" link. You'll need to know the email address or username associated with your account.

Reset Steps:
Enter your email address and/or your username (you must know at least one used to create account). Click the Reset Password button. An email will be sent to your account email address with a link to reset your password.

If you still cannot access your account contact the System Administrator at cwiemers@gips.org.

NOTE: Only applicants with a @gips.org email address are eligible for grants.

Maximum of 5 grant requests per cycle:
After you have created an account and started/completed the grant application, you can create additional grant applications to be considered during the same grant cycle. The maximum number of grant requests per cycle is five. All grant applications can be created with one user account.

Create a new grant application:
Log into the grant application. To create another grant request click on the Add Entry icon.

Open grant application:
Click on the pencil to open a grant application.

View list of grant applications:
Click on Forms in the top grey box. This will navigate back to your list of applications. Click on the pencil next to the application you want to work on.

A green check mark indicates that all of the required fields in a form have been completed and saved.

A red exclamation point is shown when at least one required field in a form is empty or contains an invalid entry. Your document cannot be submitted while any of its forms are incomplete. If you hover your mouse over the red exclamation point, pop-up text will list the reasons that a form is considered incomplete.

A green save diskette is shown when there is a change to a field in the form. You must click on the diskette to save the information. The green diskette may appear at the bottom of the screen or in the upper right of the page.

Every grant application requires a recommendation from your building principal or direct supervisor. You cannot submit your application until this recommendation is complete.

Once you enter your principal/supervisor's information on the "Principal Recommendation and Signature" page, they'll receive an email with a link to the online recommendation form. After they complete it, they won't be able to access your application again.

It's your responsibility to monitor their progress. You'll see the recommendation's status next to their email on the "Principal Recommendation and Signature" page:

(Notified): The recommendation form link has been sent.

(Failed): The email address is incorrect; please correct it to resend the link.

(Completed): The recommendation form has been submitted.

To submit, ensure all required fields are complete and your principal's recommendation is submitted.

The "Submit" button will become active when ready. An email confirmation will follow.

If the button is inactive, check for incomplete sections. Applications must be submitted by the deadline.

On the Grant Narrative page, an essay question asks: "Does this project address one or more of the above goals? How? Please describe how this project will provide additional opportunities to students and meets district objectives/goals." Click here for more in depth information about the GIPS Strategic Plan.

Recommendation Forms are Time-sensitive
The applicant cannot submit their application until the recommendation form is complete and submitted. Applicants are competing for grants.

Reminder Emails: A system generated reminder email will be sent every three days until the form is completed.

Confidential: Your response is confidential. Applicants will not be able to see your recommendation form.

Recommendation Form Access Link
Once the applicant enters the recommendation name and email into the application, the system automatically generates a recommendation request email.

Unique Links: Each recommendation request link is unique. The link will only open the recommendation form from the application it is associated with. Multiple applicants may request a recommendation from the same person. Each request will generate an email that contains a unique link.

Save Diskette: Click on the save diskette to save changes to fields. (navigation menu and bottom of page)

Submit as Complete: After all the fields on the recommendation form are complete, click the save diskette and the confirmation page will appear. Click on “Submit as Complete” if you are finished. The access link will be deactivated.

Continue Editing: If you need to exit the form before it is complete, click on the save diskette to save the changes to the fields first. On the confirmation page, click on “Continue Editing” to keep the access link activated. Click the access link in the recommendation request email to access the form again.

Reactivate Link: If you have submitted the recommendation form as complete, but still need to edit the form, contact the system administrator (cwiemers@gips.org).

Classroom Grants typically fund projects that involve out-of-the-ordinary supplies, educational software for student use, and similar innovative needs. A strong application will clearly articulate the positive impact and direct benefits for students. We encourage and view favorably cooperative grants that involve multiple educators or departments.

The following items are ineligible for grant funding: document cameras (e.g., Elmos, iPevos), Smartboards, teacher stipends, T-shirts, alternative seating, and food (unless directly related to the project).

Grand Island Public Schools Foundation grants are awarded through a competitive process. Each grant application is reviewed by a committee and scored.

Project title and description (6 points)

Has the applicant clearly followed application directions?

Has the applicant clearly described the project?

Meets district objectives/grant narrative (30 points)

Does the project provide a learning experience/opportunity that students would otherwise not receive?

Is the project high impact, involving a lot of students, or one that could be duplicated across the district so that it would impact a greater number of students?

Does the applicant explain how the project enhances current curriculum?

Does the applicant explain how the project meets district objectives?

How many disciplines are used in the project? Does the applicant describe how the project will impact the different disciplines?

Does the project sound like an engaging learning experience? Would you or your children react favorably to the project?

Outcome and measures (15 points)

Does the applicant explain the outcomes?

Does the applicant have a plan to measure the outcomes?

Are the outcomes realistic?

Itemized budget (15 points)

Has the applicant provided an itemized budget as requested?

Are the expenses reasonable?

Is there an expense that is not in line with the Foundation priority of providing additional opportunities for our students?

Timeline (6 points)

Is the timeline reasonable?

Has the applicant planned adequate introduction and follow-up for the project?