Grants:

AREF Grant Summary

Year	Applications Submitted	Amount Requested	Grants Funded	Amount Funded	# Schools	Teachers	Students	Grades Affected
2008-09	32	$12,273	26	$12,459	14	109	2405	All
2009-10	29	12,959	20	$9,123	14	54	2161	All
2010-11	63	$29,703	46	$21,234	21	135	5009	All
Totals	124	$54,935	92	$42,816	29*	298	9575	All

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 2011-2012

Applications Received by	Application Reviewed	Grantee Notification by
November 1, 2011	November 2011	December 1, 2011
February 1, 2012	February 2012	March 1, 2012

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 (40 points total)
   • General information (5 points)
   • description of the program/project and activities (25 points)
   • goals (15 points)
2. Student Impact – How students will benefit (25 points total)
3. Evaluation – Number of students served, how goals will be met (10 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. (20 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.