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How to Apply

SEF Grantmaking Guidelines

SEF awards grants to enrich student learning, enhance instructional programs and learning tools, encourage professional development, and promote the standard of excellence at Skaneateles Central Schools. Although it is unnecessary to fulfill all the objectives to receive an award, applications that impact a substantial number of giving targets are more likely to receive a favorable outcome.  Grants for student projects will receive favorable consideration when they promote, expand, or enrich student opportunities in a manner consistent with the Foundation's mission.  

Grant objectives include: 

  • Serve as an opportunity for enrichment that cannot be funded through a normal school budget
  • Demonstrate innovative approaches or methodologies 
  • Are consistent with the Skaneateles Central Schools curriculum and NYS Department of Education standards
  • Serve as an effective pilot for possible future programs
  • Include a method of assessing the project's effectiveness
  • Offer the possibility of continue impact for multiple years
  • Encourage and facilitate student and other educator feedback
  • Offer expanded opportunities for application in other curricula and use by other educators
  • Anticipate, encourage, or reflect expanded use of technology
  • Encourage partnership with other funding sources
  • Impact as many students as possible

Funding Limitations:

  • Faculty/staff salaries and benefits
  • Support of sports teams and equipment
  • General capital improvements
  • Building and grounds operations and maintenance
  • Ongoing transportation expenses
  • Routine purchases of equipment and supplies
  • Administrative and clerical support
  • Support of current curriculum, programs, and projects

How to Apply for A Grant

SEF accepts and considers the following grant and scholarship applications:

  • Lightning Grant
    • Grants up to $1,500; teachers, students, administrators may apply; submit year-round
  • Teacher Innovation Grant
    • Grants greater than $1,500; teachers, administrators, and student support staff may apply; deadlines January 15 and May 15
  • Jean Graham Fund Grant
    • Educators may apply; deadline January 15
  • Jean Graham Fund Summer Passport Grant
    • Educators may apply; deadline May 1
  • Experiential Learning Fund
    • Up to $800 per grade level; grade level teams and administrators may apply; submit year-round
  • Dr. John T. Freedman Fund
    • ​​​​​​​Educators, administrators, and student support staff may apply; submit year-round
  • Class of '51 Fund
    • Funds for students with financial hardships; submit via school counselor; submit year-round
  • iD Tech Summer Camp Scholarship
    • ​​​​​​​Scholarship up to $2,000; Students applicants only; deadline March 24

Each grant or scholarship may have additional specifications and requirements beyond SEF's general giving guidelines. All applicants should carefully review the giving guidelines and preparation instructions in the grant application forms.  Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact SEF's executive director, Skip Lockwood, to assist with grant prep, answer questions, and discuss ideas.  He may be reached at skip@skanedfoundation or via phone at 202-841-3166.