Gorham Educational Foundation, Inc.

Rooted in Education, Reaching for the Stars, Ready for the World 

2008-2009 Classroom and Professional Development Grant Instructions 

What Kinds of Grants are Awarded?

GEF intends to award grants in amounts ranging from $250 to $1,200 for the 2008-2009 grant period. 

The micro grant is new this year and applications are considered throughout the year. Grants are limited to $250 or less and will be considered at the GEF board meeting which follows the date of receipt of the application.

Grants will be considered for any worthwhile project that supports and furthers GEF’s main goals of enriching education for children, supporting ethics and leadership among students and staff, and enhancing teacher excellence within the Gorham Public Schools.  Grants are in the sole discretion of the Gorham Educational Foundation.  Grants are awarded as one-time, one-year grants.

Potential applicants whose ideas and project proposals are larger than the scope of this year’s grants or are multi-year programs are strongly encouraged to contact GEF directly via email to discuss other funding opportunities.

Who May Apply?

Any individual seeking to benefit the Gorham Public Schools or support the goals of GEF may apply.  Any organization directly associated with the Gorham Public Schools may also apply.

How Do I Apply?

Complete the Gorham Educational Foundation, Inc. Grant Application click here to download the regular application form (Grant amounts greater than $250.00) or click here to download the micro grant application (Grants up to $250.00) For questions or assistance with grants email gorhamef@maine.rr.com. 

What Other Information is Required?

1.  Obtain the signature endorsement of applicant’s building administrator, or if applicable, the applicant’s supervisor, on the application itself.  If applicant is not an employee of the Gorham Public Schools, applicant must obtain the signature endorsement of an administrator of Gorham Public Schools. 

2.  Include at least one letter of support of the application from an administrator or colleague. 

3.  Make sure to include a detailed budget for the project or program and be specific as to how much financial support is needed, and how grant money will be spent or distributed. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Questions are encouraged via email at gorhamef@maine.rr.com.  General responses will be posted on the GEF website and specific responses sent to the inquirer.  GEF reserves the right to request additional information from applicants if, in its discretion, it deems such information necessary to the consideration of the application.

Where Do I Send the Application?

Send the application by mail to:

Gorham Educational Foundation, Inc.

PO Box 295

Gorham, ME 04038

or by email to gorhamef@maine.rr.com.

Receipt of all applications will be made only by email to the email address included in the application.  Please allow 7 days for email acknowledgement.

What Are My Ongoing Responsibilities if I am a grant recipient?

Grant recipients are required to provide an accounting of how the funds were spent.  In addition, grant recipients are required to provide GEF with a detailed written evaluation of the results and outcomes of the project or program within 2 months of the conclusion of the project or program, or at the end of the school year in which the funds were spent, if the program is on-going.  Other requirements or limitations may be imposed upon the recipient at the discretion of GEF.

What is the application deadline and when will awards be announced?

The grant application period opens February 15, 2008.  The deadline for receipt of applications is 5:00 pm May 01, 2008.  Applications received after that date and time will not be considered, acknowledged or returned.

Awards will be announced May 17, 2008.

Fine Print:

All GEF grants and awards are subject to availability of sufficient funds.

Any equipment or supplies purchased with GEF grant money will become and remain the property of Gorham Public Schools.

GEF reserves the right to monitor expenditures of grant money awarded, without limitation.

GEF reserves the right to suspend the award of grants in any year in which, in its sole discretion, no application merits an award.