Problem
What is the problem?
We won a contest, but we don't have any money. How can we get the money?!
What are other educators, students, and community members going to think about the project?
They are going to be excited to participate. They will probably be motivated to join in finding the funds. They may be excited for the opportunity for a school in our community to get to pilot a new project.
What is my goal?
To secure $15,000 by the 2025-2026 school year.
What is some funds we could obtain quickly?
We could apply for a Donor's Choose and possibly receive quick response.
Salina Education Foundation offers grants for teachers each year. They are usually pretty quick in granting these if they feel the grant will benefit your classroom.
What is the driving question?
How can we find at least $15,000 by 2025 - 2026 school year, so that we can partake in this state honorable contest?
How could the community help?
We could invest in the help of small businesses to help us put on an event or to help donate some of the funds.
What is a criteria for success?
We must have several options on where to gain the funds, so we know we are on schedule.
What are some funds that might take a little time?
NEA offers grants for educators, but they usually will have a deadline, so it isn't always available immediately.
Teach Grant from the federal government is also an option. You can go to the website and apply for a grant.
What do you know?
Schilling Elementary is a low-income school with little to no funds.
What do we need to do immediately?
We need to plan the activities and grants we will apply for. We need to start applying for some of the grants, such as NEA, federal TEACH, or Donors' Choose, so that we have the grants submitted by their deadline.
What is another criteria for success?
We must gain the support of other educators to assist in finding ways to find more funding.
What could our school and supportive community members do to help gain the funds?
We could put on a marathon relay. People are obsessed with marathons and love when they can partake for a cause. This would push it out to the community (individuals who sign up to run) to ask for donations from others to also donate, and hopefully help us secure the funds for our project.
What do you need to know?
I need to know who is going to assist me in helping with the funding and what I need to do to successfully fund 15,000 by next year.
What might take some time?
Waiting is going to be tough. After we apply for some of the grants early on, we need to start planning fun events for the school to see if we can get the community to donate and support.
What is a third criteria for success?
We must receive some of the funds by the end of 2025, so that we know that we are on the path to success.
What could our school do to attempt to gain the funds?
We could put on a Multicultural Fun Night where we could invest the help of community businesses to provide donations for food, games, and volunteers. We would charge for admission, tickets, and food. We could have raffles and ask for any donations at the event.