Great Ideas Grants

What is the Great Ideas Grant Program?

The Great Ideas Grant Program is a cornerstone of The Helena Education Foundation's mission to enrich education in the Helena Public Schools. It is designed to put money directly into the hands of classroom teachers, helping educators take ideas for innovative teaching strategies and make them a reality. Specific goals include:

supporting and encouraging teachers to infuse new elements of creativity into their classroom;
helping teachers extend student learning beyond the limitations of textbooks;
encouraging teachers to strengthen ties between the classroom, other teachers, parents, students and the larger community;
providing funds for projects to enhance student learning that would otherwise not be possible within the District budget or with any other funding source.

Questions?

We're happy to help. If you have questions about the process, please feel free to contact us at any time. We can be reached by phone (443-2545) or e-mail ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).

Our spring grant workshop will be at the Red Atlas on January 11th at 3:45 p.m.

Apply Today

The deadlines for the Great Ideas Grant program are October 3, 2011 (fall grants) and February 6, 2012 (spring grants).

Download information and instructions for the Great Ideas Grant program.
Download your application form in PDF or Word format.
Type your grant application, save it to your computer, and e-mail as an attachment to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Print and mail your cover sheet and signature page to:

Helena Education Foundation
P.O. Box 792
Helena, MT 59624

Samples of Successful Applications

Already Received a Grant?

Download the grant evaluation form (Word, Excel) here.
Download the receipts form (PDF, Excel) here.

Completed forms can be e-mailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mailed to the Helena Education Foundation, P.O. Box 792, Helena, MT 59624.

Application

Apply Today

Grants have been awarded for the 2011-12 academic year. Check back soon for next year's deadline.

Download information and instructions for the Great Ideas Grant program.
Download your application form in PDF or Word format.

Who is Eligible?

All full or part-time teachers employed by the Helena School District are eligible to apply for Great Ideas Grants. Support personnel, students, parents, administrators and community members are encouraged to partner with teachers, though they may not submit a grant as the primary applicant. Applicants may apply as individuals or as part of a group. Educators within specific grades as well as across grade levels, subjects and schools are encouraged to collaborate. One application may be submitted per teacher in each grant cycle.