Grants
The Helena Education Foundation offers two grant opportunities to educators of the Helena School District (HSD): Great Ideas Grants and Spark Grants. Both opportunities put funds directly in the hands of educators for innovative projects serving students in and out of the classroom. Funding is available for new projects that are not part of the District budget. All project purchases are made through the HSD to leverage the buying power of the district and the Foundation strongly encourages educators to buy locally whenever possible.
Great Ideas Grants are awarded two times per year for grant requests of between $501 and $1,250 for projects that serve a single classroom, and up to $5,000 for projects that serve multiple classes or schools. HEF awards up to $40,000 per year in Great Ideas Grants through an application process, and grants are selected by a community representative review committee.
Applications for Spark Grants are accepted four times per year and fund project requests up to $500 for smaller projects. HEF awards up to $20,000 in Spark Grants each school year. Spark Grants are reviewed internally.
The Foundation organizes two, brief in-person workshops per year to provide educators with information about the application process and to vet project ideas. We produced virtual workshop PowerPoint presentation in 2020/2021.
Please Contact Becca at [email protected] if you are interested in sponsoring a Great Ideas or Spark Grant.
Great Ideas Grants
Great educators make great schools. The Helena Education Foundation supports Helena’s educators by providing grants that bring their great ideas to life. Every school has a budget, but our Great Ideas Grants assist educators in achieving educational goals that go beyond that which is already provided. Great Ideas Grants fund innovative classroom and out-of-classroom projects, providing enriching educational opportunities and experiences to all students.
Spark Grants
Spark Grants offer frequent opportunities for Helena’s Public School teachers to access funds to provide enrichment opportunities for students. Educators may apply for up to $500 per project and Spark Grants are offered in four cycles per school year. The Foundation awards $20,000 in Spark Grants every school year.