What is the Great Ideas Grant Program?

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.

Participate in a brief after-school workshop to learn about the Great Ideas Grants application process, or review the PowerPoint slides here.

“I will never forget this experience, ever!” – A 4th grader at Bryant School who visited Yellowstone Park through a Great Ideas Grant

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.

Is Your Grant Request Under $500?

Check out our Spark Grants.

Who May Apply for a Grant?

• All full or part-time teachers employed by the Helena School District are eligible to apply
• Multiple educators may collaborate on projects – applications must be signed by all collaborating educators
• All applications must be signed by the building administrator
• Other partnering entities may not submit a grant proposal as the primary applicant.

Applying for a Grant

• Educators may apply for both a Great Ideas Grant and a Spark Grant in the same grant cycle for different projects, but
• Educators may not apply for both types in the same cycle for the same project.
• Educators may apply for only 1 Spark Grant per cycle

**HEF relies on strong partnerships with our local community to make our grant programs possible. We actively seek sponsorship support from Helena businesses, individuals, and organizations, recognizing that their investment directly strengthens our schools and students. Therefore we are committed to supporting businesses that employ members of our community, contribute to our local tax base, and participate in the civic life of Helena. While online retailers such as Amazon may offer lower prices we encourage you, whenever possible, to prioritize local items and vendors when sourcing materials for your grant budget. These community connections are essential to the long-term sustainability of HEF programs.**

What can Great Ideas and Spark Grants fund?

• NEW projects only – not ongoing activities
• Projects for which funding is not available from the HSD
• Projects that are in-class or field trips
• Projects that infuse new elements of creativity
• Projects that extend learning beyond the limitations of the textbooks

Grant funds may NOT Be Used for any of the following:

• Monetary awards for students
• District- provided textbooks and materials, technology, etc.
• Workshops or professional development fees
• Stipends for District employees
• Substitute teachers during the working day unless teachers are with their class involved with the grant project

Samples of Successful Applications

• Working Together to Make Us Better
• Music Ace Maestro
• Bring your A game to work!
• Designing a Medical Innovation
• Mind Fullness
• Reaping Rewards Through Robots

Questions?

We’re happy to help. If you have questions about the process attend one of our scheduled workshops, view the PowerPoint guide. If you are unable to attend a workshop, feel free to contact us at any time.

Call 406-443-2545 or contact us by e-mail at [email protected].

Already Received a Grant?

• Complete the HEF Grant Report
• Please carefully read the instructions below to learn how to access your funds.
  • To purchase through Helena School District
    • On-line purchases: Submit your request for items approved on your grant budget to the school’s office staff for purchasing; include vendor, website, items and cost. Office staff will work with Angie to determine coding for requisition entry and ordering. Option not available from May 15 to July 1.
    • Local purchases: If vendor accepts school district purchase orders or will bill the district, follow steps for On-line purchases above. Option not available from June 1 to July 1.

    To use your own funds to make a purchase

    • Submit reimbursement documentation as required by your school office including a copy of the HEF grant letter and approved budget. Do not use personal Amazon account and if items are ordered on-line, they must be shipped directly to the school. Exception: Purchases placed during the summer months when the schools are closed can be shipped to the home address. 

    Both purchase methods: The business office will complete the HEF Reimbursement Form and submit to HEF (Becca Leaphart) along with documentation (receipts) for approval and payment.

Completed forms may be e-mailed.