Spark Grants

Spark Grants offer a 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 awarded  over $12,000 in Spark Grants in 2022/2023.

Like Great Ideas Grants, Spark Grants are selected through a competitive process, but with a scaled-down application form. The goal of Spark Grants is to offer more flexibility and ease of access for smaller projects. Thank you to the many educators who helped us to shape this new program, launched in 2020/2021.

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

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

Grand 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