FSE launches $10K grant program for board members

The new grant program will distribute $10,000 in funds. (Photo from Shutterstock)

First State Educate , a state educational advocacy organization, has launched a mini grant program that will distribute a total of $10,000 to Delaware school board members.

“School boards play a pivotal role in decision making that can directly impact student outcomes,” said Julia Keleher, chief strategy and operations officer at First State Educate.

The grants will help enhance the effectiveness of Delaware’s school boards by providing targeted financial support for projects that improve governance, foster community engagement and strong leadership, address local educational challenges and support informed decision-making.

Allocations will prioritize the most innovative and impactful initiatives, and will vary in amount, depending on the scope and impact of the proposed projects.

The organization stated the program aims to strengthen community engagement by promoting collaboration and transparency between school boards and the communities they serve.

“Additionally, the program empowers school boards to address local challenges with innovative solutions that improve student outcomes, while also professionalizing the role of school board members by supporting their ongoing development and recognizing the importance of their service in achieving educational excellence,” the group stated.

Grant eligibility and timeline

Here’s who is eligible for the grants:

• Current school board members who have participated in at least three First State Educate activities, events, initiatives or meetings in 2024.
• Applicants who demonstrate a history of effective leadership in their school board roles, as well as a proven ability to collaborate, build consensus and work constructively with others.

Application review criteria will be released Monday, Aug. 26, and will include everything First State Educate will use to evaluate those who apply to ensure a fair and thorough process yielding the best qualified proposals.

Clarity and relevance of the project’s objectives, the alignment with First State Educate’s mission and goals, as well as the feasibility of the proposed timeline and budget are sure to be review criteria.

Also, the potential impact of a project on school board effectiveness and student achievement will be considered, as will the quality of the proposed management and evaluation plans.

“Through these mini grants, we aim to empower school board members to drive meaningful change in their districts, enhance governance practices, and strengthen the connections between schools and their communities in ways that directly improve student outcomes,” Keleher said.

The organization will hold an online session to provide applicants with further guidance to support their submissions.

The application window is Aug. 26 to Oct. 11, applicants who pass the initial screening will be interviewed between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15, and awardees will be announced by Nov. 29.

Money will be allocated in December.

Apply on First State Educate’s website, beginning on Aug. 26, here .