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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About WHAF Mini-Grants:
What are Mini-Grants?
Mini-Grants support, encourage and facilitate great teaching ideas. Mini-Grants are modest cash awards that help educators make a positive difference in their classrooms, their schools, the Woodland Hills School District, and most importantly, the learning experience of their students. Mini-Grants also acknowledge and celebrate good teaching. Since 2002, WHAF has funded 79 Mini-Grants totaling $34,000.
Who can apply for a Mini-Grant?
Any member of Woodland Hills School District's instructional or professional staff - e.g. teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses - is eligible to apply for a Mini-Grant.
How does one apply for a Mini-Grant?
The application process is short and straightforward. Clear articulation of a good teaching idea, along with its expected impact, are the basis of a successful application. Pre-approval by a building's principal is required for all proposed projects. Applications can be completed online at WHAF.info followed by a mailed application signature page to WHAF at P.O.Box 321; Turtle Creek, PA 15145. The deadline for applications is Monday, October 20, 2008.
What is the selection process?
The Woodland Hills Academic Foundation puts together a Selection Committee comprised of community representatives (including a WHSD representative and retired teachers). Grants are awarded based on the quality of the idea and the projected impact of the project as presented in the proposal. The number of grants made is also influenced by the funds the Academic Foundation raises for the Mini Grant Program. Decisions are made and announced before the Thanksgiving break.
What happens after a Mini-Grant is awarded?
The awardee signs a Mini-Grant Agreement form and then WHAF issues a grant check directly to him or her. Awardees must complete their projects by the end of the current school year and then submit an Expense Report (including receipts for all expenditures) and a simple Project Report (typically with a few photos and/or samples of student work). Any undocumented funds or any unspent balance of the grant is returned to the WHAF to be used towards future Mini-Grants. Each spring, WHAF highlights the Mini-Grant program by inviting several awardees and their students to present their projects at the well attended WHAF Open House meeting.
Who can answer questions about Mini-Grants?
Chris Longwill, WHAF President at 412-825-2652 or M.E.Countouris at 412-247-1985, would be happy to answer any questions about Mini-Grants and the application process. Contact them on the contact page.
Apply Now Online!
The Online Minigrant Application
Additional Documents
For Mini-grant Applicants:
For Successful Awardees:
- Project Implementation Rubric
- Mini-grant Project Expense Report Form (PDF,XLS)
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