How Do I Apply?

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about applying for CPSF Mini-Grants for Educational Excellence:

Who Can Apply?

Anyone associated with Corvallis School District can write a grant proposal for funding a program or project within the district. Every proposal must have the approval of the administrator(s) responsible for the school(s) or program(s) where the project would take place.

Can I Get Money For...?

CPSF has awarded grants for a wide variety of things ranging from books to conference registrations. CPSF does not typically fund:

1. Curriculum or textbooks
2. Equipment that could be beneficial to most classrooms (i.e. computer or printer)
3. Technology items that could be used in most classrooms (i.e. SmartBoard or digital camera)
4. Incentives, food, or consumables (i.e. magazines)
5. General school supplies or equipment
6. Professional development that would change the pay grade of the registrant

Grant applications that propose projects that will enhance education, implement best practices, pilot innovative programs, or request specialized equipment or technology are more likely to be funded. In addition, CPSF awards Mario and Alma Pastega Professional Development Grants for professional development opportunities.

There is now a separate process for requesting that CPSF sponsor an event. Please see the Sponsorships page for more information.

How Much Can I Request?

Grants are limited to $1,000.

When Are Applications Available?

Applications for CPSF's fall cycle are typically available the last week of September and have a late October deadline. Spring cycle applications are typically available the last week of February and have a late March deadline.

Where Do I Send My Application?

Completed applications should be emailed to larina.warnock@corvallis.k12.or.us and CC'd to the responsible administrator(s). CPSF no longer accepts paper applications.

How Are Grant Awards Determined?

CPSF first processes grant applications in-house, ensuring that each application has the proper approval and meets the requirements established in the funding guidelines. Applications are then forwarded to volunteer CPSF Board members for review. Volunteers collectively determine which grants are awarded based on how much funding is available and:

• The number of students who will benefit from the proposed project
• The durability of the benefit (useable for more than one year or shared by more than one classroom
• The significance of the benefit to teachers and/or students
• Innovative, unique, and use of best practices
• Leverages financial and/or volunteer support from multiple sources
• Promotes collaboration between teachers, students, schools, and/or the community

In addition, applications for Mario and Alma Pastega Professional Development Grants must demonstrate how the recipient will share the information they gained through their participation with other educators in Corvallis School District.

Can I Submit the Same Application in More Than One Grant Cycle?

Unfunded Applications: CPSF encourages applicants to keep trying; however, it is also important that you read your email notification carefully for any information we have provided regarding the reason it was not funded and adjust the application accordingly.

Funded Applications: Each year, CPSF receives many more applications than we can fund. While you may submit an application for a project that has been funded in the past, that application are less likely to receive funding than new projects.

My Question Wasn't Answered Here. Now What?

If your question relates to a grant you have received, please visit our "Information for Grantees" page. If you are interested in donating to this program, please visit our "How Can I Help?" page. Otherwise, please call, visit, or email our office and we'll be happy to provide you with more information!