Thank you for your interest in applying for a Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) grant. Please review the following information before completing a grant application to ensure you understand the eligibility requirements, expectations, and restrictions. Do not hesitate to contact PCEF staff with questions.

Express Classroom Grants support and resource educators with funding for one-time immediate or unanticipated needs. 

• Express Grant awards are up to $2,000. The average grant award is $1,100. 
• Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis as long as funds are available. 
• Awards will be announced and funds will be available within 5-7 business days of the application’s submission with an email notification. 

Applicants must complete their due diligence prior to submitting a grant application.

Eligibility Requirements:

Programs must meet PCEF's mission and vision.

Programs cannot be in conflict with programs previously or currently funded by PCEF. 

Programs must align and comply with the Park City School District’s mission and vision,  strategic plan, and policies, including but not limited to procurement, staffing/contracts, instructional materials, and technology.  

Proposals must be written and requested by a PCSD employee - faculty, administrators, or staff. 

• The program idea must be the PCSD employee’s idea and not another organization’s program. PCEF cannot solely fund another organization’s program. 
• The PCSD applicant must demonstrate a true need for the program. No duplication of services within a building, school, or site.

Applications must include documentation of approval from the applicant’s supervisor (administrator, director, etc.)

Funding Term: 

The funding term for the grant is the school year. The funds will expire on June 9. The intent is to fund programs that benefit students during the school year for which the grant was funded. 

Funding Restrictions. PCEF Grants Do Not Fund:

• Stipends for teachers for work inside their own classroom during regular school hours.
• Reimbursement for materials/programs already purchased.
• Work visas or the visa renewal process.
• Capital and furniture items generally funded by the district (unless the budget item has been formally requested and turned down by the district.)
• School PTO/A programs, including school book fair vouchers.
• Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS, PBS) incentives / rewards / prizes for individual classrooms, educators, teaching teams, departments, or schools. 

Review Process:

PCEF Grants are a competitive process. Applying for a grant award does not guarantee funding. 

A Grant Committee will review applications and make recommendations based on the applications. 

All grant application communications (including award and declination notifications) will be conducted via email through the Submittable system.

Expectations: If awarded funding, grantees understand and agree to the following:

Programs must have at least one Program Manager. 

• A Program Manager is a PCSD employee who is responsible for the grant budget, program implementation, and ultimately the success of the program. 
• If the applicant is not the Program Manager, then the Program Manager must be listed in the application. 

Submit program documentation: photos, quotes, and/or videos for their respective programs. 

Complete a grant report outlining how the funding was used and it's impact on teaching and learning.

Participation or attendance at PCEF Events & Communications. Program Managers may be asked to serve on a panel / speak at community and/or donor events during the school year. Program Managers may also be invited to provide background information, quotes, and updates for PCEF external communications (newsletters, press releases, etc.)

Acknowledge PCEF support of the program in the following ways: 

• Include the PCEF Logo on all marketing and promotional materials for their program.
• Share that PCEF funded the program in any written or verbal communications, including emails to parents. This also includes any media appearances or articles about your program. 

Grant award funds must go through the District financial system (MUNIS). Any funding requests must be aligned with District policies and procedures.

Items purchased with PCEF funds will remain at the school for which the funding was awarded if the staff members leaves that school. Items are the property of the school, not the educator.

Possible Additional Funding

To increase the amount available to distribute through PCEF Granting programs, PCEF may approach donors to invite them to co-fund a limited number of grants. Applicants should be aware that their application may be shared by PCEF with these donors. Any applicant not wishing to have their information shared should contact Kara Cody at kcody@pcschools.us.

For any questions or concerns, please contact:

Kara Cody, PCEF VP of Programs  kcody@pcschools.us 

Cynthia Mellin, PCEF Senior Operations Manager, cmellin@pcschools.us 

Overview

We know that unanticipated life events can happen, and financial hiccups shouldn’t stand in the way of your post-secondary success. The Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) Bright Futures Emergency Fund is here to help support you through sudden, unexpected expenses.

Do not hesitate to contact Valeria Sandoval, Vsandoval@pcschools.us, with questions.

Who Is Eligible?

To apply for emergency funding, students need to meet these core Bright Futures eligibility requirements:

• Enrollment: Enrolled full-time (12+ credits) in an accredited 2- or 4-year degree or certificate program.
• Academics: Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. 
• Meetings: Completed your annual 1:1 check-in in the fall and spring college budget review with your Bright Futures College Program Manager. 
• On an Academic Improvement Plan? Reach out to the Bright Futures College Program Manager directly, so we can talk through your situation together!

How the Fund Works

• Unexpected Needs: This fund is designed to assist with sudden, urgent expenses beyond your control that create immediate financial stress.
• Exploring Options: Because emergency funds are limited, we encourage you to explore other institutional, community, or financial aid options first. However, if those aren't enough or aren't available, we are here to help.
• Maximum Support: Students may receive up to $2,500 per school year in emergency funding.

Common examples of supported expenses include:

• Transportation: Urgent car repairs needed to get to class or work, or emergency transit passes.
• Technology & Tools: Sudden laptop repairs or replacing required devices essential for coursework.
• Health & Safety: Out-of-pocket medical, dental, or prescription costs not covered by insurance.
• Family & Personal Crises: Emergency travel home due to a family crisis, illness, or loss.
• Essential Needs: Sudden loss of basic necessities, utility shut-off notices, or emergency food assistance.
• Course Supplies: Unanticipated, required books or lab materials needed immediately for class.

What Is Covered?

Because every emergency is different, we review requests on a case-by-case basis.

• How Payments Are Made: Whenever possible, payments are sent directly to the vendor, school, or business (you'll just need to provide their details and an invoice/bill). If you’ve already had to pay out of pocket, keep your receipts and proof of payment so we can review your reimbursement request. 
• Standard Exclusions: To ensure these funds remain available for urgent emergencies, this fund generally does not cover routine expenses like semester tuition, regular rent/housing costs, study abroad, internships, or fraternity/sorority fees.

If you are facing an emergency that falls outside these typical guidelines, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Bright Futures College Program Manager to discuss your situation. Many colleges offer their own student emergency funds as well. Be sure to check with your financial aid office to see what options your school provides!

Application & Timeline

1. Submit Your Request: Complete the Emergency Fund form on Submittable and upload any receipts, bills, or invoices you have.
2. Review: Applications are reviewed by the end of each business day. (PCEF offices are open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, excluding holidays).
3. Notification: You will receive updates and decisions directly through Submittable.
4. Approval & Payment: Once your application is approved, please allow 7–10 business days for payment processing.