EXPRESS GRANT GUIDELINES

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 Grants are intended to be one-time funding requests to support immediate or unanticipated classroom needs. 

• *NEW* The maximum amount for an Express Grant award is $2,000. 
• 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. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 

• Programs must meet PCEF's mission and vision and focus on teaching and learning: 
  • Mission:  fund and support educator-powered initiatives that inspire all Park City students to reach their academic and lifelong potential.
  • Vision:  help launch well-prepared, curiosity-driven, creative problem solvers who are ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
• Programs cannot be in conflict with programs previously or currently funded by PCEF. 
• Applicants must complete their due diligence prior to submitting a grant application.
• Programs must align and comply with the Park City School District’s policies, including but not limited to  PCSD mission and vision,  curriculum / instructional materials (Policy 9050),  Idea Process, procurement, staffing/contracts, and technology. 
• Applications must have approval from their supervisor (administrator, director, etc.) Please have your supervisor approve prior to submitting an application.

FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

PCEF grants do NOT fund:

• Applications for previously funded programs, projects, or needs, will not be accepted. If the applicant has received Classroom or Express Grant funding for this program or project, they are not eligible to apply.
• Stipends for teachers for work inside their own classroom during contracted 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 Book Fairs, including vouchers.
• Another organization's program. The program idea must be the PCSD employee’s idea and not another organization’s program. PCEF cannot fund another organization’s program. 
• PBIS or learning incentives and/or supplies for individual classrooms, educators, teaching teams, departments, or schools. Requests for additional amounts beyond what has been awarded will not be accepted. Classroom learning or behavior incentives will not be funded.

COMMUNICATIONS

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

• Please make sure you check your email regularly for award or decline notifications. 
• If you do not hear from PCEF within 72-hours of submission, please contact Cynthia Mellin cmellin@pcschools.us.

FUNDING TERM

The Funding Term for the grant award is the 2025-26 school year. 

• The intent is to fund programs that benefit students during the school year for which the grant was funded. The funds will expire on June 22, 2026.
• Any unused funds will be forfeited unless arrangements have been made with PCEF Program Staff prior to the end of the school year. 
• The grant award is the amount that PCEF will contribute to your program/project. Please don’t go over budget! It is your responsibility to keep track of your spending. 
•  It is expected that the funds will start being used within 30-days of receiving the award notification. Express Grants funds are not unlimited. PCEF has a finite amount available. If you decide to not spend the award, please let PCEF Program Staff know ASAP so the funds can be redistributed.

AWARD EXPECTATIONS

If Awarded Funding, Grantees Agree to the Following:

• Submit program documentation: photos, quotes, and/or videos for their respective programs. PCEF may share these in communications to help raise funds and awareness of the work we support.
• Acknowledge PCEF support of the program. Responsibility of the Program Manager.
• 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 policy and procedures.
• Items purchased with PCEF funds will remain at the school for which the funding was awarded if the educator 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 Operations & Office Manager, cmellin@pcschools.us 

Overview

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) Bright Futures Program Emergency Fund. Please review the following information before completing your application to ensure you understand the eligibility requirements, expectations, and parameters. 

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

Requirements:

Bright Futures college students who are meeting program requirements are eligible to apply.  Program requirements are defined as:

• Enrolled full-time at a two or four-year accredited post-secondary school or certificate program (a minimum of 12 credits).
• Cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Completed an annual college budget review meeting with your Bright Futures coach in the spring. 

Guidelines:

• Circumstances must be unexpected and create financial hardship for the student.                     
  • Unexpected circumstances are emergencies beyond the student's control and need immediate action. 
  • Financial hardship can occur when emergencies arise because they are not planned for, and the student and family may not have the funds to pay immediately. 

   

• The Emergency Fund is a fund of last resort. Students apply only after they have attempted to resolve the current need through other means, for example, institutional resources, community resources, or federally subsidized student loans, if applicable. 

Payment:

• Students must provide documentation, such as receipts, budgets, or invoices, when available, to support their requests. 
• Bright Futures will pay the organization, business, university, or vendor if Emergency Funds are approved. Students are required to list the organization's name, contact information, and address in the application. 
• In some cases, students may have already paid the institution. If the student has already completed the payment and is asking Bright Futures to reimburse them, they will need to submit additional documentation, such as invoices and receipts with dates and proof of payment. They will submit this through Submittable in the Emergency Fund Submittable Form at the end of the application.

Students are encouraged to seek guidance from the Bright Futures College Program Manager if they have an emergency that does not fall within the above mentioned guidelines. 

Funding Information: 

• The maximum amount for an Emergency Fund award is $2,500 per school year.
• Applications are reviewed as they arrive by the end of the business day (5:00 PM). Please note that PCEF offices are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. We are closed on national and local holidays. 
• Awards will be announced via Submittable notification once the committee makes a decision.

Emergency Fund does NOT include, and is not limited to, the following:

• Fall/ Spring Tuition
• Summer Tuition 
• College housing deposits or housing payments
• Rent
• Field trips 
• Study abroad expenses 
• Fraternity or sorority fees 
• Internship expenses

PCEF CLASSROOM GRANT GUIDELINES

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.

The intent of Classroom Grants is to resource educators with funding for projects and programs that support PCEF’s funding priorities:

• Personalized Learning: Preparing Each Student to Meet Their Full Potential 
• Real World Learning: Equipping Students for Tomorrow’s Challenges 
• Elevating Educators: Supporting Educators In and Out of the Classroom  
• Closing the Opportunity Gap: Every Child, Every Chance

Application Deadline: April 1, 2026.

• Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Maximum Award Amount is up to $25,000. 

• Award amounts may be for the full amount or partial amount requested.
• The average award amount is $9,400.

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

Applicant 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 Idea Process, procurement, staffing/contracts, and technology.    

• Park City School District Idea Process - must complete a PCSD Idea Plan prior to submitting an application.
• Technology - consult your school ETS to determine if items included in your application can be supported by PCSD. You will also need to complete the Idea Plan if the technology is not on the PCSD approved technology list.
• Procurement / Purchasing - see PCSD Policy 4005 related to purchasing. 
• Instructional Materials - see PCSD Policy 9050 and ensure any instructional materials have been vetted through the PCSD review and adoption process. 

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:

• Funds will be available at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.
• The funding term for the grant is the school year. The funds will expire on June 30. The intent is to fund programs that benefit students during the school year for which the grant was funded. 
• *NEW* Starting in the 2026-27 school year, Classroom Grants will be awarded up to three times for the project or program. 

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.
• Speaker gifts.
• 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) incentives / rewards / prizes for individual classrooms, educators, teaching teams, departments, or schools. 

Review Process:

• Classroom 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. 
• PCEF utilizes a participatory granting process that includes those directly impacted by our grant funding decisions - educators and students. The Committee plays a vital role in deciding how and where to invest PCEF resources. 
• 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 an assessment, report, or survey based on the amount awarded and as requested.     
  • Previous grant recipients re-applying for grant funding must have completed the previous year's assessment or report to be considered for renewed funding.
• Participation or attendance at PCEF Events. 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: Responsibility of the Program Manager. 
  • 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 or 712.490.8651.

 Helpful Resources

PCEF Grant Timeline and Process (click link and review!)

PCEF GRANT APPLICATION CHECKLIST & BEST PRACTICES (click link and review!)

SMART Metrics for Outcomes (click link and review!)

Need assistance with your grant application? 

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

Cynthia Mellin, PCEF Operations & Office Manager, cmellin@pcschools.us