2026-27 SY Classroom Grant Application

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