Who is eligible to apply for a grant?

Applications are accepted from staff of Collingswood Public Schools, including: Collingswood High School, Collingswood Middle School, Collingswood Preschool, Newbie Elementary School, Sharp Elementary School, Tatem Elementary School, and Zane Elementary School.

What projects are eligible for grants?

The Fund seeks to fund projects which align with our mission to support, enrich, and advance student learning. This includes all areas, such as language arts, STEM, social studies, world languages, art, music, business, and physical education. Projects can be curricular (classroom-based), co-curricular (more than one classroom), or extra-curricular (outside the classroom, such as an afterschool club).

How much funding is available and how will it be distributed?

The amount available is dependent upon fundraising success and will be announced in Fall 2026. During the first grant cycle, we are prioritizing funding for grants up to $2,000 through our general contribution fund. However, we will accept grant applications for amounts above $2,000 and will seek out additional funding opportunities to meet greater need if possible. Funds will be divided roughly into thirds, split between PK-5, 6-8, and 9-12 grade projects. The Fund strongly encourages elementary staff to submit grade-level collaborations. The maximum staff stipend for after-school activities is $100/month, up to $1,000 for a school year.

What expenses are eligible?

Eligible: tangible items (equipment and supplies) and intangible items (curriculum, software, artist-in-residence fees, staff stipends for after-school activities). NOT eligible: one-time experiences (field trips or assemblies), teacher professional development, electronic devices or software for grades Pre-K through five, or expenses supported by the school district’s operating budget.

What is the timeline for grants?

In the Fund’s first year (2026-2027), there will be one grant cycle. Aug 1, 2026: applications open. Oct 1, 2026: applications close. Oct 2-31: applications reviewed. Nov 1-16: finalists reviewed. Nov 20: applicants notified. Nov 23: awards accepted by the Board of Education. Dec 2026-Jan 2027: grant awards distributed.

How are grant applications submitted?

The grant application can be accessed through an application portal at https://apply.collsedfund.org. The portal enables you to save your work and come back to it later, and to upload supplemental attachments to your application.

What does the grant application look like?

Beginning August 1, 2026, please go to https://apply.collsedfund.org to see what our grant application looks like.

How are grant applications evaluated and selected for funding?

Completed applications are evaluated using a rubric that measures access, sustainability, and impact. The rubric can be viewed at https://www.collsedfund.org/rubric. The most successful applications meet eligibility requirements, are completed in their entirety, and score highly on the rubric. The Grant Review Committee, composed of community volunteers, scores each application.

How are the terms access, sustainability, and impact defined?

Access: provides students with what they need to learn academically, socially, emotionally, and/or physically — removes barriers to learning. Sustainability: provides long-lasting learning across more than one marking period. Impact: provides a significant degree of learning with measurable outcomes.

Why do applicants need to obtain a supervisor signature before submitting?

This step ensures the project meets standards for safety, curriculum, and feasibility. The signature of a supervisor (e.g., a principal or building administrator) is obtained electronically via the online grants portal.

Who reviews the applications?

The Grant Review Committee is composed of volunteers from the local community. Reviewers receive anonymized applications, the scoring rubric, and support from the Director of Grants. Each committee has a Chair responsible for keeping reviewers on schedule, collecting rubrics, and recommending top applications to the Board of Directors for selection. To volunteer, complete the interest form at https://collsedfund.org/committees.

If a grant is selected, what happens next?

Awardees are notified Nov 20, 2026 and acknowledged at the Nov 23 Board of Education meeting. Funds are released to the district before Dec 1, 2026. Six months after receiving the grant, awardees submit a final report with an accounting of funds spent. All funds must be spent by May 31, 2027; unspent funds are returned. Materials remain property of the school district. Awardees may apply again in the next cycle.