The Santa Barbara Education Foundation funds grants once a year to support the purchase of much-needed supplies and tools, as well as to encourage the development of creative and innovative teaching in the Santa Barbara Unified School District.

THE APPLICATION

The application for 2020-21 is now closed.  We will inform all applicants of our decisions during the month of November.

FUNDING GUIDELINES

WHAT WE FUND: Project-based supplies for innovative programs or curriculum development in the classrooms, student field trips, technology, instructional tools, and general supplies. **(if the teacher is requesting software, the principal must check with ETS to make sure the software is allowed and compatible.)

WHAT WE DO NOT FUND: We do not fund professional development, incentives/awards, instruments, consultants, PPE and software/technology (that has not been pre-approved by the SBUSD ETS department).

WHO MAY APPLY: We invite grant applications from all credentialed staff in the Santa Barbara Unified School District, TK/K- 12^th grade.

FUNDING AND GRANT CYCLE: This cycle we will have three funding categories: grants up to $500, grants up to $2,500 and grants up to $5,000.

 REVIEW PROCESS: The grant proposals are evaluated by a review committee, which is appointed on an annual basis, made up of SBEF Board Members, SB Unified Principals,  SBUSD teachers and community members.

REPORTS AND EVALUATIONS: Grant recipients will be asked to submit a final report with original or electronic receipts by June 1, 2021 via a google form located on our webpage. 

Please contact Programs Manager, Katie Szopa with any questions regarding the application at [email protected] or 805-284-9125.

FAQ’s

• Can one teacher apply for all three grants? YES, but you must submit an application for each request. You can only receive one grant.
• Can you apply for a grant if you received one last year? YES, teachers who received a grant in previous years are eligible to apply again.
• Does my principal need to sign off on the grant? YES and we will be contacting all principals to confirm they have signed off and approved any online curriculum/platforms.
• Is there a minimum funding request? NO.
• When will I be notified if I DO receive a grant? During the month of November via email.
• Will I be notified if I DO NOT receive a grant? YES, during the month of November via email.
• Will I need to attend an award ceremony to receive my grant? Yes, there will be an award ceremony held during January 2021.  Specifics TBD.
• How will the funds be distributed? We will issue reimbursement checks or pay for items directly once a cost list has been approved.