The SciFirst Grants Program

Overview

The SciFirst Grants program was created to help under served schools improve the efficacy and delivery of science-based education by providing funds to help with the purchase of apparatus, materials, related teaching-aids, and other science tools. This grant helps extend science education in the classroom.

 

Eligibility

U.S. elementary, middle, jr. high, and sr. high schools are eligible to apply for this grant. Eligible schools may apply for grants bi-annually.

 

Award Levels for Eligible Schools

The award ceiling for this grant is $15,000. The award floor is $1,200. Maximum award per school is $30,000 per bi-annual process.

 

Funding Applications

The following are a few examples of acceptable funding applications for the SciFirst Grant.

• Refurbishment of chemistry, biology, physics labs.
• Purchase of scientific apparatus including glassware, microscopes, fume hoods, etc.
• Purchase of chemicals, materials, supplies, and teaching aides for experiments.
• Purchase of models for biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, etc.
• Purchase of software for existing technologies.

 

Submission Process

Schools wishing to submit for grant consideration must (i.) indicate, through proposal, planned use and necessity, (ii.) prove budget shortfall and explain effects on quality of education, (iii.) give relative study of impact - particularly number of students impacted.

 

Franklin Scholar and Volunteer Corps Pairing

Wherever possible, to ensure fiscal efficiency, The Franklin Foundation will pair grant dollars with Franklin Scholars and experts from our volunteer corps to aid in installation, repair, construction, etc. We will also utilize partner companies for this purpose. This allows us to mix monetary funding with human capital contributions to increase the effectiveness of our grant awards.

 

2009 Applications

FY2009 Applications and proposals are currently being accepted, however grant award dates have not yet been set. Those who submit proposals will receive updates on grant award dates in the near future.

 

How do I apply?

To being the application process, send an executive summary of no more than 3 pages, to the foundation's grants team via the web at grants@franklinfound.org. We will respond within 30 - 60 business days and request further information for consideration.