The TechFirst Grants Program

Overview

The TechFirst Grants program was created to help under served schools improve the efficacy and delivery of technology-based education by providing funds to help with the purchase of computers, network equipment, learning aides, peripherals, laptops, and other technologies. This grant helps extend technology education in the classroom, and the availability of technology in under served schools.

 

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

• For elementary schools (to grade 4) the grant ceiling is $40,000, floor is $5,000.
• For middle schools (grades 5 to 8) the grant ceiling is $60,000, floor is $10,000.
• For high schools (grades 9 to 12) the grant ceiling is $100,000, floor is $30,000.

 

Funding Applications

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

• Purchase of laptops for student loan/lease program.
• Purchase of equipment to build a learning server lab.
• Purchase of servers and computers for a digital library.
• Upgrades for existing hardware.
• Software purchases for student use.

 

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.