The Drew Charter School PTA Grant program provides school staff (teachers, counselors, etc.) with financial support to enhance students’ educational experiences and learning environment at Drew. 

Who is Eligible? 
Any staff member or volunteer sponsoring a school-approved student program is eligible. Student applications must be co-sponsored by a staff member who will be responsible for the funds. All applications must be approved by the academy principal of the applicant. 

What Can the Grant be Used for? 
Grants can be used to fund any experience, project, program, or idea that will directly or indirectly enhance the learning environment for Drew students in alignment with the school’s mission. Preference is given to projects that demonstrate alignment with the school’s current strategic plan and/or vision for equity. Examples of fundable expenses include materials and supplies, expenses for teacher training, costs associated with services provided to students or staff, and any other fees that may be associated with providing an experience or enriching the learning environment. Examples of expenses that are not appropriate for this grant would include travel expenses for a student trip, stipends for Drew teachers, or food for staff or students. Grants may be used to cover a funding gap in projects and activities that are partially funded through other sources (but not those opportunities that are fee-based for students—see the Opportunity Fund at Drew for resources to ensure ALL students are able to access trips and learning opportunities equitably). 

Grant funds cannot be used to purchase reinforcers/incentives, food, or compensation for regular staff. Feel free to reach out in advance to check on the appropriateness of a request. 

All applicants are required to use the funds as described in the application, within the time outlined in the application (or before the next grant application date). Unused funds by the next application period (or date set in the application) will be required to be returned to the PTA. 

Who Awards the Grant? 
A committee of the PTA (comprised of teachers, parents, and the executive director) reviews grants to make determinations, and all awards must be approved by the relevant academy principal prior to application submission. Denied applications that have been revised to meet the recommendations of the committee may be submitted for re-evaluation according to revision guidelines provided by the committee when applicable. Any staff member can reapply for a different proposal if denied but will not be awarded two grants in the same fiscal year. 

What Is the Timeline for Application? 
Applications are accepted three times this school year and are reviewed according to the schedule outlined below. All applicants receive verification of submission through Google.