News Release
Friday, March 13, 2009
NEA Foundation Video Provides Detailed Guide to Online Grant Application
New Online Grant Application Saves Time, Paper and Is Easier to Complete
WASHINGTON, DC (March 13, 2009) – The NEA Foundation has posted a video that provides a guided tour and detailed instruction of its new online grants application process for its popular $2,000 and $5,000 Learning & Leadership Grants and its Student Achievement Grants. Applications are accepted, reviewed, and granted three times a year. Deadlines are June 1, October 15, and February 1.
The new system makes applying for grants easier, more convenient, and is less prone to user error.
“In an increasingly technologically savvy world, we want to encourage educators to use all the resources they have at their fingertips, many of which can be found online,” said Harriet Sanford, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation. “Our new process is greener, easier and more convenient to complete, and requires less time: all attributes that we know busy educators will appreciate. And, for those who have questions or want to be walked through the process, our new video provides them with all the details they need.”
Applicants can view the video or link directly to the application from the NEA Foundation’s web site at www.neafoundation.org/grants.
After responding to three questions that determine eligibility, applicants complete the process in five simple steps. They are prompted when they’ve left out any required information, and they are allowed to save their application if they need more time. The process also allows repeat applicants the opportunity to save personal and school information, cutting down on time spent on the administrative portion of the application and allowing more time for the narrative section.
“We have designated a staff person to answer any questions applicants may have as we make this transition,” she said. “The bottom line is that we want educators to apply for these grants and to fully understand and to feel comfortable with the new process. By providing an instructional video and by offering personal assistance as needed, we hope to accomplish this.”
Over the past decade, the NEA Foundation has awarded more than $5.9 million in grants to public school educators. “Our goal is to fund and share successful strategies to improve public education and to enrich our students’ learning experience by supporting their teachers’ best ideas,” Sanford said. “Through these grants, we are improving the quality of teaching and learning for everyone.”
About The NEA Foundation
The NEA Foundation is a public charity supported by contributions from educators' dues, corporate sponsors, and others who support public education initiatives.We partner with education unions, districts, and communities to create powerful, sustainable improvements in teaching and learning. Visit www.neafoundation.org for more information. Find us on Facebook and Twitter, and visit our blog.