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teacher frequently asked questions

Who can submit proposals?

Any Blue Valley teacher can submit a proposal.

What kinds of projects are funded through DonateNow?

Teachers can propose any resource that is essential to a student-centered experience. Materials for technology, staff development or teacher education may also be requested only if they can not be funded through other district accounts. Items not eligible for grant requests include salaries, stipends, parties, food, raffles and field trips over 120 miles from school that do not require an overnight stay and provide the return of students to the school at a reasonable hour.

Is there a dollar limit on what I can ask for?

No. But it’s important to remember that the higher the price tag the more compelling a proposal needs to be. The lower the price tag, the likelier a proposal will be funded more quickly.

How can I write a good proposal if I'm not experienced at grant writing?

Our online application process does not follow a typical formal grant application process. It is very simple, so previous grant writing experience is not necessary. The proposal description should focus on how students will benefit from the program, not the materials requested. The resources have no worth in and of themselves, but in how students will use them. You will however, be required to list the items needed and their cost.

How does the Blue Valley Educational Foundation handle my proposal after I've submitted it?

All proposals must be approved by the staff person's principal or supervisor, executive director of Education Services and BVEF. The district's executive director of technology must also approve the project if it is a technology grant. They will confirm that the proposal is a valid and worthwhile request that fits with the district's curriculum. If there are any uncertainties, BVEF staff will contact the teacher with follow-up questions. The expected timeframe for the approval process is 7-10 days.

What happens if my proposal is funded?

Funds will be transferred to the Blue Valley School District, which will contact the teacher regarding how to access the funds. All questions regarding account balances can be directed to your school bookkeeper. According to grant guidelines, any expenses over the stated grant amount will be the school's responsibility and will be charged to your school's budget.

How long will it take for my proposal to be funded?

The answer to this varies based on a number of factors. A proposal could be funded within days of being posted, while others may not be funded for months. Smaller grant requests will most likely be funded more quickly, as will those that are publicized within your school community. Larger grant requests or those that are not as compelling, will most likely take longer to be funded.

Can I accept checks or cash from a donor?

On-line donations can be MasterCard or Visa. You may also accept cash and checks for your grant. Send those to BVEF through inter-office mail or drop it by our office in the Administrative Center at District Office. If it is cash, please label with the name of the student and your school (we will look up the parent's address). We send a thank you from BVEF for all cash and check donations confirming receipt of the amount. Your grant "Amount Needed" will be automatically reduced by the cash or check donation amount, once we receive it at the BVEF office.

How long do I have to spend the grant funds?

The funding for your grant must be used by May 31st following the deadline date of your grant.

What deadline date should I use when setting up my grant?

Please use the first of the month as a deadline for your grant (e.g. December 1, February 1). After a grant has been fully funded, BVEF will transfer those funds to the Blue Valley School District accounting department by the 15th of each month and funds will be available by the 15th of the next month. Accounting will set up your account number allowing you to access the funds within 30 days after your project is fully funded.

Why is 10% of funding allocated to the BVEF endowment fund?

The endowment is critical to the future ability of BVEF to support the needs of the Blue Valley School District. It is reasonable for a small portion of all donations to be allocated for contribution to the endowment. The endowment benefits all schools within the district. The added tax benefit of contributing funds through the BVEF makes this a win-win for both the donor as well as BVSD.

What is the purpose of the 5% management fee?

The BVEF performs a great deal of work on each proposal, including conducting the approval process, PR, Web site maintenance and follow up. The 5% fee includes 2% as a maintenance fee and a 3% operational fee.