- WSF Staff
Grant Guidance and FAQ
Updated: Aug 1
We hope the questions below aid you in applying for funding. If you have questions that aren't answered on this page or on our website, please email Skylar at s.champalath@wcsfoundation.org.
application questions
Who can apply for funding?
The Waterloo Schools Foundation supports funding for staff & students of the Waterloo Community School District. We want educators and students to bring us their next big ideas, whether it's in the classroom, their grade level, their building, or the district.
How do I apply for funding from Waterloo Schools Foundation?
All resources and materials needed to apply for funding can be found on our Apply for a Grant page. We encourage applicants to review materials before applying.
What does Waterloo Schools Foundation fund and NOT fund?
We fund opportunities that align with our mission to fund, inspire, and promote academic excellence for all in the Waterloo Schools, and our values of DEIB, innovation, longevity, financial hardship to academic access, and social emotional learning.
Items we do not fund are technology requests, individual teacher & staff professional development, and operational costs for youth programming not hosted by the Waterloo Schools.
Can I submit more than one application per school year?
Yes. However, we do track where our dollars are placed throughout the Waterloo Schools to ensure more equitable distribution of grants. If you building has already received funding for the year, we may encourage grants from other schools to be fulfilled before yours, unless this is a collaboration effort across buildings.
Will I receive feedback if my project is declined?
Yes. All applicants received feedback if their project is declined. Applicants are encouraged to review feedback and reapply during a future grant cycle.
I have students that are interested in funding. Should I apply on their behalf?
Staff and guardians are not allowed to apply on behalf of students. We encourage students to utilize their leadership, problem solving, and advocacy skills to develop funding opportunities and work with WSF staff members on their application.
Please note, all student applications need to have approval of a guardian, teacher, and building administrator.
Who decides if my request will be approved?
Our Academic Allocations Committee reviews applications after the due date. Applications they believe align with our mission and values are then sent to be approved by the Board of Directors during their monthly meeting. More information can be found on our Apply for a Grant page.
TIMELINE QUESTIONS
When will I hear if my request will be funded?
Our grants are due bimonthly on September 1st, November 1st, January 1st, March 1st, and May 1st. Applicants will be notified approximately three weeks after applications are due.
What happens after I am approved funding?
Following the Board of Directors approval, Skylar will reach out via email with guidelines and more information about our process. From there, we work together to get your experience or project completed.
If I am awarded a grant, how do I get my funds?
You are able to receive funds in 3 ways:
1) Direct Reimbursement
2) Direct Payment
3) District Payment
Depending on your project, the Foundation will decide which of the 3 options is best and let you know upon grant approval. For example, if you are a student attending a conference, the WSF may pay for your registration directly, or reimburse your guardian if a purchase receipt is provided. If you are a WCSD staff member requesting funding for your classroom or a project within the District, WSF staff will work with you and the WCSD Finance Department to deem what best fits your scenario. The District may authorize you to use an account-code to order items, or the District may order them directly for you. Then, the WSF would reimburse the District for your item costs.
Can I reapply for the same project if my project was declined?
Unless the Foundation determined that your project is not in alignment with our funding values, we encourage applicants to reapply utilizing the feedback from the Academic Allocations Committee.
I need to change something on my application that has already been submitted.
If you have already submitted your application but need to update any information, please email Skylar at s.champalath@wcsfoundation.org