current funds
The Trust for Public Education IV Fund
Established in 1999 by NTS Virginia Development Company, the Trust for Public Education makes grants that benefit the students of Spotsylvania County. As they developed the Fawn Lake community, NTS donated a percentage of their profits on every home listed with the Fawn Lake Real Estate Company. The fund distributes over $10,000 annually to projects benefiting students and teachers at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
Grants made through the Trust for Public Education provide professional development opportunities in appreciation of teachers working in public schools in Spotsylvania County. They also support the character development of Spotsylvania County Schools students.
Grant funding for the 2023/2024 school year
- The online application for this funding opportunity will be available September 18, 2023.
The deadline for submissions is October 23, 2023 by 5:00 pm.
Awards will be announced the week of November 20, 2023.
The Trust for Public Education will award a minimum of $8,500 in grants to Spotsylvania public school teachers this year. The grants will enable teachers to further develop their classroom skills or build programs to cultivate strong youth character.
- Off-site and on-site professional development will be considered.
- Priority will be given to teachers attending training that provides direct benefits for students.
- Funding for training may include tuition and travel expenses.
- Funding may not be used to provide food, except for off-site training meal expenses.
- Money may not be spent for individual awards, clothing or incentives for teachers.
What types of Character Development activities will be funded?
The Trust for Public Education believes that character development –the promotion of positive shared values –is essential to a vibrant society. Character Development Grants support:
- Projects that address the character development of students in the K-12 environment.
- Priority will be given to programs that address school-wide character development. (The programs implemented through the Josephson Institute’s “Character Counts” Center for Youth Ethics might serve as an example.)
- Funds must be used for curricula, program materials or other direct costs.
- Funds may not be used for individual awards or incentives.
What size grants will be made?
The minimum grant awarded will be $500. For Teacher Appreciation grants, the maximum grant awarded will be $2,000. For Character Development grants, the maximum award will be $5,000.
- Have a direct impact on students (particularly lasting benefits).
- Demonstrate highest quality professional development.
- Be rooted in and reflect the best available research.
- Be intellectually engaging and address the complexity of teaching.
Promising Character Development grant applications will have:
- A significant potential impact (particularly lasting benefits).
- Benefit a significant number of individuals.
- Use grant dollars efficiently.•Make use of collaborative partnerships.
- Demonstrated an ability to effectively implement the project.
Preparing Your Application
Questions (300 word limit, each):
- What is the need that your program/project addresses? Help us understand the problem, gap or opportunity motivating your proposal
- What are you proposing to do to meet the identified need(s)? Describe the strategies, activities, and details of the proposed project.
- How will you sustain this program/project beyond Trust for Public Education support? Share other suspected, requested and/or confirmed sources of support.
Evaluation
To the extent possible, detail how you will measure the effectiveness of your proposed grant-funded project. Include a specific quantifiable goal and objectives.
Please tell us about yourself as a teacher.
Describe your classroom and mission. What are your current activities? How long have you been in the teaching profession?