CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GRANT AWARD!

All your hard work has paid off. If you have any questions concerning your awarded grant, check out the following FAQ --

How do I submit a report? There are two kinds of reports --

• Financial report -- your school clerk and the Business Office can help you get a report of how your grant funds were spent.
• Activities report-- the funder will typically send their specific format they want this information reported in. If not, use the Minnesota Common Report Form.

What do I do if my award is less than I wanted? You have several options --

• Scale back your project to reflect the new funding amount.
• Continue to seek additional grant funds. Note: grants have an ending date whereby all funds must be spent. Make sure to consider grant timelines when seeking additional funding.
• Check with the District Service Center to see if they have some of the materials you wanted to purchase with your grant funds.

I'm changing schools. What happens with my grant?

Grant funds usually remain with the school. If your funds can be moved, your new principal must approve the project the funds were granted for before you may enact the project or spend any money.  Contact the Grants Management Coordinator at Innovation and Development for assistance with relocating a grant.

I received a grant, but didn't go through your office. What do I do now?

Send an electronic copy of your grant to the Fund Development Specialist who will work to get your grant approved, and write a board agenda item for you. Once it has been approved by the board, you will be notified and can work with your principal and school clerk to access your funds. Please note, this process may take up to six weeks.

Who can sign my grant?

The Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to sign district grant applications whom is the only person who may sign district-related documents including school-level grant applications and contracts. Please work with Innovation and Development staff to obtain the correct signatures.

Who gives permission to build a playground, paint a mural, build a garden, etc.?

Facilities management will work with you to define the scope of your project and make recommendations for successful implementation of your project, should it involve changing the physical structure of district property. Please work with Facilities BEFORE you apply for your grant.

How do I use my grant money to buy stuff?

To spend your grant, you must follow both the guidelines of the grant, and district purchasing procedures.  Work with your supervisor and budget clerk to determine the best way to spend your grant funds.

Can I buy gift card with my grant?

Yes, however, you must get receipts for all purchases made with the gift cards in order to prove compliance with the grant's requirements therefore, gift cards are strongly discouraged.

How do I pay for field trip buses?

Contact Transportation at 651-696-9600, and work with your school clerk to coordinate transportation. Follow all established procedures.

 I received a grant award and  would like media recognition. What should I do?

We would love to hear about the exciting impact your work is accomplishing for students! The Superintendent wants to get your work recognized in The Bridge and other communication outlets.  Contact Communications at 651-767-8110.

Do you have a question not answered here?  Contact the Grants Management Coordinator |  651-767-8366