We are pleased to invite Oregon School for the Deaf staff to complete an Educational Enrichment Award Application packet. We anticipate a wide variety of requests. Special attention will be given to ensure that awards are in keeping with the stated purpose of Friends of OSD.
Friends of OSD was created not to replace or supplant the fiscal responsibilities of the State of Oregon which has administrative responsibility for the school. Rather, Friends of OSD operates as an independent nonprofit organization to assists OSD by enhancing the education experience for students.
The FOSD Board has identified four initiatives for which awards may be granted:
- Education
Projects that enhance the education of students who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families. Examples might include: participation in Academic Bowl; Space Camp; driver permit tutoring; Family Learning Program. - Cultural Activities
Projects that relate to deaf culture and/or the arts. Examples might include: ASL classes; artist-in-residence; special speakers who are deaf, such as participants in the Middle School LIFE program. - Innovative Programs
Projects that incorporate new learning methods or experiences. Examples might include: participating in robotics and micro-lending experiments; new skills programs/equipment for special needs students; school wide positive behavior reinforcement program. - Minor Capital Improvement Projects
Minor projects that upgrade portions of dated facilities and which are not mandated State responsibilities. One example might be assisting in cost and installation of a pool lift.
Award Application Form
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Does the application have to be for a totally new project?
A. No. You may apply to expand an innovative project you are already pursuing in your class(es) or on campus.
Q. Does the application have to be lengthy?
A. No. In fact, it is requested that the proposal be no more than 3 pages in length.
Q. Can someone help me write a proposal?
A. Yes. Board members are available to answer questions about your proposal and the EEA application. Please contact Linda Couoh at: [email protected] or Judy Lorenzen at: [email protected]
Q. Must I first apply for other funding?
A. Applications must first be submitted to the OSD Director for review and consideration of appropriate funding. However, you can apply for an FOSD EEA even if you have not asked elsewhere for funding. You do need to indicate on your application whether you have tried to get other funding.
Q. Are awards limited to $500?
A. Not necessarily. However, when the funds available are limited, awards are generally limited to $500. These are called Expedited Awards. All awards are considered on their merits. Awards for both less and more than $500 have been considered and funded.
Q. What are Board Review Awards?
A. These awards are generally for between $501 and $1,500. They require more detail on the Educational Enrichment Award (EEA) application.
Q. What are Special Projects Awards?
A. These are awards over $1,501. These may require that you work with the FOSD Grant Committee to find an appropriate funding institution, write and submit a grant. Due to institutional funding cycles, funds for these awards should not be expected earlier than 6 months to a year after the request is submitted.
Q. Why are post-project evaluations so important?
A. Evaluation results are critical to FOSD’s final report to our granting organizations, and to our success at being re-funded. Data-based result statements are preferable but subjective participant comments are also well-received by our grantors. Feel free to contact the FOSD Board to discuss easy and uncomplicated ways to evaluate the impact of your proposed project.
Please include all information requested on the Educational Enrichment Award Application Form, include attachments, email a copy to: [email protected] and also submit completed packet by mail to:
Friends of OSD
PO Box 15053
Salem, OR 97309
The board will review applications at the first regularly scheduled meeting after submission and determine those that merit further consideration for funding. This review schedule may be subject to change.
Those that do not merit further consideration will be notified in writing of the board’s decision.
Those that do merit further consideration may be invited to send a representative to the board meeting when their application is being discussed.
If further information is needed, board action may be postponed. For example, board representatives may wish to visit the proposal site or program, or the applicant may be asked to provide further information.
All successful applicants will be notified in writing. Educational Enrichment Award notification will include reporting requirements. Public announcement of awards will be made via newsletter, website or other appropriate media.
