J. Michael Sunderland, Chairperson
Committee Members: Luci Hynes, Robert Latour, Jennifer Wells

The purpose of the Grants Committee is to evaluate all grant proposals on behalf of the Foundation. The committee evaluates each proposal using criteria approved by the Ashburnham–Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence Board of Directors. The committee findings and recommendations are delivered to the full board for final approval.

Goals of the AWFAE Grant Program

To encourage collaboration among teachers, administrators, parents and community groups to benefit the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District.

To support creative and innovative curricular development that is beyond the scope of the typical school budget. Creative ideas can be ones that reflect alternative approaches to typical instruction.

AWFAE grants are not intended to replace or relieve existing responsibility for public funding of programs for the public school system, nor are they intended to substitute for normal budget growth and maintenance.

Grant Criteria

Proposal is educator initiated

Proposal reflects the AWFAE mission by being innovative and/or creative. Sponsored initiatives may be ideas or innovations:

a) that support current practice;
b) that expand or enhance current practice;
c) that approach framework requirements via alternative methodology;
d) that utilize technology to support, enhance or expand current practice.

Proposal has clearly defined goals, activities, and outcomes.
Proposal contains evaluation mechanism that can accurately assess project outcome.
Budget clarity
Proposal has high probability of continuing after this funding cycle.
All proposals must be projects that will benefit our schools
Proposals should be consistent with school improvement plans and District goals.
Overall strength of proposal
Grants may be added to other grants that are received.
Grant monies must be spent within twelve months of being awarded, or be returned to AWFAE
AWFAE’s goal is to equitably distribute grants among the schools.
All purchased materials remain property of the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District.

What can be funded:
Equipment, supplies, and materials required to implement the proposal

What cannot be funded:
Travel, excluding field trips, will not be funded.
Proposals for items that are typically funded within the school budget
Salaried or stipend positions
Basic school curriculum development
Refreshments
Decorations
Projects more appropriately funded elsewhere (e.g. PTO or Athletic Association)