Grant Application.

Available now: we’re accepting applications for a special mid-year round of boost grants (up to $500 per grant)! Applications are due November 24, 2024. Read on below, or apply now.

Our Grants

The Melrose Education Foundation supports innovation and excellence in Melrose Public Schools with grants to empower educators and forums to engage the community.

Grants are awarded each year in three categories:

  • Innovation Grants (up to $5,000)

  • Boost Grants (up to $500)

  • Professional Development Grants (up to $1,000)

Our main grant cycle occurs in May of each year, with funds available for use during the summer and the following school year.

Innovation Grants

Innovation Grants award up to $5,000 to support innovation and excellence across our district. Innovation Grants engage students in deeper learning, pilot new educational approaches and support educators to collaborate across disciplines, grade levels and schools. Initiatives are multi-faceted and take place over the course of the year. Funding is comprehensive and can include professional development, collaborative planning time for professional learning communities, guest speakers and outside facilitators, classroom materials, technology, and more. Innovation Grants are awarded for implementation over the summer and through the following school year.

Boost Grants

Boost grants award up to $500 to educators to implement a new project, elevate an existing experience, or try something new in their classroom. These grants are awarded regularly and funds are used within the same school year.

Professional Development Grants

Professional Development Grants award up to $1,000 to educators to deepen knowledge in their field, develop new skills, or explore opportunities that will enhance classroom instruction. Professional learning is also shared with other educators in their building or practice area in the district. These grants are awarded for professional development that takes place over the summer or the following school year.

Eligible Expenses

  • Materials and supplies related specifically to the grant project, outside of routine classroom supplies

  • Technology related specifically to the grant project, outside of routine classroom technology

  • Guest speakers or presenters

  • Consultant fees

  • Training materials or resources for professional study

  • Professional development, conference, class fees

  • Up to $40 stipend for mileage/parking for out-of-district professional development opportunities

  • Collaborative professional planning time outside of contractual hours, $120 per day or $30/hour

Ineligible Expenses

  • Routine classroom materials and curriculum

  • Textbooks

  • Travel

  • Chromebooks or laptops

  • Document Cameras

  • Flexible seating

  • Home office or classroom equipment not related to the specific proposed project

  • Subscriptions or annual/recurring expenses

  • General course work (e.g. for credentials or certification)