K-12 STEM & Technical Education Grant Application

K-12 STEM & Technical Education Grant Application

This Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation ("Foundation") grant program is primarily focused on launching and enhancing transformative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and technical education programs in K-12 schools and non-profit organizations ("Applicant") in the United States.
Geographic Locations & Eligibility Criteria

Grants are presently limited to Federally Tax-Exempt private and public K-8 and K-12 schools and IRC 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations located within a:
- 60-mile radius or less from the communities of:
  - Arcadia WI;
  - Ecru and Ripley MS;
  - Advance NC
- 25-mile radius or less from the communities of:
  - Leesport PA
While grants are primariy focused on STEM education, grants to enhance education in what is commonly known as the "Trades" (plumbing, carpentry, electricians, as well as motor vehicle and truck mechanics) will be considered.

Grants and donations are NOT made to individuals. Funding requests for infrastructure, buildings, building repairs, renovations, or improvements will NOT be considered.

Application Review Process

The Foundation will only consider grant requests from applicants who meet the foregoing criteria and who complete this form in its entirety through online submission.

Unless additional information is required, applicants can expect a final decision within 30 days of receipt of application.
- If additional information is required, the applicant will be notified and given a reasonable timeframe to provide the requested materials. Once the additional information is submitted, the application will undergo a secondary review by the Committee and Board of Directors, with a final decision provided within 30 days of receipt of the complete supplemental materials.
If an application is approved by the Committee and the Foundation's Board of Directors, the Foundation will send Applicant a Donative Agreement ("Agreement") that will require the approval and signature of the school or non-profit organization's legally authorized representative. The Agreement must be signed by the Foundation, the legally authorized representative of the Applicant entity and returned to the Foundation before any funds are distributed by the Foundation. There are NO exceptions to this requirement.

IMPORTANT: Foundation Funds are only provided in form of Reimbursement
Once an Agreement is signed by both the Foundation and the school or non-profit organization, grant funds will be provided in the form of a reimbursement. The school or non-profit organization must first pay the full cost of the approved purchases and provide acceptable documentation of payment to the Foundation before reimbursement of the Foundation’s 75% share will be issued.

Grant Matching - 75/25 Structure

This grant program offers the opportunity to establish or significantly enhance educational programming through a 3:1 matching structure.

Example:
- Foundation Grant: $15,000 (75%)
- Required Applicant Match: $5,000 (25%)
- Total Project Investment: $20,000
This structure allows robust programs to be established or enhanced, while demonstrating commitment from both parties.

Focus of Funds:
- Foundation funds must be used for equipment
- Applicant match must be used for equipment, materials, and/or resources that directly establish or enhance a STEM and technical education program
Match Documentation Required:

As a condition of approval, applicants must provide documented proof that their required 25% matching contribution is present and readily available before final grant approval by the Board of Directors.

Acceptable documentation includes, but is not limited to:
- School Board or Non-Profit Board resolutions committing funds
- Signed letters from legally authorized representatives
The Foundation will not proceed with grant approval or execute a Donative Agreement until such proof of matching dollars has been received and verified.

Eligible and Ineligibile Costs for Matching Contribution

Costs Eligible for 25% Matching Contribution

The Applicant's required 25% contribution should demonstrate institutional commitment by focusing on program-specific needs.

Costs that MAY be considered as matching dollars include:
- New equipment and materials
- Registration fees for applicable competitive events
  - Proof of registration and associated costs required, OR
  - Provide a written and signed letter of intent from legally authorized representative that includes registration and associated costs
Ineligible Costs

The Foundation recognizes that successfully operating a robust STEM and technical education program involves necessary costs that extend beyond the core equipment, such as facilities, staff, technology devices and travel expenses. However, staff salaries, technology devices (such as computers and tablets) and travel expenses (such as competition travel or field trips) represent ongoing operational expenses that should be integrated into the Applicant's regular budgeting processes. Therefore, while the Foundation requires a meaningful financial investment from the Applicant through the 25% matching requirement, costs associated with facilities, staff salary, staff time, computers, tablets, and any travel are NOT applicable towards the Applicant's matching contribution.

Grantee Recognition and Reporting Requirements

Recognition Requirement

Grantees are to recognize The Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation for its support of the funded project through social media posts, press releases, website features, newsletters, event signage, promotional materials, and other public communications related to the funded project. All promotional materials, press releases, and public communications related to the funded project must likewise acknowledge the Foundation's involvement.

Report Requirement

Upon completion of the project, grantees are responsible for the submission of (1) one comprehensive report detailing project results, outcomes achieved, and the exact use of Foundation funds, due no later than 12 months after grant award. Report forms and/or specific requirements will be provided with grant award letters and the executed Donative Agreement. Grantees who submit a complete and satisfactory report demonstrate their commitment, positioning themselves favorably for consideration of future grant opportunities with the Foundation.

Site Visit Opportunity

The Foundation reserves the right to conduct optional site visits to observe programs in action, meet students and instructors, and witness the impact of an awarded grant. Advance notification will always be provided.

If you are interested in receiving a grant from the Foundation, please complete the following application shown below.

NOTE: Applications that are emailed to the Foundation will be redirected to apply online.
SECTION 1: CONTACT INFORMATION
The full legal name of the legal entity applying for a grant (School / Organization) from the Foundation:
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
The name of the Applicant that is submitting this application:

First NameLast Name
Applicant Contact Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Applicant Contact Title or Role
Applicant Contact Email Address
example@example.com
The name(s) of the individuals who are legally authorized to sign contracts and agreements on behalf of the Applicant: Authorized Signer #1 Name

First NameLast Name
Authorized Signer #1 Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Authorized Signer #1 Title or Role
Authorized Signer #1 Email Address
example@example.com
Optional authorized signer information to be added below. If not applicable, please leave blank.
Authorized Signer #2 Name

First NameLast Name
Authorized Signer #2 Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Authorized Signer #2 Title or Role
Authorized Signer #2 Email Address
example@example.com
Optional authorized signer information to be added below. If not applicable, please leave blank.
Authorized Signer #3 Name

First NameLast Name
Authorized Signer #3 Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Authorized Signer #3 Title or Role
Authorized Signer #3 Email Address
example@example.com
SECTION 2: DOCUMENTATION

Required attachments and tax status information
Attach Applicant's most current Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") Letter indicating the Applicant's federal tax-exempt status

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NOTE: If a grant is approved, a signature from a legally authorized representative will be required on a donative agreement letter. The signature of the Applicant's representative will also confirm that the Applicant has NOT received any notice or other communication or advice indicating that its tax-exempt status has been revoked or is maybe in question or in jeopardy. Additionally, this signature will confirm that to the best of the Applicant's knowledge, based on reasonable investigation, that the Applicant is in "good standing" in the state it was organized in and is in compliance with all federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
Federal EIN
State ID
Is your school or organization publicly supported by tax dollars?
If not supported by tax dollars, what is your principal source of funds?
If supported by tax dollars, have you applied for state and/or federal funds related to this grant request?
If yes, provide the amounts received or expected from state and/or federal funds.
SECTION 3: ORGANIZATION & PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Background information about the applicant and project
Describe the instructor(s) or facilitator(s), including their qualifications and relevant experience.
Instructor Resume Attachment

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Describe the school or organization's plan to provide professional development for the instructor(s) or facilitator(s) to enhance student learning with this program or project.
How many students will use the materials and equipment purchased by grant funds on a daily basis during each school year for the following two years?
School Testing & Chronic Absenteeism Results

For school applicants only, please enter your most recent state testing results. For non-profit organizations, please enter N/A for each box below.

Results Table

Rows	Your School	Your School District	State Average
ELA Proficiency %
Math Proficiency %
Chronic Absenteeism %

What progress has your district made in improving state and federal test scores for Math and English. Additionally, what programs do you have to improve Math and English test scores?
SECTION 4: PROJECT DESCRIPTION & BUDGET

Funding needs and matching funds
What are the total dollars needed to develop the program or project?
What is the total amount you are requesting from the Foundation?
What is the amount of matching funds your school or organization will contribute? (minimum 25% required)
Share the name of the source(s) of which your matching funds are coming from and the dollar amounts from each source.
Upload documentation showing you have required matching funds available (examples: budget approval, board resolution, grant award letter, fundraising totals)

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Provide a description of the project and activities you are seeking funds for, including: detailed project activities, start date, projected completion date, and the person(s) responsible for project performance, budget compliance, and reporting to the Foundation.
SECTION 5: EDUCATIONAL IMPACT AND CURRICULUM

Resource integration and teacher availability
How will the equipment and materials purchased with this grant be incorporated within your existing curriculum?
Will classroom teacher who will be using the equipment and/or materials purchased with grant funds be available for a short video call with a Foundation representative? Include classroom teacher contact information.
SECTION 6: SUSTAINABILITY, RESULTS & COMPLIANCE

Project results, continuation, and promotion
Describe the expected outcomes of this project, including:
- What students will learn and accomplish
- How you will measure success
- Timeline for implementation and key milestones
NOTE: A one-time report is required 12 months after an awarded grant. Further details of the report will be provided along with the donative agreement, if a grant is awarded.
How will this program continue to be sustained once it is developed? What other funding sources or groups will contribute to this program? Identify any fundraising activities and expected amounts.
Shared examples of promotional and/or recognition of the funded project. (Examples: social media posts planned, press releases, website features, newsletters, event signage, promotional materials, community presentations)
Please use this space to share any other information regarding your grant request.
Please confirm the following (check all that apply):
If any restrictions apply, please explain:
CERTIFICATION

By submitting this application, I certify that all information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
Electronic Signature
Printed Name:
Title or Role:
Date

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Before submitting, ensure you have uploaded:
- IRS tax-exempt status letter
- Instructor resume(s)
- Proof of matching funds
Should be Empty:

K-12 STEM & Technical Education Grant Application

SECTION 1: CONTACT INFORMATION

SECTION 2: DOCUMENTATION

SECTION 3: ORGANIZATION & PROGRAM OVERVIEW

School Testing & Chronic Absenteeism Results

SECTION 4: PROJECT DESCRIPTION & BUDGET

SECTION 5: EDUCATIONAL IMPACT AND CURRICULUM

SECTION 6: SUSTAINABILITY, RESULTS & COMPLIANCE