Purpose
The New Hartford Central School District Foundation supports initiatives that enhance and enrich the educational experience for students in the New Hartford Central School District. Foundation funding is intended for projects, programs, and improvements that go beyond what the district typically provides.
Requests should focus on opportunities that inspire innovation, creativity, and enrichment in academic, athletic, artistic, and community endeavors that directly benefit New Hartford students.
Eligibility
- Requests must be for projects or programs affiliated with the New Hartford Central School District.
- The requesting organization must be an officially recognized and board-approved club, sport, department, or organization within the district.
- Requests from outside organizations, even if involving New Hartford students (such as community leagues or travel sports), are not eligible.
- Anyone may submit a request for consideration; however, requests will be reviewed in coordination with appropriate district personnel to ensure alignment and feasibility.
Funding Restrictions
The Foundation will not provide funding for:
- Recurring costs, such as annual fees, memberships, subscriptions, or maintenance expenses.
- Payroll, stipends, or compensation for staff, contractors, or individuals.
- Scholarships, gifts, or cash awards.
- District operating expenses or routine replacements that are the district’s normal responsibility.
- Retroactive funding for items or projects already purchased or completed.
All items approved for funding are purchased by the school district through its normal purchasing process. The Foundation provides funding to the district for those approved expenditures.
Any items purchased remain the property of the New Hartford Central School District.
Evaluation Criteria
Funding decisions are based on a holistic review of each request. The Foundation may consider:
- Educational Impact – Does the project enhance student learning, experience, or well-being?
- Reach – How many students or programs will benefit?
- Longevity – Is this a one-time purchase with lasting value?
- Innovation – Does the request introduce something new or forward-thinking?
- Need – Does it fill a gap not currently met by the district’s resources?
- Leverage – Could this project serve as a pilot or springboard for future district adoption?
- Funding History – Has the organization received Foundation support in recent years?
Application and Approval Process
- Applications may be submitted at any time. Requests are reviewed during scheduled Foundation board meetings.
- Applicants should allow at least 30 days for review and response.
- The Foundation will coordinate requests with district administration to ensure alignment with district priorities and purchasing procedures.
- The Foundation reserves the right to approve full, partial, or no funding, and to request additional information or clarification before making a decision.
Follow-Up and Accountability
- The Foundation may request a brief summary or photos once the project or purchase is complete to share impact with the community.
- We encourage and request groups that receive funding to schedule an appearance at a Foundation board meeting to share the impact of their project, allow us to meet the students involved, take photos, and celebrate their success.
- Approved projects may be featured in Foundation communications or publicity materials.
- If a project changes significantly after approval, the Foundation must be notified for re-approval.
- All purchases made with Foundation funds must comply with district purchasing policies and use approved vendors when required.