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Teacher Grants

The trustees of the Peninsula Schools Education Foundation accept teacher submitted grants each year for classroom projects. Grants are intended to help teachers bring innovative projects and materials into their classroom to enhance student learning. Grants must be received by October 31 of the year applied. Grants are awarded in early December. The project or activity outlined in the grant must be completed by June 1, following the year applied. Applications that are not complete or are received
after the deadline will not be accepted.

Priority criteria:

  • Focus on improving student achievement
  • Resource materials are reusable
  • High ratio of number of students per dollar invested (across one grade or multiple grades)
  • Project would not happen without Foundation funding

Key information:

  • Grants will be awarded in the minimum amount of $100, with maximum of $1000.
  • Schools can receive more than one grant and more than one teacher may participate in a single application, however, the amount for a specific project cannot exceed $1000.
  • An evaluation report is required after completion of the project no later than June 1, following the year applied.
  • Photographs are respectfully requested.

Important dates:

  • June 1-October 31: Application submission period
  • October 31: Final deadline for all application sumbissions
  • November 15: PSEF Board meets and ranks all applications
  • November 22: Final decision by PSEF baord on grant recipients
  • December 1:Grant recipients notified
  • March 15: Project Evaluation reminder sent to all grant recipients
  • June 1: Evaluations due

Online applications are accepted at www. or you may mail your application to the Peninsula Schools Education Foundation at P.O. Box 1007, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.
Teacher Online Applicationsee attached

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When are grant applications due?  The application is due by October 31st.
  2. How do I submit a grant application?  You may submit the grant application via email through our website.  It can also be sent through the school district via pony express to the district office.  Make sure the envelope is clearly marked PSEF / Attention: Superintendent.  Lastly, it can sent via US postal service to our address:  PSEF, PO Box 1007, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.
  3. What do I do if I submit my application via email but also have supporting materials?  Any supporting materials can be sent two ways.  It can be sent through the school district via pony express. Make sure the envelope is clearly marked PSEF / Attention: Superintendent.  Or, it can be sent via US postal service to our address:  PSEF, PO Box 1007, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.
  4. Are there projects that PSEF does not fund?  We do not grant funds for the following:  (1) Transportation expenses (i.e. buses) (2) Staff positions funding or reimbursements (i.e. guest speakers) (3) Technology equipment that qualifies for district technology funds.  It is best to contact the technology person at the district office to determine this.
  5. What guideline(s) does the foundation use when reviewing the applications?  Our priorities include (1) The number of students benefitting (one grade or multiple grades) and (2) Can the materials being requested be used over and over again.  We also consider the amount being invested per student.
  6. What is the foundation’s feeling on co-funding from other sources?  We are very excited when we see co-funding sponsorship on an application.   In the past, teachers have received co-funding from their school PTAs, area foundations, local and international businesses (i.e. Boeing), and even international organizations (i.e. NASA).
  7. Can several teachers submit one grant?   Yes, we welcome grants submitted by a team of teachers.
  8. How much can I apply for? We fund grants from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $1000. The grant request amount must include the costs of tax, shipping and handling.
  9. If I receive a grant for technology (i.e. cameras, ipads, kindles, etc.) and I move schools, can I take the equipment with me to my new classroom? No. The technology stays with the school at which you were teaching when you received the grant.
  10. Can schools receive more than one grant?  There is no limit to how many grants each school can receive in any grant cycle.
  11. When does the foundation notify grant recipients?  The PSEF meets in November to evaluate grant applications.  Applicants are notified in early December.   You will receive a letter in the mail notifying you of your status.  
  12. Can you tell me more about the grant reporting requirements?  The PSEF requires recipients to submit a tri-fold or poster that includes information about your specific grant (i.e. pictures, students work) by June 1 of the following year. These posters are a very valuable tool for us.  We display them all at our yearly breakfast in October and the sponsors and donors truly enjoy looking at them and admiring your creativity and hard work.
  13. Where do I submit my grant project board?  Usually they are ponied to the district office and kept there until our breakfast but in some cases, foundation members have gone to the school and picked them up when notified by the teacher.  
  14. What happens if I do not submit a grant project board?  If a grant project board is not submitted by a recipient, that teacher will not be eligible to submit a grant the following year.