By: Christy Strong- VHCSF Grant Committee Chair , Assistant General Council and Senior VP, Regions
Photos from Summer Professional Development Sessions Funded by VHCSF
Getting selected for funding is not as difficult as it may seem. The educators and administrators at the eight Vestavia Hills’ schools and the Board of Education are making the requests, and they know what’s most needed or desired by the schools. As long as the request impacts many students and fits into one of the Foundation’s funding categories, the likelihood of at least a portion of the request being granted is pretty good!
Grant applications initially are reviewed by the Foundation’s Grants Committee, which then makes recommendations to the full Board of Directors. The Board ultimately decides which grants to award after taking into consideration three factors:
(1) Does the request fit into one of the categories supported by the Foundation?
Technology - improvements and upgrades
Professional Development - training for educators
Classroom Enhancements - items that can be used by numerous students and can be used for many years to come
(2) Does the request impact as many students as possible?
(3) Can the program be replicated in other schools?
During January, the Grants Committee and the Board will be making these decisions, and the grants then will be awarded in February. It’s an exciting time for the Foundation, as well as for the grant applicants, and we’re very grateful to our donors who make it possible to provide this funding for our schools.
One more way to help our schools: support the Foundation by attending this year’s Dinner and Diamonds – an evening of live music, delicious food and good fun. Mark your calendar for February 28, and read more about it here: Dinner and Diamonds