Best Buy Children's Foundation
Best Buy Children's Foundation supports K–12 technology and youth programs that enhance kids' educational experiences through innovative use of technology. Proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis. The upcoming deadlines for quarterly review is January 15, 2004. Best Buy sets aside 1.5 percent of annual pretax earnings for charitable giving. Recent grants have ranged from $1,000 to $250,000 each. National grants tend to be fewer and larger. The foundation makes grants through the following programs: one to fund programs in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul. MN) metro area; the Richfield Kids' Technology Initiative to assist with K–12 technology programs in Richfield, MN; and a national partnership program to support programs serving a national audience. All programs must provide innovative, educational access or content to students or combine technology, education and youths. Grants support specific curriculum development or direct project support, and may include product purchases.
Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public schools.
Website: http://communications.bestbuy.com/communityrelations/teach.asp
No Child Left Behind Act Title IID Funds Enhancing Education Through Technology
This federal grant program was instituted to improve student academic achievement through the use of technology in schools. Competitive grants are offered to LEAs in Maine that have a poverty rate established by the state and/or have a Priority School.
Website: http://www.state.me.us/education/titleiid/
Sprint Foundation Grants
The Sprint Foundation supports educational projects that foster school reform through the use of new technologies and through fresh approaches to the enhancement of teachers' skills. Although Sprint does not have an application form, the foundation recommends that applicants identify how their projects support Sprint's objectives: innovation and the use of technology in the classroom; enhanced education for minorities and/or the disadvantaged; and increased employee and public support of education. Because these grants are supported by Sprint employee contributions matched by foundation funds, grants are available primarily for projects in areas with a significant Sprint employee presence, such as Kansas City, Atlanta, Dallas and Sacramento. Schools and other education-related nonprofit agencies can apply for grants totaling about $500,000 per year. The Sprint Foundation reviews unsolicited proposals on a continuous basis. Applicants typically receive a response within four to six weeks.
Website: http://www.sprint.com/proposals
TEACH Wisconsin Block Grants
TEACH Wisconsin provides educational technology block grants to public school districts, Milwaukee charter schools and secured juvenile correctional facilities to accelerate their investments in educational technology. The grants, which are outside school district revenue limits, offer a flexible source of funds to meet the educational technology needs of each school district. Block grants may be used for any educational technology purpose excluding the salaries and benefits of school district employees. In order to receive a block grant, schools must adopt a block grant resolution annually and submit it to TEACH annually. Practical uses of the Block grant funds include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Purchase of computer hardware, software, and related peripherals
- Purchase of distance education classroom equipment
- Provision of staff training in educational technology
Website: http://www.teachwi.state.wi.us/programs.html
