What’s on this page?
Donor Questions / Answers
Why do we need a Foundation?
The North Syracuse Education Foundation secures resources to support quality education through innovative programs, creative opportunities, and imaginative approaches. These programs enrich the curriculum, inspire students and staff, and expand the community’s involvement in public education. To put it simply, the mission of the Foundation is to provide a margin of excellence for NSCSD students.
Why should I give to the Foundation?
The Foundation provides funding for programs outside the normal curriculum that enables our diverse student population to enhance their skills and educational experiences. Supporting the Foundation enhances and broadens opportunities available to our students.
Does the NSCSD administration have anything to do with the Foundation?
While the Foundation is a separate organization, our sole mission is to support the educational purposes of the North Syracuse Central School District Schools. We look to those who understand education best—the professional educators—for leadership. We look to our community to help the Foundation develop and direct resources to meet our shared educational goals.
Do other school districts have Foundations?
Yes, there are over 5,000 similar foundations across the country.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. The North Syracuse Education Foundation is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we will mail the donor a receipt for any contribution made.
Grant Request Questions / Answers
Who can submit proposals?
The Foundation only accepts requests from those who directly serve the NSCSD public school students.
What kind of materials can I ask for?
Teachers can propose any resource that is essential to a student-centered experience.
Is there a dollar limit on my request?
To allow the Foundation flexibility in how it allocates its funds we have never limited the size of a request. However due to the funds available and the number of excellent requests received each year we would suggest that grant requests be $1,500 or less. Generally funded requests are in the $500 to $1,200 range.
How can I write a good proposal if I’m not experienced at grant writing?
Our online application presents an easy-to-complete process. While an applicant needs to fully describe a prospective project, experience with grant writing is completely unnecessary.
What is the most common fault found in teachers’ proposals?
Occasionally, a teacher will center the proposal body on the materials needed rather than the student activity to take place. For example, a teacher proposing to get a new classroom computer should not focus on the fact that the present one is in disrepair. That proposal should focus first on the student activity that a new computer would make possible. The resources have no worth of themselves-it’s how students will use them.
How does the Foundation handle my request after I’ve submitted it?
Following receipt of all requests the Foundation dedicates one meeting to review all submittals. Prior to that meeting all trustees review each ot the grants. The grants do not have a name or school associated with them when they are reviewed. The trustees use a rubric to grade each of the grants and the grade is what is used to rank the grants and begin the discussion process of each grant.
How does the Foundation notify me on the outcome of my request?
You will receive a letter in the mail. Successful requests are formally acknowledged at a Board of Education meeting in either March or April.
How many requests may I sumbit in a year?
There are no restrictions on the number of proposals submitted.