2017-18 Social Inclusion Grants

Proposal Deadline November 1, 2017

As events around our nation attest, we still have work to do to bridge the racial divide and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all children.

In 2016, Malissia and Ron Clinton directed funding to MBEF for a targeted Social Inclusion Grant Program focused on creating and implementing viable programs that inspire change and nurture a productive and honest dialogue in our schools. Click here to learn more about the programs that were funded during the 16/17 school year.

Also in 2016, MBUSD adapted their districtwide goals to include “Create a culture of inclusion that supports and engages all students, staff, stakeholders and community members.” In 2016/17 MBUSD also led several initiatives to improve the climate of care at all 7 MBUSD campuses.

In 2017/18 MBUSD is joining forces with MBEF, the City of Manhattan Beach, and other community partners to implement a pledge based largely on the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Inclusion #StandUp against Hate promise, and the NBA “Not on our ground” pledge.

Today I pledge to #StandUp against Hate and #StandUp for Respect. I pledge to #StandUp to all forms of hate, bigotry, violence, bullying, and discrimination. I will:

• Speak out when I hear someone being attacked based on race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religion, ability or any other factor;
• Talk about how stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion hurt our society;
• Ask legislators and local representatives to support laws that protect and advance civil rights;
• Never allow a bigoted slur to go either unchallenged or unreported. If I see something, I will say something;
• Denounce online hate and report conduct whenever possible;
• Unite and engage with diverse communities and educate myself on how to be an effective ally;
• Protect my neighbors by building welcoming and inclusive communities.

In 2017/18 MBEF Board of Directors is maintaining a commitment to this goal, by continuing to fund the Social Inclusion Grants Program outlined below.

We are working to provide our schools and community with a framework to combat bias and implement programs that encourage people to #StandUp in order to eradicate racism and discrimination in our community. Tolerance is simply not enough.

Grant Guidelines

All proposed programs must touch one or more of the following themes and activities (drawing from Annie E. Casey Foundation and California Tomorrow):

• Planning and acting on becoming a more inclusive and equitable community;
• Helping students and families to understand the root causes of inequalities based on one’s race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, culture, sexual/gender orientation, and ability;
• Helping students and families establish what constitutes persecution, and understand the impact that hate crimes have on individuals and communities;
• Helping students and families to understand, respect and celebrate all people;
• Supporting personal, professional, and organizational learning by:
  • Drawing upon technical assistance and coaching (expert, external, and peer);
  • Seeking input, honest feedback, and support from community and/or civic leaders;
  • Connecting with and supporting peers in organizations who are leading change.

Funding: $25,000

Funding will be allocated as follows:

• $5K in grants to students in the MBUSD to cover the costs of student led initiatives in and around the themes detailed above;
• $20K in grants to teachers and district leadership, to cover the cost of teacher and administrator led initiatives in and around the themes detailed above;

Examples include:

• Trainings for students on hidden and unconscious biases;
• Hosting conversations with leaders who can share their experiences and stories;
• Partnering with a neighboring district (i.e.: Lawndale, Gardena, Torrance, etc.) to participate in a community development or service activity;
• Partner with the Anti-Defamation League, Facing History and Ourselves, Not in Our Town, Museum of Tolerance and other organizations to provide professional development for a majority of teachers on hidden and unconscious biases;
• Facilitate a community gathering to cultivate a meaningful dialogue around hidden biases and how to successfully raise children who are inclusive and supportive of other people’s differences.

Grant awards for student, teacher and district level programming will range from $250 to $2,500 for individual applicants, and up to $5,000 for collaborative ventures including two or more individuals. Collaborations are strongly encouraged and will be given priority. The funding must be used prior to October 31, 2018.

Allowable Costs

• Materials and Supplies: Supplies directly related to the development or implementation of the educational activity;
• Travel: Reimbursement of school buses (provide purpose and destination of trip, number of buses needed, ticket or admission fees, or travel and substitute days required for school visits;
• Guest Presenter/Speaker Fees;
• Student Fees: Costs associated with registration or admission fees.

Project Period

December 2017 – October 2018.

Who May Apply?

MBUSD Students, Teachers/Educators, Administrators, Staff and Parents

Evaluation Criteria

• Project must address the above listed goals through innovative teaching, project-based education, service and experiential learning, leadership or character development, arts integration, or new technologies.
• Projects that include professional development must also include a student based project component that directly uses the knowledge or skills gained during the professional development. This pairing of teacher-learning with student-learning is encouraged.
• Proposals must address all topics on the submission form, in order, and may be formatted to include figures, photos, statistics, and tables. Proposals should not exceed 4 pages.

Inclusion Grant Committee

The Committee will include the following members:

• Three MBEF Board Members
• Three Advisors – Individuals who do not serve on the MBEF Board, and are not current educators or administrators in our District.
• District Liaison

Assessment and Evaluation Process

• Applicants will submit applications no later than November 1, 2017 to [email protected]
• Inclusion Grant Committee Members will receive anonymized proposals from the MBEF staff and will have 2 weeks for evaluation.
• Inclusion Grant Committee Members will meet 1-2 times to discuss all grant applications.
• Committee will contact awardees no later than December 15, 2017.
• Awardees will be listed on the MBEF website and at the conclusion of the funding cycle. Grant reports and photos will be posted on the MBEF website.
• One committee member will be selected to provide feedback to applicants who were not selected, if/when feedback is requested.

Information you need to know if awarded the grant:

• Grant funds will be made available on or around December 15, 2017.
• All expenditures for materials/supplies should follow district purchasing guidelines and utilize the Purchase Order process. Your point of contact for purchase orders is Karyl Brandford at [email protected]. If this is not possible, MBEF offers a receipt based reimbursement option for projects that the district is unable to process.
• Grant applications must itemize the intended materials and cost. Grant money can only fund direct project expenses.
• MBEF highly values photos, videos, emails, and other informal reporting on the project’s progress throughout the year. Send these to Farnaz Flechner, Executive Director of MBEF, [email protected]. If we decide to publish photos, we will ask for a media release form signed by parents.
• A final evaluation and report to MBEF is due on September 30, 2018. These reports are a critical and essential part of the grant process because they allow MBEF to share these exciting projects with the MBEF donor community, and enable MBEF to publicize your efforts within the MBUSD teacher community in order to inspire new projects and to promote conversations and collaboration.

2017/18 Social Inclusion Grants
PROPOSAL COVER SHEET
Please limit application to 2 – 4 Pages.

*Your application will be anonymized for selection process, and your name will only be seen by MBEF administration. 

Please email applications to: [email protected]

Questions? Please contact Farnaz G. Flechner at 310.303.3342 or [email protected]

PROPOSAL EVALUATION SCORE SHEET

Proposal #

Project Title:

Reviewer:

Instructions to Evaluator:

Rate the proposal based on the following criteria with a total score of up to 100 points. Please comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal below and be prepared to offer verbal comments at the Grant committee evaluation meetings.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Description of project (mission and goals)
• Relevance and importance to MBUSD students
• Activities planned
• Student outcomes
• Realism of project, including timeline and budget
• Educational methodology
• Alignment with school and District goals
• Creativity
• Potential to enhance learning
• Potential of sustainability
• Evaluation plan, including evaluation criteria and how it is linked to expected student or community outcomes
• Measurable and meaningful evaluation criteria
• Collaboration
  • Is the project collaborative?
  • Does the collaboration enrich students’ education?

Click here to download 2017-18 Social inclusion Grant Application.

2016-17 Social Inclusion Grants