What is the Grant Program?

• Allows any AAO community member to propose or develop projects which further the goals of AAO. 
  
  
• Funds projects that arise mid-year after the annual budget process. 
  
  
• Provides funding options for part-time staff and those without a classroom/restricted account. 
  
  
• Provides funding for activities and supplies to implement these projects.

How is this different from “Staff Grants”?

• The former “Staff Grants” program is being rolled into this larger Grant Program. Staff members are encouraged to use their classroom/restricted accounts to pay for incidental, day-to-day expenses and supplies.
  
  
• Staff requests up to $100/FTE will be approved automatically with a completed Check Request Form and receipts/documentation ONLY if received by (DATE TBA).
  
  
• Staff requests filed after (DATE TBA) or for more than $100/FTE require a completed Grant Request Form and will be reviewed using the same criteria as other requests.

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What is the Application Process?

• Any staff member, parent/guardian, or student of the Ann Arbor Open Community may apply by submitting the Grant Request Form. 
  
  
• Staff requesting up to $100 by (DATE TBA) only need to complete a Check Request Form .
  
  
• Requested funds are not guaranteed. FiFun will decide whether to approve, deny, approve a modified version, or defer each request. Applicants may appeal the decision to the Treasurer.
  
  
• Grant requests will be reviewed at least 3 times per year; at the October, January and March FiFun Meetings. Applicants are welcome to attend.
  
  
• Funds will be distributed from the Grant Program fund throughout the year. A large request made at the beginning of the school year may be deferred until later in effort to not exhaust the fund early on.
  
  
• It takes about 4-6 weeks from the time a request is submitted until a decision is made. Please submit requests as early as possible to allow the committee to review all the information.
  
  
• If approved, a separate Check Request Form will be required for distribution of funds.

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What are the Criteria Used for Funding Decisions?

• All projects and programs MUST: 
• Support the educational goals, philosophy, mission and values of AAO. Priority will be given to requests that will benefit the entire AAO community.
• Have a chairperson.
• Be manageable by AAO volunteers.
• Have enough volunteers with sufficient abilities to complete needed tasks.
  
  
• For staff requests over $100:
• Priority will be given to staff members without classroom/restricted accounts or with limited funds in those accounts.
• Include quotes from two or more potential sources, if possible. 
  
  
• The AAOCC strongly encourages the use of AAO community & locally-owned businesses. However, to avoid any conflict of interest, or appearance of a conflict: 
• Care should be taken that one community member is not favored over others. 
• Goods or services should be received at a fair price.
• Do not source products or services from businesses of committee members or their families.