Grant Program

The AAOCC Grant Program is accepting proposals for the 2023-24 school year. 

What is the Grant Program?

• Allows any Open community member to propose or develop projects which further the goals of our school. 

• 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.

What is the Application Process?

Any staff member, parent/guardian, or student of the Ann Arbor Open Community may apply by completing the Grant 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 and are due by the 1st of that respective month for consideration. 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.

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 Ann Arbor Open 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.