Planned Grants

Planned grants are awarded twice a year.  The October grant application period is to support projects for upcoming winter and spring, and the April application period is to support summer and fall initiatives. 
COVID-19 Update:   In light of the current situation and demands on educators, the 2020 Spring Planned Grant Application period is tentatively moved to June, when hopefully things will be returning to normal and educators will have time to reflect on potential projects for next fall.  However, we will continue to accept Opportunity Grant applications for more pressing needs, including COVID-19 related efforts.

Opportunity
​Grants

Unexpected, but exciting opportunities sometimes arise outside of the planned grant cycle. The Ashland Education Fund offers grants up to $500 to be awarded for these unique occasions.
COVID-19 Update:  We are willing to exceed the $500 cap for opportunity grants to help with educational efforts during the school shutdown.  Funds are currently available and all grants will be reviewed upon receipt with immediate payment for approved grants.  
 Opportunity grant applications should be reserved for truly unexpected opportunities such as natural phenomena like the ice caves or an unexpected guest lecturer or performer traveling through the area.   Opportunity Grants are available throughout the year, depending on available funds. 

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are local units of governments, state agencies, colleges and universities, school districts, cooperative educational agency, tribal units of government, and private nonprofit organizations. Grants are only awarded to proposals that are located within the geographic boundaries of the school district of Ashland, Wisconsin.

Priority is given to proposals that:

  • Benefit and enhance educational opportunities and curriculum through innovative programs.
  • Develop and foster confidence in education as a key component of students becoming independent, responsible, and productive young adults through academic excellence.
  • Impact student achievement and potential through parent participation
  • Maximize student potential, particularly for children living in poverty, in order to increase the opportunities to attend post-secondary institutions after graduation and improve our community’s families’ futures.
  • Reduce costs associated with educational experiences and programs, including capital for improved technology, educational field trips and other materials that benefit students, teachers, and schools.

The following are representative, but not exclusive, examples of proposal ideas which could be considered for grants from the Ashland Education Fund:

  • Programs and services that allow students to have life changing experiences that extend beyond the school walls.
  • Workshops, training, and other advancement opportunities that support the professional growth of teachers and school administration.
  • Research and feasibility studies, permits, licensures and other preliminary expenses that support new and/or existing educational programs and projects.
  • Projects that incorporate art and/or music.
  • Cultural and/or historical projects, exhibits, and workshops.
  • Projects and programs to reduce substance abuse.
  • Programs and activities that increase students’ physical health and nutritional well-being including those that provide an understanding and ability to address emotional and mental health issues.
  • Opportunities to facilitate school, parent, and community partnerships.
  • Addressing local and state educational challenges and promoting solutions to the community.