Making a Difference

During 2016-2017, thanks to the generous support of our community, District 279 Foundation funded 59 innovative projects that enhance the curriculum or provide performance or social development opportunities for students in Osseo Area Schools.


Special thanks to our partners and donors who enable these enrichment opportunities for students. Click here to view a list of projects that were selected to receive funding.

Deadlines for 2017-2018 School Year

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Wednesday, February 28, 2018


​How to Apply

The Classroom Grants requests must be submitted using the online application form. Grant writers are encouraged to review the pre-application information prior to starting the online application. The pre-application information and link to the online grant application will be made available in late August. 

Literacy Programs

Preparing and motivating children to read begins with access to books. District 279 Foundation has provided over 1/2 million books to children.


Children who do not have access to books and do not read regularly are among the most vulnerable Americans. All major educational research of the last decade identifies access to books as a key factor in children's reading achievement. District 279 Foundation supports a Reading is Fundamental program in 8 educational sites. This program gives free books to children to keep.  Children in the program get to choose their books, which makes them active participants in their education.

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District 279 Foundation also increases access to media centers and computer labs during the summer months. In a collaborative effort, the Foundation partners with the City of Brooklyn Park and brings books to children at several locations around the city.  Research shows that children who read books throughout the summer retain learning and start the school year strong.

Classroom Grants 

District 279 Foundation Classroom Grants Program makes funds available to all schools in the Independent School District 279 for innovative and creative projects that enhance curriculum or provide performance or social development opportunities. Any district employee, school volunteer or community member may submit a grant proposal for consideration.

 

Funding Priority Areas

Grants are awarded in three categories:

 

Curriculum Enhancement

Grant requests may be submitted that will support enhancement of the regular curriculum. (This category requires pre-approval from the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Educational Standards.) 

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Performance

Grant requests will be considered that will allow your school or group to take "its show on the road" and share a performance with others. This grant would pay for transportation costs and possible costs incurred as part of the performance.

 

Social Development

Grant requests may be submitted that will provide opportunities for students to increase social competence by participating in activities such as community service, leadership development, mentorship, intergenerational learning, diversity awareness or character education.