Mini-Grant+Program

The Chester Elementary School PTO supports creative and innovative teaching and learning initiatives through financial grants. Mini-Grants, up to $3,000, will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects or activities that are to be used to develop and implement instructional activities that motivate and challenge students to learn.

From Debbie Siraco, February 2014: The gratitude I have is infinite!! I am so pleased to have quality trampolines for movement breaks for the students that need them and with the better quality I know these trampolines will last longer. We are so blessed at Chester Elementary to have such a wonderful PTO. You are all the best. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! and a million more. Best to all!! Programs affecting large numbers of students are preferred. Examples are grade-wide, school-wide or multi-grade programs. Proposal ideas can include interdisciplinary activities, engaging lessons, or projects that will reinforce learning through simulations or practical applications of curricular concepts. Extracurricular initiatives that are intended to enhance student learning also may be funded.

Programs are funded on a one-time basis; ongoing programs can apply for funding in the next grant cycle but are not guaranteed funding. We favor programs that create lasting benefits to students, curriculum and programming and/or that explore significant problems or deficiencies in the schools. We fund programs that augment and support the goals and priorities of the CES PTO and the Chester Elementary School. Any item purchased with PTO funds will remain at Chester Elementary School. The CES PTO Mini-Grants will not fund disposable supplies (glue, crayon, stickers etc.) or items currently covered by either the CES/Town budget or the CES PTO budget.These grants are not intended to replace regular school budget items, so we will rarely consider programs included in the school budget during the previous five years. In addition, proposals that will leverage additional funding sources are encouraged. Teachers should take this opportunity to apply for outside grant funding to subsidize the cost of their project.

The $3,000 budget can be used to fully fund one $3,000 proposal or a group of smaller proposals, or to partially fund a group of proposals up to the total budget. Resources purchased with Mini-Grant funds are intended to be used during the current school year.


 * Mini-Grant Application Form and Process –** Complete the Mini-Grant Request Form and return to the Principal for verification that the requested item is not a Town of Chester/Board of Education budget item. Upon verification, the Principal will forward the Mini-Grant Request Form to the CES PTO Board for committee review and approval (a simple majority vote). Applications will be available in the PTO mailbox, or can be downloaded from the link, at bottom.

Proposals should include an explanation of the work involved in the project and a justification of the work’s academic originality, desired learning outcomes, connection to curriculum, and evidence of outside funding (if applicable). Please outline in your request how you will use the funds if your proposal is not fully funded.


 * Eligibility** – All certified and non-certified CES personnel are eligible to apply.
 * Mini-Grant Application Deadlines** –Completed Mini-Grant Applications must be placed in the CES PTO mailbox no later than 3:00 p.m. on November 16, 2012. Applications must be counter-signed by the Principal confirming that the request is not eligible for funding through the CES/Town budget and that it is consistent with the CES goals and objectives.

If you have any questions regarding the Mini-Grant Program or you want to volunteer to be part of the committee, please contact the PTO at cespto@reg4.k12.ct.us.