2026-2027 Curriculum Grant Forms (Curriculum Grant Information Below)
Questions? Email askdiscoveryptsa@gmail.com
Discovery PTSA Curriculum Grant Information
Who Can Apply?
Discovery teachers, staff, parents, and guardians of currently enrolled Discovery students may apply for a Curriculum Grant.
Grants should support educational opportunities that directly benefit Discovery students and align with the PTSA’s mission and grant evaluation criteria.
Parents and guardians applying for a grant are encouraged to work with the appropriate Discovery teacher or staff member to ensure the proposed project is appropriate for the classroom or student population it will serve.
Why Does Discovery PTSA Award Curriculum Grants?
The mission of the Discovery PTSA is to “advocate, support, and enrich our students with educational programs and community-building activities in partnership with teachers, staff, parents, and the local community.”
One way we fulfill this mission is by providing Curriculum Grants to enhance and enrich educational opportunities for Discovery students.
We hope these grants encourage teachers, staff, parents, and guardians to support meaningful and memorable learning experiences that help develop curious, confident, and independent learners.
When Are Applications Due?
Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the school year, but no later than May 1.
How Do I Submit My Application?
Complete the Curriculum Grant Application and email it as a digital attachment, typed or scanned, to:
askdiscoveryptsa@gmail.com. You may also complete the application and place it in the appropriate folder in the PTSA Mailbox
You will receive an email confirming that your application has been received.
How Are Grants Awarded?
The PTSA Board reviews grant applications at its next scheduled Board meeting. Applications are evaluated based on available funding and factors such as:
- Academic enrichment
- Direct impact on student learning
- Connection to the curriculum
- Sustainability and long-term usefulness
- Frequency of use
- Number and diversity of students impacted
Grants may be fully funded, partially funded, or declined.
Grants of $500 or Less
Grants requesting $500 or less require approval by the PTSA Board. Applicants will be notified of the Board's decision by email following the Board meeting.
Grants Over $500
Grants requesting more than $500 require both PTSA Board approval and approval by a majority vote at a PTSA General Membership Meeting.
If the PTSA Board approves your request, you will be notified by email that it is being recommended for final approval by the general membership. Applicants are encouraged to attend the meeting and briefly present their grant request.
PTSA General Membership Meetings are typically held in September, January, and May.
Will I Have an Opportunity to Answer Questions?
Possibly. After reviewing an application, the PTSA Board may contact the primary applicant if additional information or clarification is needed.
Providing as much detail as possible in the application helps the Board fully understand the project and make an informed decision.
What If I Cannot Attend the General Membership Meeting?
We encourage applicants to attend when their grant is being considered so they can share their project directly with PTSA members.
If you cannot attend, you may:
- Ask a colleague, teacher, staff member, or co-applicant to present on your behalf; or
- Ask a PTSA Board member to present the request for you.
If you are unable to attend, the Board will notify you by email of the outcome following the General Membership Meeting.
Are There Any Additional Requirements?
Spending Deadline
Grant funds should be used as soon as reasonably possible. All funds must be spent by May 31 of the school year in which they are awarded.
Share Your Success!
If your grant is funded, we would love to hear how it impacted Discovery students!
We may ask you to provide a brief update at a future PTSA General Membership Meeting or submit a short write-up or photo for PTSA communications.
Our parents and families make these grants possible, and they love seeing their donations in action!
Curriculum Grant Evaluation Criteria
The Discovery PTSA prioritizes grants that are:
Student-Focused • Curriculum-Based • Innovative • Directly Beneficial to Student Learning
When evaluating proposals, the PTSA considers whether the project:
- Supports the curriculum
Enhances, reinforces, or expands curriculum concepts and learning objectives. - Is supported by research or evidence
Uses research, data, or other evidence to demonstrate the educational value of the proposed materials, program, or experience when appropriate. - Supports educational standards
Aligns with applicable educational standards or requirements, such as Common Core State Standards or other district or state learning standards, when appropriate. - Directly impacts student learning
Provides students with meaningful opportunities to engage directly with the funded materials, equipment, program, or experience. - Provides an innovative learning experience
Uses creative or innovative approaches to help students engage with and understand the curriculum. - Demonstrates meaningful use of PTSA funds
Clearly demonstrates why PTSA funding is needed and how the requested funds will provide meaningful value to Discovery students.
Please Note
Funding availability does not guarantee approval. The PTSA receives more requests than it may be able to fund, and grants are evaluated based on the criteria above, available funds, and the overall benefit to Discovery students.
Our goal is to make thoughtful funding decisions that have the greatest possible impact on student learning and enrichment.
