Bright Ideas Grants are designed to support teacher initiatives to make curriculum come alive for students. Since 2008, MEF has provided approximately $25,000 each year to fund these new ideas. The Millbrook Educational Foundation (MEF) is delighted to continue its call for “Bright Ideas” grant requests. If you think that a particular program or project could benefit from this unique funding opportunity, we encourage you to submit a grant application.

Grant Proposal Guidelines

The Millbrook Educational Foundation favors grant requests that incorporate the following criteria, and asks for applicants to answer the following questions regarding impact, viability, affordability and overall excellence:

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is eligible to apply for a Bright Ideas grant?

The grant is open to teachers and administrators.

• What types of projects or programs does MEF typically fund?

While MEF has historically supported a variety of initiatives across education, the arts, sports, and student enrichment, we are now actively seeking new and innovative ideas. We encourage applicants to submit creative proposals that provide unique opportunities for learning, engagement, and community impact. MEF is particularly interested in projects that inspire students in fresh, exciting ways and push the boundaries of traditional education. If you have a “Bright Idea,” we’d love to hear from you!

• What criteria are used to evaluate grant applications?

The Millbrook Education Foundation (MEF) evaluates all Bright Ideas grant applications based on the following key criteria:

• Impact: We assess the potential of the proposed project to create a meaningful and positive effect on students, educators, and the broader school community. Projects that reach a larger number of students or significantly enhance learning outcomes are typically prioritized.
• Viability: MEF considers the feasibility of the project, including the applicant’s ability to successfully implement and manage the initiative. This includes the practicality of the timeline, resources required, and the overall likelihood of the project’s success.
• Affordability: The project must demonstrate responsible use of funds, with a clear and detailed budget. We look for proposals that maximize the value of the grant while keeping costs reasonable and transparent.
• Overall Excellence: Applications are reviewed for their creativity, innovation, and the quality of planning. We seek projects that push the boundaries of traditional education and offer something unique to students and the community.

By focusing on these criteria, MEF ensures that the Bright Ideas grants are awarded to projects that are impactful, realistic, cost-effective, and forward-thinking.

• What is the expected timeline for grant review and funding?

Once a grant is submitted, the typical review and decision process takes approximately 4-6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the proposal and the volume of applications. The Millbrook Education Foundation meets 10 times a year, providing regular opportunities to discuss and evaluate submitted grant applications. If approved, applicants can expect to receive funding shortly after the decision is made. Grant applicants are always welcome to follow up directly with MEF for updates on their application’s status. We encourage open communication and are happy to provide any further details or clarifications during the review process

• How much money is included in the Bright Ideas grant? Up to $12,500 (depending upon the success of MEF’s recent fundraising) in total Bright Ideas funding is expected to be available during each grant cycle (Fall and Spring). A Bright Ideas grant can be a simple proposal for limited funding or a collaborative proposal for a greater amount of funding. The scope of the Bright Idea. Grant proposals exceeding $5,000 may require a District Partnership.

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Selection Process – Deadlines & Process

We operate on a rolling grant cycle with two key submission periods each school year. There is one cycle in the Fall and another in the Spring, ensuring opportunities for timely funding throughout the year. While we encourage applications during these periods, we understand that needs may arise outside of these cycles, and we will do our best to review out-of-cycle grant requests as well.

Process:

• Complete the Grant Application below
• Include all budget information, including quotes.
• Obtain approval signatures from Principal, Superintendent, and District Clerk.
• Email to MEF email

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Responsibilities of Grant Recipients

• Use funds only for the intended purpose. Unused funds shall be returned to Millbrook Educational Foundation.
• Provide documentation of budget (estimates/budgetary quotes).
• Prepare a final report for MEF (See below) 

Budget

Please provide the following supporting documentation as applicable:

• Itemized list of equipment to be purchased, including price quotes and descriptive material. Describe the need each will meet in your operation.
• Training or workshop literature, cost, duration, dates, proposed attendees and their qualifications.
• Program related requests should include program goals, budget, timeline, proposed participants and their qualifications.

Download Grant Application Here:

Grant Feedback Report:

Millbrook Educational Foundation requires that all grant recipients submit a grant feedback report within six months of receiving funding.  Failure to do this may result in disqualification from future grant applications. The report should include the original budget documentation as well as the final expenditure report. Please also include photos, student work (if applicable), and an overall analysis. The overall analysis should summarize the Bright Ideas program/project and its wonderful results. We warmly welcome you to schedule time at an MEF meeting to share a presentation of the result with us!

Please download the form below.