Mini-Grant Applications

The William G. ‘Bill’ Steele, Jr. Mini-Grant Program for Classroom Innovation 2019-2020

WHAT IS THE WILLIAM G. ‘BILL’ STEELE, JR. MINI-GRANT PROGRAM?

Since 1998, the Rotary Club of San Marino has sponsored the Mini-Grant Program for Classroom Innovation to encourage local educators to strive for creativity and innovation in the classroom.

This year, we have made a few changes to the application. First, we are excited to offer $1,000.00 maximum per single application and $1,000+ for joint applications to be awarded for qualified special projects submitted by teachers of students from kindergarten to twelfth grade in the San Marino Unified Schools, Clairbourn School, Perpetua School, and Southwestern St. Felicitas Academy. Also, we have changed the application timeline so that more teachers participate.

The program supports and recognizes local teachers with mini-grants to fund innovative projects at schools with the goal of:
• Enriching the classroom experience with innovation
• Presenting new challenges to encourage student creativity
• Promoting a passion and curiosity for learning

Mini-grants are awarded to interactive learning projects that will have a long-lasting impact in local classrooms that would not otherwise have the necessary funding.
NOTE: The mini-grant is NOT intended to purchase equipment and supplies unrelated to classroom innovation. Applicants must describe in detail how the materials will improve innovation in their classroom.

WHO WAS BILL STEELE?

In 2006, the Rotary Club of San Marino recognized the passing of a long-time member, Bill Steele, Jr., and renamed the program to the William G. ‘Bill’ Steele, Jr. Mini-Grant Program.

William G. ‘Bill’ Steele, Jr. was a member of the San Marino Rotary Club for over 33 years, served as President of the Club from 1979 to 1980, and resided in San Marino for many years. Bill Steele was a life-long supporter of educational activities and was an early champion of the Mini-Grant Program. He passed away in 2006.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Any kindergarten through twelfth grade certificated teacher in San Marino High School, Huntington Middle School, Carver Elementary School, Valentine Elementary School, Clairbourn School, Perpetua School, and Southwestern St.Felicitas Academy.

WHO DETERMINES THE AWARD PROGRAM RECIPIENTS?

The selection committee consists of a panel of Rotarians with experience in education and business.

HOW DOES THE COMMITTEE SELECT THE RECIPIENTS?

The committee will review all applications and evaluate the proposed projects on the basis of creativity, innovation, clarity, and overall benefit to the students.

WHAT CAN THE FUNDS BE USED FOR?

Grant awards will provide funds for materials, equipment, and other resources necessary to carry out a proposed project. Specialized education trips will be considered only if they are an integral part of the proposed innovative activity.

WHAT IF THE BUDGET FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT EXCEEDS THE $1000 MAXIMUM?

Teachers may collaborate with each other on one project and submit ONE joint application

WHERE DO THE FUNDS COME FROM?

The Mini-Grant Program is funded by the William G. ‘Bill’ Steele, Jr. Mini-Grant Program, which receives generous donations from members of the Rotary Club of San Marino, individual residents, and business partners in our community.

ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD PROGRAM RECIPIENTS?

The recipients will be expected to send in 1-3 minute pictures or video and a write up of the completed project and outcomes. In May, select teachers are invited to present their project and outcomes at one of our Rotary lunch meetings.

“Bill Steele loved this community and grasped at every opportunity to support San Marino. If it was good for San Marino, you could be sure that Bill Steele was involved. He was especially interested in the mini-grant program because it benefited what he thought was the core of San Marino – the children in our schools.”
– Andy Barth

Download 2019-20 Mini-Grant Winner List