GREAT IDEA GRANTS
Let TEF help you make your Great Idea for your classroom, school or program a reality!
GREAT IDEA Grants are awarded on a tiered structure. Grants may be awarded up to the amounts listed below.
Single Classroom or Grade Level Project - $2,000
Multiple Grade Level or Schoolwide Building Project - $3,000
Districtwide Project - $5,000
What are GREAT IDEA Grants?
Thompson Education Foundation (TEF) awards GREAT IDEA Grants to staff to implement educational and instructional projects that enhance the learning experience of students in Thompson School District. A teacher or professional staff member may be selected to receive a grant of up to $2,000 - $5,000 depending on which level the project falls under for implementation during the 2026-2027 school year.
When do I apply for a GREAT IDEA Grant?
The GREAT IDEA Grant application window is open until Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Grant winners will be notified in early December 2026. Award funds will be made available for project implementation to start in January 2027.
GREAT IDEA Grants will not be given for the following:
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General operating support for existing projects or programs (significant expansion of current projects or programs may be considered)
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Capital improvements to district facilities or equipment
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Standardized textbooks
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Professional development
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Teacher salaries or extra duty contracts
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Field trip transportation
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Uniforms
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In general, GREAT IDEA Grants will not be awarded to fund programs, projects or activities that would usually be considered a normal budgeted expense for the schools
What criteria are used for reviewing GREAT IDEA Grant applications?
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Dynamic educational experiences that support students in the following areas: Academic, Social-Emotional, Innovation, Leadership, and Cultural Arts
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Enhanced student skill building
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Clarity of objectives
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Clear and measurable student growth and mastery
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Detailed and itemized budget including item descriptions, amount needed and cost per item
Application instructions:
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Applicants must be employees of Thompson School District.
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All grant requests must be received by the deadline: Thursday, October 1, at 11:59 p.m.
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All grant projects must adhere to district policies and procedures. Projects are reviewed for safety and legal concerns and may be denied based on either of these criteria.
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For requests that require the purchase of technology (hardware or software), please ensure that the items in question are supported by ITS. Any software programs not listed in the digital tools catalog will need to be requested and vetted by ITS.
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Grant recipients will be required to submit an initial report of their project and receipts to the foundation by May 31, 2027. Report guidelines and format will be sent to each recipient. Failure to provide the required report by the deadline will disqualify the applicant for future TEF grant consideration.
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You can hit Save Application at any time to save your progress and come back to your application draft at a later date.
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Please be sure to hit Submit Application when you're finished filling out your application. Once you hit Submit Application, you will be unable to edit your application.
Questions? Contact Thompson Education Foundation at info@thompsontef.org or at 970-613-5074.