Apply for SEP Innovation Grants
The Southeast Polk Education Foundation is here to support world-class education in our community, and one of the most powerful ways of supporting our SEP educators is through our annual Innovation Grants. In 2025, we have a grand total of up to $30,000 available to fund multiple Innovation Grants to empower our educators to provide creative, innovative and impactful efforts that contribute to a world-class education.
SEP teachers, principals and other certified staff can apply at any time of year for a SEPEF Innovation Grant through the simple application form below. Here’s what educators should keep in mind when preparing their application.
Make Your Project Stand Out
Our grants support efforts that fall outside of normal school district funding and aim to make a big impact on their students. Innovation Grants should establish new efforts, programs or resources not currently available to students in the SEP district. Think big picture, impactful efforts that enhance educational opportunities, address critical issues and meet students’ needs.
Outstanding applications will provide detailed explanations of your effort’s goals and vision, and how you’ll implement it. Our grants committee will also look for your plan to make the effort sustainable over time and how you’ll measure success.
Grant Writing Tips: Check the Boxes First
We want to help you put together your best application! As you’re considering your proposal, make sure that your effort will be able to be supported by the district once you get it rolling. That means it should fit with the established SEP district curriculum, and any technology requested as part of the grant must be able to be supported by current district technology resources. In addition, be prepared to use funds only on project and programmatic success, and in the year that you receive the funds. Finally, you’ll also need approval from your principal or supervisor before submitting your application.
Because we aim to support efforts outside the normal district funding stream, we’re unable to award grants for projects that include items or services that are generally funded by the school district (for example, equipment maintenance, furniture or outdoor playground equipment). Additionally, we are not able to fund program elements already part of established district programs, incentives or rewards, capital projects, funds that sustain existing programs, or athletic equipment and uniforms for school-sponsored athletic teams.
Not sure if your idea qualifies? We’re happy to answer questions regarding eligibility as you’re putting your application together. Please contact our Grants Committee via the contact page on our website.
Grant Timeline
Applications are accepted annually from November 1 to October 31. The SEPEF Grants Committee is comprised of SEPEF board members, retired educators, and SEP district staff. The committee reviews applications in November, and they may contact you with questions or request additional information during the review period. Recipients are announced in December, with funds available starting January 1.
Plan your budget
SEPEF aims to maximize Innovation Grants within the $30,000 available. While requests can vary, the average award is around $3,000.
KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
Once awarded, implement your plan, track your project’s success using your outlined evaluation measures, and submit a final report to the SEPEF board by the end of the spring semester.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS
Please reach out to our Grants Committee via our contact page with any questions about your project’s eligibility or as you’re filling out your application.