2019 EAST Beyond the Bell Grant

2019-20 EAST Beyond the Bell Grant Information

The EAST Initiative, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Education, is pleased to be able to offer a grant opportunity for all Arkansas EAST programs.  Any Arkansas EAST Program in good standing is eligible to apply for an EAST Beyond the Bell Grant. Proposal consideration for a project may be funded up to $10,000.

Grant Timeline

• Friday, April 19, 2019 - Grant Announcement
• Friday, April 26, 2019, 9:00 AM - EAST will begin accepting submissions (link opens)
• Friday, May 3, 2019, 3:00 PM - Deadline for submissions (link closes)
• Friday, May 10, 2019 - Award announcement
• School proposed -Project Concludes (Project must be concluded by Friday, December 13, 2019)
• School proposed - Submission of Documentation (All documentation must be submitted no later than Friday, December 13, 2019)

EAST Beyond the Bell Grant Submission Website Link

The 2019 EAST Beyond the Bell Grant will officially open for applications on April 26, 2019, at 9:00 AM. All applications must be submitted digitally through the EAST Beyond the Bell Grant submission link. The link will not open until 9:00 AM on April 26, 2019, and then will close at 3:00 PM on May 3, 2019. You will receive an upload verification email.

Any applications received after the submission deadline or via fax, email, or mail will be not be accepted.

Instructions for Submission

• Download the file found below.
• Rename the file by typing your school name at the front of the file name.
• Open the file with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (a free download.)
• Fill in the form. Save as needed.
• Be sure to fill in the application completely BEFORE you start getting signatures. Once a signature is added, the form will be closed to editing.
• Click "Fill & Sign" for signatures (in the right column of Acrobat Reader DC.) Then click on the pen nib icon that says "Sign" (at the top of the form) to create a signature.
• Save the completed form.
• Upload the form through the EAST Beyond the Bell Grant website.

Click Here to Download RFP in PDF Format

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use matching funds?

Yes, projects which partner with the community to achieve the project goal will have preference towards funding. In-kind matching of resources and equipment from local community sources is strongly recommended.

Can I use grant funds for shipping and taxes?

Yes, you are strongly advised to allocate funds for product shipping and taxes.

What will the funds NOT cover?

This grant cannot be used to purchase t-shirts or food, supplies like toner/paper or items unessential to the proposal.

How will I know my application has been received?

You will receive a confirmation by email once your submission has been received. No communication from an EAST Staff member likely means your proposal was not received.

What if I can’t pinpoint specific dates? Can I submit a confirmed timeline later?

Yes,the committee understands that you are proposing a project. A final timeline will be required upon accepting the grant.

How can I make my application more appealing to the grant committee?

1. Having a letter from a community member which describes both parties’ commitments to the project. This provides evidence that you have already invested in this project idea and in which funds may be the last step in moving forward.

2. Having matching funds shows local commitment.

3. Show potential impact on the community and student growth (what would not happen without this grant)

What project will not be funded?

Typically, projects that will not be funded are those that can be completed within the school day, in which extended learning time is unnecessary or projects with a high funding request and low number of student involvement, or projects that have low student learning opportunities. Targeted projects are those that cannot be easily done by other organizations.

Will the grant pay for planning and documentation time?

Yes, these are imperative to the growth of the students and success of the project. It is highly recommended that you build in time to accomplish both of these.

Will the grant allow funds to pay community members or professionals who educate the students?

No, the grant will only allow stipends to students and facilitators.

If I am a school outside of Arkansas am I eligible?

No, only Arkansasschools that are in good standing with the EAST Initiative are eligible.

Are consortium grants being accepted?

No. Schools may partner with one another on the same single grant or apply
for separate grants for the same project.