grant Procedures & FAQs
CEF’s Grant Program provides funding up to $2,000 for Mini Grants and $2,000 or more for Major Grants for outstanding proposals that provide extraordinary educational opportunities for students in the Camas School District. The grants support educational areas including: science, math, technology, music and arts, leadership and interpersonal skills, community service learning, staff development and foreign language. Grants support programs that:
Enhance the basic curriculum.
Promote active student engagement.
Improve the quality and level of learning for directly affected students.
Range in scope from a single classroom to district-wide impact.
previous grants we’ve funded
student wellness programs
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Robotics
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mst program
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waterford reading program
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biztown experience
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crack the code and decode
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social emotional learning library
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team mini machine robotics
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science olympiad
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molecule virtual reality project
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student wellness programs 〰️ Robotics 〰️ mst program 〰️ waterford reading program 〰️ biztown experience 〰️ crack the code and decode 〰️ social emotional learning library 〰️ team mini machine robotics 〰️ science olympiad 〰️ molecule virtual reality project 〰️
Will my idea work? What is the committee looking for?
Grant Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals should demonstrate creative, forward-thinking ideas that enhance or expand student learning beyond current offerings. Projects should introduce new approaches, tools, or instructional practices rather than replicating what already exists.
Programs must directly and actively engage students and result in measurable improvements in learning, access, or educational experience. Applicants should identify clear metrics or indicators of success.
Program objectives must be clearly defined and include measurable outcomes.
A detailed cost breakdown is required, including:
How CEF funds will be used
Any matching contributions, donations, or outside funding sources
Future funding needs for sustainability
At least one school administrator must approve and sponsor the proposal.
Programs should demonstrate broader staff or department buy-in.
If technology is included, applicants must obtain confirmation from the Camas School District Technology Department regarding compatibility, implementation, and ongoing support.Programs should be realistic to implement within the school setting and aligned with district policies, available resources, and capacity.
Notify the community about your project, label CEF as funding source in shared information, and share information with CEF about project implementation.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for funds for innovative project ideas that will “Enhance Basic Curriculum” and student learning. For a listing of past funded, innovative ideas click here.
The following additional considerations are highly valued:
Reusable resource materials
Programs that benefit and are coordinated with multiple classrooms and/or schools.
Innovative projects that may be replicated/shared by other staff/schools.
PLEASE NOTE: if additional information is needed, the grant committee will reach out to you by email or phone for further information or with questions.
When is the application due? What if I need more time?
The applications are due on February 28, 2026, at 5:00 pm.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Who is eligible to apply for a cef grant?
Teachers, administrators, staff members, parents, students, student organizations, and community members sponsored by a teacher or administrator are all eligible to apply.
Principals must approve and sign all grant applications that affect their schools.
How much money can I request for my CEF Grant idea?
Mini-grant applications will be considered for amounts up to $2,000, with no exceptions.
Major grant applications will be considered for amounts over $2,000.
My proposal is related to technology. Are there any requirements of me?
Yes. Applications requiring purchase and/or usage of technology-related equipment must be accompanied by a signed letter of consent to support your proposal from Assistant Superintendent Derek Jaques at the Camas School District office.
Requests for consent must be submitted to Assistant Superintendent Derek Jaques by February 14th, 2026 to provide sufficient time for the Technology Department to review the request and respond before the grant applications are due.
My proposal will rely on other sources of funding in addition to CEF. What do I need?
Any other funding sources needed must be documented by a signed letter of commitment from the funding source in order for your application to be considered. Specific dollar amounts must be included in the letter.
How do I send supporting documents to CEF?
Supporting documentation should be emailed to secretary@cefcamas.org, with the title of your grant submission in the SUBJECT line. You will also have the opportunity to upload supporting documents directly within the application form.
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When and how will I know if I will receive a CEF grant?
You will be notified in April of our decision. Grant award winners are notified via email followed by a reception in May to celebrate all our recipients.Further details will be provided to the recipients.
If you did not receive a grant, you will be notified by email no later than the end of April.
If I applied for a CEF mini-grant previously, can I apply this year?
YES! If you received a mini-grant, you may apply again this year for a continuation of your idea if it provides a new component, or with a new idea. Please note that applications for the exact same program for more than three consecutive years will receive lower priority in the review process. If you did NOT receive a mini-grant for your idea previously, you may reapply for the same idea.
What are the restrictions for CEF grant funding?
Non-fundable requests include but are not limited to: teacher release time, salaries, food for celebrations, clothing, direct gifts, prizes, standard classroom equipment/supplies typically funded through district budgets.
If I am awarded a CEF grant, what will be required of me?
Spending Timeline: Funds must be spent by the end of May of the following school year or will be reverted to CEF.
Project Changes: Any changes in project objectives or plans from those stated on the original grant application must obtain approval from the CEF Board of Directors. No additional funds will be provided.
The CEF Board of Directors must be notified in a timely manner of any major problems that will prevent completion of the project.
You will be expected to include information on when the funds will be utilized, how the idea was executed and if you achieved the expected results. This would include guest speaker/assembly dates and times.
Reporting Requirements: A final report detailing the completion or outcome of the project & use of funds must be submitted to the CEF Board of Directors by May 2027. Additionally, you may choose to submit a photo essay authored by the affected students, or you may choose to submit student narratives, photos, slideshows, etc.
Photos of the project along with signed media consents for any photographed participants. These photos may be used on the CEF website and CEF promotional materials.
Public Recognition: CEF must be identified as the funding source on all print publications, electronic and social media posts related to the event.