Making A Difference Grant
Do you have a project or initiative you’d like to implement but need help funding? Are you in need of more resources to be able to better connect with students after the challenges faced this past year? If you have a vision for an idea or project for your classroom, complete an application for a Making a Difference Grant to help bring your idea to life!
What is the Making A Difference Grant?
The Making A Difference Grant is intended to provide an educator the opportunity to receive funds from the Urbandale Schools and Alumni Foundation (formerly Urbandale Education Foundation) in order to assist and support creative ideas/projects that will “bring learning to life for everyone.” Grants will be awarded following an application review and selection process.
*When items are obtained through a grant, those items become property of the district. That means if the teacher transfers out of the district, they do not take items with them.
Criteria For Applying & Awarding Making A Difference Grants
Purpose of M.A.D. Grants
The Urbandale Schools & Alumni Foundation (URBSAF) provides M.A.D. Grants to support innovative projects that bring learning to life for students in the Urbandale Community School District.
These grants are intended to fund creative, enriching, and impactful educational experiences that go beyond standard classroom resources and district funding.
What We Fund
M.A.D. Grants are designed to support:
- Innovative classroom projects
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Programs that deepen student engagement
- Cross-curricular or collaborative initiatives
- New instructional strategies or pilot programs
- Unique tools or materials that elevate learning beyond the traditional classroom model
- Projects that align with Urbandale Community School District learning objectives
Funding typically ranges from $100 – $1,500 per grant, depending on available funds and the strength of applications.
Grants may be fully funded, partially funded, or not funded.
What We Do NOT Fund
To ensure donor dollars are used for enrichment and innovation, URBSAF will not fund:
- Standard classroom supplies (e.g., desks, pencils, paper, basic materials)
- Items typically covered by school building budgets or PTO funding
- Technology that is considered routine infrastructure, or technology that has not been approved by the school IT team.
- Staff salaries or stipends
- Personal professional development, training, or continuing education
- Projects that conflict with district curriculum or learning objectives
- Requests that primarily benefit an external organization without direct impact on Urbandale students
Before applying, applicants must confirm that their school building budget and/or PTO is unable to fund the project. If other funding sources are available, those should be pursued first.
Eligibility & Application Process
- Applications must be submitted through the official Google Form.
- Applicants must obtain approval from their direct administrator prior to submission (signature or email confirmation).
- Projects must directly benefit students within the Urbandale Community School District.
- Funds must be used within the school year awarded.
- Applications for 2026 - 2027 are DUE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Timeline & Financial Requirements
- Grants are reviewed and awarded in October.
- Purchase Orders must be submitted by April 1.
- P-card expenses must be submitted by May 10.
- All funds must be used by May 10 of the awarded school year.
- Unused funds will be returned to URBSAF to “pay it forward” for future grants.
Applicants should clearly indicate any time-sensitive deadlines in their application.
Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Demonstrated student need
- Impact on students and ability to “bring learning to life”
- Alignment with district learning goals
- Overall design, clarity, and feasibility
- Availability of funds
- History of prior funding (preference may be given to new initiatives)
If an applicant has received funding for two consecutive years for the same or similar project, the Board may prioritize new projects to broaden impact across the district.
Reporting Requirement
Grant recipients are required to submit a brief one-page summary of outcomes at the end of the project. This summary:
- Helps the Board evaluate future grant opportunities
- Allows us to communicate impact to donors
- Strengthens continued community support
Making a Difference grants are supported through the generosity of businesses, grant funders and individuals like you. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to support this important initiative for Urbandale Community School District students and educators! Click the "Ways to Give" button to learn more.
