Verizon Grant Proposal

7/28/2019 Verizon Grant Proposal

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Grant Applications

Competitive Grant - Literacy

Preview Form

This is an example of the application questions with which you will be presented. It is recommended that youcompose the answers to the paragraph questions in a word processing program and then cut and paste that textinto the online application.

Contact Information

Please provide the following information so that we may contact you regarding your proposal.

1) SalutationPreferred salutation (Ms., Mr., Mrs., Dr.,etc.)

Mrs.

2) Last Name (required) Cundieff

3) First Name (required) Jacqualin

4) Middle Name

5) Title (required) Teacher

6) Contact Type (required)

7) Address (required) 150 Pioneer Lane

8) City (required) Kingsland

9) State (required)

10) Province

11) ZIP Code (required) 78639

12) Telephone (required) 325-388-8129

13) Fax

14) E-mail Address (required) jcundief [email protected]


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Organization Certifications

All applicants must answer the following questions regarding their organization in order to be considered for aVerizon Foundation grant. PLEASE NOTE: Answering no to any of the following questions does not implyineligibility.

1) No Verizon employee, customer, or board membershas a financial interest (required)

2) No branch offices, operations, or representation inU.S. sanctioned countries. (required)

3) Board, staff and organization are free of indictments,convictions, and conflicts of interest (required)

4) Organization has one separate financial oraccounting person or function. (required)

5) Organization has conflict of interest policy and

procedures (required)

6) The organization has at least 3 board members(required)

7) If answering "no" to any of the above questions, please explain. (required)NOTE: Answering "no" to any question does not imply ineligibility. If answering "yes" please populate this fieldwith N/A.

1500 character maximum

8) Organization Accuracy Certification (required)I certify that all preceding organization information(including the Legal Name, Address, and certifications)is accurate and complete as of today's date. Iacknowledge that any information that is found to beinaccurate or incomplete could possibly delay ordisqualify any funding that this organization mightreceive.

Yes

509(A)(3) Tax Status Information

9) 509(a)(3) Supporting Organization Type

Ifyou are a 509(a)(3) tax status, please select yourSupporting Organization Type.

10) 509(a)(3) Type III Integrated with SupportOrganization

Ifyou are a 509(a)(3) Type III Supporting Organization,


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are you functionally integrated with the organization yousupport?

Organization Information

Please provide the following information about your organization. Additional guidance and examples for applicantscan be found online.

1) Legal Name (required) Packsaddle Elementary School Library

2) AKA NameYour organization may also be known as...

3) In Care Of NameLegal name of the organization correspondingto the specified tax ID. This is used only if yourorganization lacks its own tax ID or is applyingfor funding using another organization's tax ID.

Actual funding will be provided to the In Care

Of organization.

4) Relationship to 'in care of' organization

5) Address (required) 150 Pioneer Lane

6) City (required) Kingsland

7) State (required)

8) ZIP Code (required) 78639

9) Province

10) Country (required)

11) Telephone (required) 325-388-8129

12) Fax

13) Web Site Address http://ps.llanoisd.org/

14) E-mail Address jcundieff @llanoisd.org

What is your mission, your vision, and any key points of approach?We see mission as what you do and vision as the end state you wish to achieve. The best mission and visionstatements are short and clear. We are especially interested in how your mission gives you concentration andfocus-discouraging you from simply taking on more projects because money is available. Finally, if you havevalues, principles, strategies that guide where you go or how you work, please include them and be specific abouthow they shape your actions.
http://www.verizonfoundation.org/docs/guidance_and_examples_for_vz_applicants.dochttp://www.verizonfoundation.org/docs/guidance_and_examples_for_vz_applicants.doc


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15) Organization Mission (required)


16) Organization Vision (required)


17) Organization Key Points (Values, Principles and Strategies) (required)


18) Please summarize your strongest achievements in the past three years - meaning those who benefited.(required)

Please speak to accomplishments from participants, not programs themselves. Also please specify how manypeople have tangibly improved their life than on how much money you have attracted or what awards you mayhave received-unless the recognition is clearly based on participant outcomes.

In 2009 Packsaddle Elementary School had an Exemplary accountability rating and a Recognized accountabilityrating in 2010 and 2011. Student's average score was 85-89% on their TAKS Reading tests in 3rd - 5th grades.This is a clear reflection to the strong academic expectations and performance of the school, students, and thestrong support system of the school library.



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What demographics do you serve and what ethnic reach does your organization have overall?We are trying to get a sense of the magnitude of the problem within your demographic/ethnic focus. When itcomes to the number, just rely on existing data - whether it comes from the Internet or from estimates by those inyour area in the best position to know.

19) Community Ethnicity (required)Please provide an ethnicity distribution for the community that your organization generally works to support. Whilethis information will not have any weight in the decision of your proposal, it is still required for our internal trackingpurposes.

.6% American Indian or Alaska Native

.2% Asian or Pacific Islander

.9% Black or African American

22% Hispanic or Latino

74% White or Caucasian

20) What other demographic groups do you serve? (required)

Does your organization work with a particular age group, gender, or other segment of the population?


In your geographic area, whether local, state or national, what are the three organizations that are most similar toyou? And what differentiates you from them?Few groups are so unique that they have no comparable organizations. We want to know who you see as mostsimilar so that we can look at a broader picture of organizations approaching the same issues within an area andgain a sense of how you are different. This question encourages you to tell us what we should remember aboutyou, what makes you stand out in some way.

21) Three similar organizations (required)

Llano Elementary School Library

Colt Elementary School LibraryBurnet Elementary School Library

These are three elementary schools that are within 20 miles of Packsaddle Elementary. These elementaryschools are Title 1 schools, but they have a lower percentage of economically disadvantaged studentsthan Packsaddle Elementary.


22) What makes you different? (required)

Packsaddle Elementary has maintained high academic standards in-spite of its high economicallydisadvantaged students and high at risk students. The staff is committed to making a difference in everystudent who walks through their doors.


Proposal Intent

Please complete one or more of the following sections based on who the program will directly affect with VerizonFoundation funding. These questions are intended to guide grant applicants on the specific kinds of grants the Foundationis supporting: the program focus, the program content, the outcomes targeted and the foundation results that yourproject/program will contribute to. You must select YES and the applicable answers in at least one section below beforeyou may proceed to the rest of the grant application. Where you select "NO" to the first question in a section, please use


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"N/A" for the remaining answers in that section.

Section 1: Proposal Intent for Educators

1) Is your program focus targeting Educators? (required)

2) What is the primary instructional literacy content for educators? (required)Please check more than one option if applicable.

Thinkfinity.org

Other standardized instructional model (specify)

New instructional content (proposed to bedeveloped/piloted through funding from this grant)

N/A

3) If you indicated "Other" literacy instructional content for educators above please specify in the following field.

500 character maximum4) What are the targeted literacy outcomes for educators? (required)

5) Indicate the main literacy result you will be contributing to through your project/program (required)

Section 2: Proposal Intent for Students

1) Is your program focus targeting students? (required)

2) What is the primary instructional literacy content for students? (required)Please check more than one option if applicable.

Thinkfinity.org


New instructional content (proposed to be developed/piloted through funding from this grant)

N/A3) If you indicated "Other" literacy instructional content for students above please specify in the following field.


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500 character maximum4) What is the primary targeted literacy outcome for students? (required)

5) Indicate the main literacy result for students you will be contributing to through your project/program (required)

Section 3: Proposal Intent for Organizations

1) Is your program focus targeting Organizations? (required)

2) What is the primary instructional literacy content for organizations? (required)Please check more than one option if applicable.

Thinkfinity.org


New instructional content (proposed to be developed/piloted through funding from this grant)

N/A3) If you indicated "Other" literacy instructional content for organizations above please specify in the following field.

500 character maximum4) What are the targeted literacy outcomes for organizations? (required)

5) Indicate the main literacy result for organizations you will be contributing to through your project/program (required)

Proposal Information

1) Project Title (required)Please enter a descriptive titlefor your project or program.

Kindles for Kiddos

2) Request Date (required) 08/27/2012(MM/DD/YY)


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3) Request Amount (required) $5000.00

4) Funding Areas (required)Please select from one of thefollowing funding principles asthey pertain to your project.

5) Grant Period (required)Please indicate the number ofmonths of support you arerequesting. If you don't havean exact fit to choose fromplease pick the next largestvalue.

6) Grant Start Date (required)Please note that these datesmay be updated by the systemif and when your application isapproved and payment isreleased.

08/27/12

(MM/DD/YY)

7) Grant End Date (required)Please note that these datesmay be updated by the systemif and when your application isapproved and payment isreleased.

06/01/13

(MM/DD/YY)

Proposal NarrativePlease provide us with a summary of your program or project in the spaces below. Please be very focused in yourresponses so that we may gain an understanding of your program/project. In "What you will do", for example,summarize what your program/project does to achieve results for those it serves.

8) Please specifically state/explain how Verizon Foundation's funding will be used in the proposedprogram/project. (required)

Verizons funding will be used to purchase Kindle e-reader devices and extended warranties for theschools library program. These materials will be used to promote literacy and increase exposure totechnology amongst the schools 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.

9) Specifically state the social cause/issue you intend to address. (required)

The social cause we intend to address is literacy. As a byproduct of our project we also hope tocontribute to expanding technology access to a segment of the population that does not typically haveaccess at home/by their own means.

10) Specifically state what you will do to address this cause. (required)

We believe that introduction of e-reader technology will increase student interest in reading and promoteliteracy overall on campus. We intend to create a special e-reader lounge area in our library wherestudents can use this technology to build and improve on literacy skills.

11) Please state how technology will be used to achieve your results. (required)

Technology is the basis for our plans to achieve results. The Kindle e-readers are a new technology forour student population, and they will be used to drive our efforts to improve campus literacy.


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Your Participants

Additionalguidance and examples for applicants can be found online.

What geographic area do you serve and about how many people are affected by the social cause within thatarea?We are trying to get a sense of the magnitude of the problem within your geographic focus. When it comes to thenumber, just rely on existing data - whether it comes from the internet or from estimates by those in your area inthe best position to know.

1) Geographic Area (required) Hill Country of Central Texas, Kingsland, TX

2) Number affected by the social cause (required) 240 students

Who are your program participants and how many will you serve? What are the key characteristics of theseparticipants and are they in any way different from the full set of people who have the problem?In characteristics, we are interested not just in such factors as gender and race, but also defining who you serveby the degree of the challenge to get to the result you intend. We know, for example, that it is much harder to getchildren to the right literacy level if they are two, rather than one, grades behind in reading and if their primarylanguage is not English. Please know that we view it as a sign of strength that a program/project has defined thepeople who are most likely to benefit from a particular approach. It is rare that one program is the best fit foreveryone.

3) Specifically state for whom you will address this cause. (required)

The students that will have access to the Kindles are 3rd to 5th grade students. These students come from variedbackgrounds. Many of these students come from low socioeconomic backgrounds, over 72%, with 21.5% ofthem Hispanic. These students have little exposure to updated technology, such as e-readers. Many of theirparents do not have a high school diploma and don't have the means to provide the exposure to currenttechnology outside of the school setting. In addition to the technology gains, the increase in early literacy successwill assist with reducing the 46.2% students considered at-risk for high school drop out


4) Estimated Gender Served (required)Please provide a breakdown by percentage of thegenders that this proposal will work to support.

100% All

50% Females

50% Males

5) Estimated Age Group Served (required)Please provide a breakdown by percentage of the

Age Groups that this proposal will work to support.

0 % Adults

0% All

0% College

0% Elderly

100% K - 12
http://www.verizonfoundation.org/docs/guidance_and_examples_for_vz_applicants.dochttp://www.verizonfoundation.org/docs/guidance_and_examples_for_vz_applicants.dochttp://www.verizonfoundation.org/docs/guidance_and_examples_for_vz_applicants.doc


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0% Preschool

6) Estimated Ethnicity Served (required)Please provide a breakdown by percentage of theethnicities that this proposal will work to support.

1% American Indian or Alaska Native

-1 % Asian or Pacific Islander

1% Black or African American

22% Hispanic or Latino

74% White or Caucasian

7) Estimated Population Served (required)Please provide a breakdown by percentage of thePopulation that this proposal will work to support.

0% Disaster Victims

0% Family

0% Gay / Lesbian / Transgender

0

% General Public12

% People with Disabilities

0% Teachers

73% Underprivileged

8) Number served by your organization (required) 539 students

Your Approach

Additionalguidance and examples for applicants can be found online.

1) What overall approach or strategy are you using to achieve results? (required)Please note any evidence that exists, that illustrates this strategy's ability to achieve your results. If thisprogram/project is not evidence -based, explain the process by which this strategy was developed.Most programs/projects are not a random set of activities. They are a coherent approach to achieve aresult. Please tell us about the core elements of your particular way of solving a problem and why youthink it is the best way to engage participants and help them get to the success you have stated.If the approach is evidence-based (in the sense that information exists to show its power to achieveresults), tell us what it is. A quick summary and reference to a web site with relevant research is fine toinclude.

Our approach to improve literacy amongst students on our campus is by integrating e-readertechnology into our library program. Studies have shown that a lack of motivation to read is one

of the key challenges to literacy amongst children today. The use of technology is key toimproving motivation, particularly amongst older children.http://www.netc.org/focus/challenges/literacy.php A recent study by Scholastic showed thatmany kids felt they would read more if they were able to use ebooks.http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/node/378 . Students live in a digital world and they areinterested and motivated by all things technology. We would like to use this interest to ouradvantage by motivating students to read through the use of technology.
http://www.verizonfoundation.org/docs/guidance_and_examples_for_vz_applicants.dochttp://www.verizonfoundation.org/docs/guidance_and_examples_for_vz_applicants.dochttp://www.netc.org/focus/challenges/literacy.phphttp://mediaroom.scholastic.com/node/378http://www.verizonfoundation.org/docs/guidance_and_examples_for_vz_applicants.dochttp://www.netc.org/focus/challenges/literacy.phphttp://mediaroom.scholastic.com/node/378


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What level of intensity (i.e. frequency of service) and duration (i.e. period in which you provide service for aperson) are needed for your approach to deliver results? Once you give the number add your thought onrationale.Some projects fall short of results not because they are a poor approach but because they are not implementedwith enough intensity or duration to make a difference. Programs that mentor students, for example, may need

several sessions per week to make a difference. A lighter touch (e.g., once every other week) would let a groupmentor more students for the same budget, but what's the point if this is not intense enough to achieve anacademic outcome? We fully understand that you may need to reduce the number served to increase the numberwho gain.

2) Intensity - Number of Hours Per Week (required) 20+ hours a week

3) Intensity - Explanation (required)

The materials purchased with this grant will be available for use at any time the library is open tostudents. 20+ hours is a good estimate on usage based on the number of students that these items will

be available to. Grades 3-5 make up roughly of the student population. The e-reading section of thelibrary will have an open use policy once training procedures have been introduced to students.

4) Duration - Number of Weeks (required) Indefinitely.

5) Duration - Explanation (required)

This project does not have an end date. Resources purchased with the Verizon grant would be of use tostudents for as long as the e-readers themselves remain functioning. Purchase of extended warrantiesshould increase that length and future school budgeting will also contribute. It is our intention that thisprogram be in place indefinitely.

Intended Outcomes

Please complete the same sections that you completed in the Proposal Intent portion of this application (Educators,Students, Organizations). In the sections that are not applicable to your proposal, please use N/A or 0 as answers.Please note that we define a result not as people reading materials or sitting through a workshop but as somethingthey gain from the activity. Please insure that the result is either a direct gain in one of our focus areas (e.g.,Educators who match individual learner needs with appropriate resources) or a change in condition or behavior thatis a good predictor of that success longer term. In professional develop programs for educators, you might not beable to state academic achievement gains for students, but you can focus on specific changes in educator behaviorthat in turn predict those gains longer term.

Section 1: Intended Outcomes for Educators

1) If your program focus is targeting Educators, how many do you plan on serving with this funding? (required)Enter the total number or use "0" if you are not serving Educators.

0


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2) What program results are you committed to achieving for Educators? (required)Click here forspecific instructionson creating your result statement.

Enter your results statement here or use "N/A" if you are not serving Educators.


3) Number of Educators reaching the desired program results (required)This number is a subset of the overall number of Educators you plan to serve in your program from question 1above. For example, if your program/project serves 100 participants overall and you anticipate that 50% of thoseserved will achieve the program result you stated, the number of people reaching the desired program/projectresult would be 50. Enter the total number or use "0" if you are not serving Educators.

0

4) How will you know when your expected results for Educators have been achieved? What information or

evidence will you use to verify success? (required)We simply want to know what information or evidence you will use to verify that your stated result in question 2above has been achieved. You may well be able to use existing data bases or rely on existing measuringinstruments. Or you may be able to use observations and reports by others, or in some cases self-reportedbehaviors.

Enter your verification here or use "N/A" if you are not serving Educators.


About how many of the Educators in your result might reasonably achieve this gain if your program/project were

not undertaken?We believe that our return on grant investment is not the result you achieve. It is the difference between yourresult and what would have happened without you. It is rarely the case that no one you serve would haveachieved a result given other progress and forces at work.

We are not asking you to do original research. Just rely on whatever information exists about outcomes at themost specific level you can get it. Past rates of literacy or academic achievement in a school or neighborhoodbeat a district or a city. And a city beats a state or the nation. If no information exists, use the most educatedguesses you can find - for example from teachers or guidance counselors if your focus is schools.

5) Number of Educators reaching the primary desired result without this program/project (required)Please enter the number of people that reached the desired result without this program/project. Enter the totalnumber or use "0" if you are not serving Educators.

0

6) Are there broader gains or benefits that will be realized if you achieve your results, and that we should beaware of when considering your program/project for educators? (required)You may have benefits to add such as:

The "life cycle" cost savings from solving a problem.The value of model-building or testing with implications for many programs.

A test of ways to reduce costs, again with long term financial implications.
http://foundation.verizon.com/docs/program_result_guidance_for_applicants.dochttp://foundation.verizon.com/docs/program_result_guidance_for_applicants.dochttp://foundation.verizon.com/docs/program_result_guidance_for_applicants.doc


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Please be specific. We are less interested in broad contributions to values than in specific benefits for people andthe organizations that support them.

Enter the broader gains or benefits here or use "N/A" if you are not serving Educators.


7) How will you know if Educators are on course to get to the stated results within time and budget? Please listyour 3-4 critical project steps, what has to be achieved from each step and a general timeline for implementation.(required)The easy answer to this question is that yes we are on course - we have spent half the money and are half waythrough our work plan. This, however, says nothing about the relationship between money spent and participantprogress. The key is to shift the focus from what you are offering to what your participants are getting.

The best answers to this question speak to what you need to see in terms of participant progress at the half waymark that predicts that they will successfully achieve the result at the end of the program/project. Wheneverpossible look at predictive factors in terms of behaviors rather than attitudes. They are much easier to see andoften are the critical points of progress. In some cases, you may also need to have a specified number of persons

at the point of full result to predict overall success.

Enter the how you will know Educators are on course here or use "N/A" if you are not serving Educators.


Section 2: Intended Outcomes for Students

1) If you selected Students in the proposal intent of this application, how many do you plan on serving with thisfunding? (required)Enter the total number or use "0" if you are not serving Students.

240

2) What program results are you committed to achieving for Students? (required)Click here forspecific instructionson creating your result statement.

Enter your results statement here or use "N/A" if you are not serving Students.

Students will gain increased literacy skills due to spending more time reading for pleasure. They will alsogain new experience in using new technology by reading an e-book using the Kindles. Students will alsoshow improvement in their STAR Reading test, reading benchmarks, and Reading STAAR (Texas stateassessment).


3) Number of Students reaching the desired program results (required)

This number is a subset of the overall number of Students you plan to serve in your program from question 1above. For example, if your program/project serves 100 participants overall and you anticipate that 50% of thoseserved will achieve the program result you stated, the number of people reaching the desired program/projectresult would be 50. Enter the total number or use "0" if you are not serving Students.

100 students

4) How will you know when your expected results for Students have been achieved? What information orevidence will you use to verify success? (required)We urge you go back and forth between this question and the question on your project results such that you statea result that can be verified. One good approach where possible is to build in the measuring stick in the target.


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For example, of the 80 adults we will serve in this literacy program at least 40 will improve by one full level on thewidely respected ABC Scale. The verification is then simple: a comparison of achievement at the beginning andend of the program to see if that one unit gain was realized.

Please note that we are not asking for a formal evaluation. We simply want to know what information or evidenceyou will use to verify that your stated result has been achieved:

Enter your verification here or use "N/A" if you are not serving Students.

Students will take a STAR Reading Test in September, January, and May to determine their InstructionalReading Level and Grade Equivalent. These tests will monitor the student's progress throughout the yearin their reading literacy. A comparison can be drawn with past year's progress to determine the amountof additional progress has been made due to the use of the Kindle e-readers.

Students also take Reading Benchmarks three times a year along with Reading STAAR (state readingassessment). These tests are used to determine the reading and comprehension progress the studentsare making. These tests can also be used to show the success of improved literacy as a result of the useof the Kindle e-readers.


About how many of the Students in your result might reasonably achieve this gain if your program/project werenot undertaken?

We believe that our return on grant investment is not the result you achieve. It is the difference between yourresult and what would have happened without you. It is rarely the case that no one you serve would haveachieved a result given other progress and forces at work.

We are not asking you to do original research. Just rely on whatever information exists about outcomes at themost specific level you can get it. Past rates of literacy or academic achievement in a school or neighborhoodbeat a district or a city. And a city beats a state or the nation. If no information exists, use the most educatedguesses you can find - for example from teachers or guidance counselors if your focus is schools.

5) Number of Students reaching the primary desired result without this program/project (required)Please enter the number of people that reached the desired result without this program/project. Enter the totalnumber or use "0" if you are not serving Students.

30

6) Are there broader gains or benefits that will be realized if you achieve your results, and that we should beaware of when considering your program/project for students? (required)You may have benefits to add such as:

Secondary gains that will come from the primary result you are intending (thedocumented gains in preventing high school drop-out from early grade literacy is an example.)

The value of building or testing a model that could be replicated by many otherorganizations.

Enter the broader gains or benefits here or use "N/A" if you are not serving Students.

Students will gain a love for reading for pleasure while learning to use new technology. Significantincreases in literacy in the primary grades will assist in lowering drop-out rates of future high schoolstudents. With an at-risk rate of 46.2% this is a major reason for concern to consider.


7) How will you know if Educators are on course to get to the stated results within time and budget? Please listyour 3-4 critical project steps, what has to be achieved from each step and a general timeline for implementation.(required)The easy answer to this question is that yes we are on course - we have spent half the money and are half waythrough our work plan. This, however, says nothing about the relationship between money spent and participantprogress. The key is to shift the focus from what you are offering to what your participants are getting.

The best answers to this question speak to what you need to see in terms of participant progress at the half waymark that predicts that they will successfully achieve the result at the end of the program/project. Wheneverpossible look at predictive factors in terms of behaviors rather than attitudes. They are much easier to see and


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often are the critical points of progress. In some cases, you may also need to have a specified number of personsat the point of full result to predict overall success.

Enter the how you will know Students are on course here or use "N/A" if you are not serving Students.

The indicator that the Kindle e-readers are bringing about a positive change are:

-Students participating in the program are showing significant literacy gains using the STAR Reading testand reading benchmarks.

-The librarian has had to make a reserved waiting list for the available Kindles to be checked out.


Section 3: Intended Outcomes for Organizations

1) If you selected Organizations in the proposal intent of this application, how many do you plan on serving withthis funding? (required)Enter the total number or use "0" if you are not serving Organizations.

0

2) What program results are you committed to achieving for Organizations? (required)

Click here forspecific instructionson creating your result statement.

Enter your results statement here or use "N/A" if you are not serving Organizations.


3) Number of Organizations reaching the desired program results (required)This number is a subset of the overall number of Organizations you plan to serve in your program from question 1above. For example, if your program/project serves 100 participants overall and you anticipate that 50% of thoseserved will achieve the program result you stated, the number of people reaching the desired program/project

result would be 50.

Enter the total number or use "0" if you are not serving Organizations.

0

4) How will you know when your expected results for Organizations have been achieved? What information orevidence will you use to verify success? (required)We urge you go back and forth between this question and the question on your project results such that you statea result that can be verified. One good approach where possible is to build in the measuring stick in the target.For example, of the 80 adults we will serve in this literacy program at least 40 will improve by one full level on thewidely respected ABC Scale. The verification is then simple: a comparison of achievement at the beginning andend of the program to see if that one unit gain was realized. Please note that we are not asking for a formalevaluation. We simply want to know what information or evidence you will use to verify that your stated result hasbeen achieved.

Enter your verification here or use "N/A" if you are not serving Organizations.


About how many of the Organizations in your result might reasonably achieve this gain if your program/projectwere not undertaken?


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We believe that our return on grant investment is not the result you achieve. It is the difference between yourresult and what would have happened without you. It is rarely the case that no one you serve would haveachieved a result given other progress and forces at work.

We are not asking you to do original research. Just rely on whatever information exists about outcomes at themost specific level you can get it. Past rates of literacy or academic achievement in a school or neighborhoodbeat a district or a city. And a city beats a state or the nation. If no information exists, use the most educated

guesses you can find - for example from teachers or guidance counselors if your focus is schools.

5) Number of Organizations reaching the primary desired result without this program/project (required)Please enter the number of Organizations that would reach the desired result without this program/project.

Enter the total number or use "0" if you are not serving Organizations.

0

6) Are there broader gains or benefits that will be realized for organizations if you achieve your results, and thatwe should be aware of when considering your program/project? (required)You may have benefits to add such as:

Secondary gains that will come from the primary result you are intending (thedocumented gains in preventing high school drop out from early grade literacy is an example.)

The value of building or testing a model that could be replicated by many other

organizations.

Enter the broader gains or benefits here or use "N/A" if you are not serving organizations.


7) How will you know if Educators are on course to get to the stated results within time and budget? Please listyour 3-4 critical project steps, what has to be achieved from each step and a general timeline for implementation.(required)The easy answer to this question is that yes we are on course - we have spent half the money and are half way

through our work plan. This, however, says nothing about the relationship between money spent and participantprogress. The key is to shift the focus from what you are offering to what your participants are getting.

The best answers to this question speak to what you need to see in terms of participant progress at the half waymark that predicts that they will successfully achieve the result at the end of the program/project. Wheneverpossible look at predictive factors in terms of behaviors rather than attitudes. They are much easier to see andoften are the critical points of progress. In some cases, you may also need to have a specified number of personsat the point of full result to predict overall success.

Enter how you will know Organizations are on course here or use "N/A" if you are not serving Organizations.



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Key People

Who are the persons you see as critical to program/project achievement and what attributes of these people mostpredict success?Individuals are often as critical as great plans, a big committee, or even a lot of money in achieving results. Whileyou may first consider resume details - e.g., degrees and years of experience-do recognize that in many areas,there is no strong correlation between these factors and ability to run an effective program/project. We urge you toinclude at least some persons who directly interact with your participants. They may be as critical as an ExecutiveDirector!

1) List the people who will be responsible for the program/project (required)

Dale Mason-PrincipalLyndy Duncan-Programs CooridinatorNona Parks-LibrarianDarlene Shannon & Jackie Cundieff-3rd Language Arts/Reading TeacherJoyce Ball & Kareena Prew 4th Language Arts/Reading Teacher

Debra Dalstrom-5th Language Arts/Reading Teacher


2) What attributes of these people most predict success? (required)

These professionals have a love and concern for the students at Packsaddle Elementary. They wantevery one of them to be successful academically and in life in general. They value the importance ofreading to becoming a successful individual. These individuals have an understanding for the studentsand their backgrounds that are often not supportive academically. They are committed to encouragingeach and every student no matter their home life.


Partners & IntermediariesSome programs/projects fail because they did not fully understand groups and individuals on whom they weredependent for success. Without getting overly complex, we suggest it useful to think about two kinds of personswho may be critical:Partners are those groups with whom you collaborate to deliver a program. They may be a direct part of yourdelivery or critical on a contingent basis. A program, for example, may need a clinical specialist to be available atcritical points where a person needs specialized help-whether in cognitive processing, a health or mental healthissue, or anything else blocking success.Intermediaries are groups who must do something to allow your program to rollout. While not part of yourdelivery, they are often critical, as gatekeepers or resource providers. An in-school prevention program, forexample, can't get to kids if the teacher, principal or other decision maker does not participate/contribute to theprogram/project.

3) Are there any partners who must play a key role for you to achieve success? (required)If so, please list them here along with the roles they must play, and the evidence that they are committed to play

that role.

Dale Mason-PrincipalLyndy Duncan-Programs CooridinatorNona Parks-LibrarianDarlene Shannon & Jackie Cundieff-3rd Language Arts/Reading TeacherJoyce Ball & Kareena Prew 4th Language Arts/Reading TeacherDebra Dalstrom-5th Language Arts/Reading Teacher

All of these professionals' support of this program are essential to achieving the needed support.Without this support the programs will not provide the intended success.


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4) Are there any intermediaries who must play a key role for you to achieve success? (required)If so, please list them here along with the roles they must play, and the evidence that they are committed to playthat role.

Kim Smarr-Special Education Teacher for Language Arts/ReadingSupport Staff that provides interventions to struggling students.Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd Teachers, Student mentors, School Counselor, Support Teaching Staff-encouraging their past students to participate in this program.Total school support is necessary for a maximum success of the program.


5) Could you possibly use Verizon employees or retirees as volunteers in this or otherprograms/projects? (required)We'd like to alert Verizon employees and retirees who live or work in your area to your need formore help to go with any financial investment we might make. Please think creatively about howyou might use additional hands-many of them are very skilled in a variety of ways as mothers andfathers and civic contributors-not just as productive members of our company.

6) If so, how might volunteers help you? (required)Be specific about the roles they might play. If answering "No" please populate this field with N/A.


Communications

1) Both during and after the project/program, which are the groups/audiences you most want to reach. What kindsof messages do you want to give them? How will you deliver these resources? What do you want them to do withthese messages? (required)Virtually all programs are enhanced by effective communications. During a program it can be critical to gettingmore persons to participate, and sustaining interest by participants and key stakeholders. After the program, itcan be critical to deeper and wider impact. We ask you to think about this area in the terms of who you most wantto reach and with what messages. We also think you (and we) would like to know how you will communicate themessages to these groups (e.g., electronic or print media, in person, etc), and with what desired responses. Inmany instances, communications is designed not just to inform but to persuade. You want someone to dosomething with the information they receive.

The groups that we want to reach are the teachers, students, and parents of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Themessage is the importance of reading literacy to be a successful student and member of society. We

wish to instill the love of reading at an early age so it will become a lifelong habit. These messages willbe delivered through the school web site, school newsletter, posters displayed in the library and otherareas of the school, news releases to the two local newspapers, emails to school personnel, informationgiven to teachers during back-to-school in-service training, and to parents at PTO (parent teacherorganization) meetings.


2) What approaches will you use to communicate Verizon's role as your partner in this work? (required)


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Please define the different ways in which our support will be known and to what groups.

We join with you in wanting to communicate both your successes and learning, and our partnership for this areaof critical work. For us it is a branding of our foundation - and the corporation that makes it possible - as a positivegain for the communities we serve.

Press release announcing the grantLink from your web site to www.verizonfoundation.orgVerizon logo to appear on all printed items funded by this donation.

During the delivery of the information through the previously mentioned mediums, the funding fromVerizon Foundation will be foremost in the message. We intend for the students, staff, parents, and theentire community to know the primary source of funding for the Kindle e-readers.


3) Number estimated to see Verizon asyour partner. (required)

5000

Financials

What is the total budget for the program/project?We look at money in two terms. We focus on 1) how reasonable costs appear to be and 2) whether expendituresare in line with your approach.

1) Project Budget BreakdownThe overall budget process helps to strategize, manage and monitor your organization's course of action. Acomprehensive budget acts as a long-range financial plan and operations guide. It is another effective way ofcommunicating your organization's mission, goals, programs, activities of your staff, and the communities youserve. This form is intended to help you communicate both the resources and expenses for this project.Grant requests of $10,000 or more are required to include a breakdown of the program/project (i.e., dollarsrequested from Verizon Foundation) by either uploading a budget template or answering the OrganizationIncome, Verizon-Funded Budget, and Overall Project Budget questions below. Pleaseclick hereto download thefoundation's budget template to your computer. When you have finished working on the breakdown, save thedocument, close out of MS Word, and then click on the Upload link to finish attaching the completed document toyour application.Please note that no more than 15% of the total grant request may be used for general operating andadministrative expenses. However, if the operating expense type is considered a direct program expense (e.g.,counselor's salary for a domestic violence prevention program), the 15% limit is waived in its entirety.

Upload File (Click for instructions)

2) Organization Income

0Catalogue & Gift Shop Fees

0Community Charities

0Foundations/Corporations Funding
http://foundation.verizon.com/docs/vz_budget.dochttp://foundation.verizon.com/docs/vz_budget.dochttp://foundation.verizon.com/docs/vz_budget.dochttp://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://foundation.verizon.com/docs/vz_budget.dochttp://void%280%29/


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500.00Fundraisers

15,860.00Government Funding

0Individual Contributions

0

Sponsorships

$16,360Total

What is the total, overall cost of the program/project proposed and what are you doing to find other necessaryfunding?We focus on the cost relative to the gain as we consider the quality of proposed projects. Therefore, we need toknow the total program/project cost-whether covered by us or other investors. We also want to know if the projectis contingent on future funding decisions by other groups.

3) Cost of Project (required)

5000.00Verizon Foundation Support

0Non-Verizon Foundation Support

$5000Total

4) Verizon-Funded Budget

0Consulting

0

Marketing/Advertising/Public Relations0Other Costs Specific to Project

0Printing/Publication Costs

0Project Management (staff)

0Research and Evaluation

0Scholarships

1580.00Supplies/Support Materials

3420.00Technology (hardware & software)

0 Technology Application/Development/Hosting0

Training/Professional Development0

Travel & Lodging

$5000.00Total


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5) Other Costs Specific to ProjectIf you included totals in the "Other Costs Specific toProject" line item(s) above please briefly describethem here.

N/A

Additional Funders DetailsPlease list your top three sources of revenue and note the average annual amount you receive from each of thefollowing categories.

6) Funders - Individual (required)


7) Funders - Corporate Foundations (required)


8) Funders - Private Foundations (required)


9) Funders - Government (Federal, State, & Local) (required)


10) Earned Income (required)



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Grant Agreement Clauses

PLEASE NOTE: All applicant organization must complete the following certifications. If the certifications are found tohave been completed inaccurately, the organization seeking support may be required to return any granted assets,

and may be rendered ineligible for future support.

1) Religious Proselytizing Restriction (required)Check "I confirm" to certify the following: The program described in this proposal issolely engaged in direct service provision. Exposure, adherence, or conversion to anyreligious doctrine is not required of the programs beneficiaries. If a grant is awarded,the organization will not use it for the purposes of religious proselytizing in any way.

I Confirm

2) Non-Violence and Anti-Terrorism Certification (required)Check "I confirm" to certify the following: The organization (as well as any partners, re-grantees, or subsidiary or affiliated organizations) does not support, directly or indirectly,any terrorist activities or violence of any kind, nor does it employ or deal with any entitiesor individuals known to support terrorism. The organization certifies that it takesreasonable steps to ensure that grant funds are not ultimately distributed to terroristorganizations or for violent purposes; and takes reasonable steps to ensure that staff,

board, and other volunteers have no dealings whatsoever with known terrorists orterrorist organizations.

I Confirm

3) Lobbying and Political Use Restrictions (required)Check "I confirm" to certify the following: The organization will not knowingly use thegrant, directly or indirectly, to influence legislation, to influence the outcome of anyspecific election for candidates to public office, to carry on any voter registration drive, toinduce or encourage violations of law or public policy, to cause any improper privatebenefit to occur, or to make any grant to an individual other than as a part of thecharitable activities in support of this project, nor to undertake any activity not in supportof the project for which funding is requested.

I Confirm

4) Use of Funds (required)Check "I confirm" to certify the following: The Organization will use the grant only for thepurposes and activities specified in the grant application. If the Organization is dissolved,

or if it is otherwise unable to use the grant for the specified project, the Organization willpromptly return any unexpended grant funds to Verizon Foundation. If any portion of thegrant is used for purposes other than the requested project, the Organization willpromptly correct the error. If the misuse is not promptly corrected, Verizon Foundationmay demand the return of the entire grant, and the Organization will return the grant toVerizon Foundation. If the Organization concludes that it is necessary to modify theplans for project in order to comply with requirements of any law or regulation affectingits responsibilities under this grant, or it becomes aware of facts or circumstancesaffecting its ability to implement the project or the propriety of such implementation, theOrganization will promptly notify Verizon Foundation in writing, and together we will takethe steps necessary to resolve the situation.

I Confirm

5) Confirmation of Charitable Intent (required)Check "I confirm" to certify the following: We further certify that none of the proposedgrant funds will be used to provide any direct benefit to The Verizon FoundationCompany, to any Verizon Foundation employee or any employee's family member(except in the provision of charitable services or education available to the public at

large), or to any staff member, board member, or donor to the Organization. No goods orservices have been offered or promised in consideration for this charitable contribution. Ifurther certify that to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the purpose ofthis grant is charitable and for the good of the community, and is not intended to fulfillbusiness purposes or obligations of any kind including but not limited to offset, sales, orprocurement commitments.

I Confirm

6) Acceptance of Review (required)Check "I confirm" to certify the following: I understand that all applicants are subject toreview of their representations in this application and (for grantees) their compliance withthe grant agreement. I understand that the organization I represent may be required toreturn any granted assets and forfeit future funding eligibility if: (1) the review reveals

I Confirm


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any significant inaccuracies or violations of the policies stated above or (2) theorganization does not cooperate with the review.

7) Board Review and Approval of this Application (required)Check "I confirm" to certify the following: At least one officer of our nonprofitorganization's board or executive of our nonprofit organization has reviewed this

application, and the entire board has knowledge of and supports its submission. I Confirm8) Grant Accuracy Certification (required)Check "I confirm" to certify the following: I certify that: (1) I completed this form, and theinformation I provided is complete and accurate, (2) the organization that I representcomplies fully with the policies stated in the criteria and guidelines section on theintroductory web page at the beginning of this application form, and (3) any assetsawarded will be used only in the manner specified in this application.

I Confirm

9) Is this grant being requested by, or at the behest of, a government official? (required)

10) Will this grant be used to provide any benefit, including, but not limited to, meals,entertainment, or travel, to a government official? (required)

a) If so, provide a description of the benefit that will be provided, and the government officials that will receive thebenefits. (required)

Enter "Not Applicable" if this grant does not apply to government officials.

2000 character maximumb) If so, certify that any benefits provided to government officials will be in compliancewith all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including, but not limited to, federal, state,and local restrictions relating to campaign finance, lobbying, and government ethics.(required)

Select "Not Applicable" if this grant does not apply to government officials.

Documents

Verizon Grant Proposal