The LIFT (Leadership and Innovation Funding for Teachers) Grant program allows Union County Public School teachers to apply for grants for innovative projects and programs that focus on the EmpowerEd framework of Connect, Create, and Collaborate. The grants range from $1,000-$1,500. See deadlines below.
Early Deadline: Second Sunday in August at midnight*
*Be entered into a chance for a $100 Target gift card
Regular Deadline: Second Friday in September at midnight
Sponsored in part by:
These inspiring stories only happen with your support. You can help spur more innovation in classrooms, put tools directly into the hands of teachers, and expand opportunities for children. Create more stories like this by lending your support today with a GIFT to offer a LIFT!
Follow along as Executive Director, Amy Sperry, walks you through a sample-funded LIFT grant application.
Common Questions
-
WHO MAKES THE DECISIONS?
The volunteer committee is composed of Union County Education Foundation Board members and UCPS educators. Deadline: Second Friday in September.
-
HOW MUCH SHOULD I ASK FOR?
Your request should be between $1,000-$1,500. Please do not submit a LIFT grant request for less than $1,000 OR more than $1,500. We will deny any requests for more than $1,500 and ask you to consider if your request could be a GROW grant.
-
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE FUNDS?
The funds, made out to your school, are distributed in October and mailed shortly after the awards are announced.
-
DO YOU HAVE A LIFT GRANT RUBRIC?
Yes! Please click here to see how the volunteers score LIFT grants.
-
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Any UCPS teacher who works with children the majority of the day. We’ve funded projects for music teachers, art teachers, media center coordinators, speech pathologists, physical education teachers, drama teachers, elementary, middle and high teachers in all subjects.
-
WHEN CAN I APPLY?
The online application is available in May. Teachers can submit their applications anytime over the summer or when they return to school in August. Refer to deadlines listed above.
-
WHAT PROJECTS ARE NOT TYPICALLY FUNDED?
- Anything that is a large expense that will only impact one class for one year. We refer to this as “one and done.” The volunteer committee wants to impact the most students for the longest time possible and prefers to fund projects with broad, long-lasting impact.
- A laundry list of items you would like that don’t fall into an innovative project or program.
- Items that are typically funded by the UCPS operating budget.
- Trips or activities that are not connected to the EmpowerEd components. Instead make a case for how your trip will give students a meaningful experience with the content you are studying.
-
For Recipients: HOW DO I COMPLETE MY FINAL LIFT GRANT REPORT?
Click the button below to submit your final report by the last Teacher Work Day of the school year.
