Grants

Definition: A grant is a formal written agreement between a funding agency and the District in which the funder agrees to provide resources and the District agrees to complete a specific plan of work. Through grants, funders may provide money, tangible items, or technical assistance to support school activities. Grants come with terms and conditions and a start and end date, and typically include a scope of work, budget, performance expectations, and reporting requirements.

Proposal Review: All grant proposals submitted by Tacoma Public Schools staff or in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools must be reviewed by the District prior to submission regardless of the amount requested. Board Policies 2104, 6114, and 6130, guide the review process.

Grant Award Acceptance: Grant awards valued at $50,000 or more must be approved by the School Board for acceptance. A grant agreement between a funder and the District may only be signed by the Superintendent or designee, regardless of award amount.

Tacoma Public Schools may accept donations or gifts in support of school programs and activities. Board Policies 2104, 6114, and 6130 guide the acceptance of gifts. Unlike a grant, a gift supports the District’s academic mission but does not come with a scope of work, performance expectations, or restrictions on the use of funds (provided use is consistent with the donor’s intent at the time of acceptance). Gifts or donations valued at less than $5,000 may be accepted by a Principal. Donations valued between $5,000 and $49,999 may be accepted by the Superintendent or designee. Donations valued at $50,000 or more require School Board approval for acceptance.

Tacoma Public Schools receives funding from several federal grant programs that require the District to provide associated services to eligible students and teachers in private schools. Questions about federal grant programs and equitable services to private schools may be directed to grants@tacoma.k12.wa.us.